At this week’s Gathering  Jerry VanGrunsven will share photos and experiences he had flying helicopters – mostly the  Kaman HH-43B Huskie.  This was a unique machine that used two counter-rotating, intermeshing rotors.  Jerry learned to fly helicopters while serving in the Air Force in the 1960s.  Perhaps not as recognizable as the Huey, the Huskie, call sign “Pedro” was used for search and rescue.  After the Vietnam war surplus Huskies were used for forestry, and fire suppression.  Most of Jerry’s missions took place in remote parts of southeast Asia, the desert Southwest, and the Pacific Northwest. These are places where few people could appreciate the machine’s utility.  Jerry always carried a camera and documented many of his adventures.

Chapter Gatherings – are typically on the second Thursday of every month, 6:30 pm, usually at the EAA 105 Hangar (G1) at Twin Oaks Airpark, although sometimes at other venues. We’ll have some food (small donation requested) and socialize from 6:30 to 7:00 p.m.  The meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. with the EAA Monthly video, followed by a special program.  Upcoming programs TBD.

We are looking for volunteers to help organize or present at future meetings.  You can discuss your build project, do a presentation, invite a speaker, show a movie, or organize a field trip. Contact Rion Bourgeois with your idea for a chapter meeting.