Dick Hitt, President of the Association, opened the meeting with a greeting and recognition of new members and visitors.

Dennis Perry was called upon to present a new position at Whiteplains, that of Airport Operations Coordinator. The WP Board of Directors recently created this new position to solidify the various projects related to the airport here at Whiteplains. Further, Lee VanWormer was appointed / volunteered for the position. Lee will suggest new projects for the Pilot’s Association, track project progress, and report the results to the Pilot’s Association and to the Board. Please note Lee is a Coordinator, not the "do it all" guy. He will be calling on all of us to complete the various projects we have been assigned, and to seek funding from the Board for any project requiring funds. Nancy VanWormer has agreed to assist Lee. A "Job Description" is available from any Board member and the job is sure to evolve over time. Let us all assist Lee and Nancy in improving and maintaining our community airport.

Dick Hitt then stated the purpose of the Pilot’s Association. The purpose of the Association is: to promote safety and the safe usage of the Whiteplains Aiport; to promote camaraderie among the pilots; and to promote communication within the pilot community.

Dick then outlined an agenda for the meeting that was as follows:

Old Business

New Business

Safety

Other Issues

Announcements

50/50 Drawing

Next Meeting

Old Business:

We reviewed and approved the previous meetings minutes from July 15.

Out of order: John Gardner presented the 2003 budget for the Pilot’s Association as approved by the Board. A copy is available from John. Please note there is an increase in aviation fees for 2003 to $181.50.

On the Action Item List, number 20, 22 and 23 were "completed." (Storage Shed.)

Item 21 was "parked." (Touch down zones.)

Item 24 – Niel, Bob and Jackson Murphy were dropped from the committee and Nancy VanWormer added. (Sealing cracks in the runway.

New Business:

There was a discussion of increasing attendance. This meeting was well attended. It seems sending out notices did help and will be continued.

The lighting for the runway is "off time." Lee VanWormer will adjust the timer for dusk to 11 p.m. (Cuts off about 10:15 now.)

Item 25 was added. Investigate the installation of a rotating beacon. Ray Elam Chair. There may b e FAA requirements. We may want to use some other type of location device, ie. Pilot Control strobes or some other lighting not controlled by the FAA?

Item 26 was added. Investigate the installation of a VASI light. Lee VanWormer Chair.

Item 27 was added. Broken runway / taxiway caused by construction traffic. Dennis Perry, Jim Wheat, Niel Bonacum.

In addition, there has been some mud eroded onto the taxiways in the new hangar area. Niel has power washed it before and will talk to the contractor(s) building the new hangars and see if they will clean up the mud and maybe power wash the area.

Item 28 was added. Erosion on side of runway. Bill Como, Niel Bonacum, Lee VanWormer. This may require mesh and dirt. I believe someone said we have the mesh.

Lee VanWormer suggested the purchase of a runway "sweeping" magnet to collect ferrous materials from the runway. After some discussion, we determined there are other materials that can cause damage to aircraft; and we should try leaf blowers first. There are numerous leaf blowers in the community: Dennis, Jim, Niel, Terry, Ray, Rich and Bill all have back pack blowers that can be used. Tim, Jim, Houston, Dana, John G. and Niel volunteered to blow off the runway. Lee is to organize a day and time for the event.

People are driving up to and on the runway at the 27 end. The taxiway to the runway looks like a road when approached from the Phase II end. There have been two instances of vehicle drag racing on the taxiways. We need to watch for this and "talk" to the offenders. There has been some decrease in vehicle traffic since the Phase II fencing was installed.

Drawing:

Tommy Robins won the 50/50 drawing and donated the money back to the association. Thanks, Tommy.

Terry Yon and Michael Branning won books donated by the FAA – thanks Dick.

Safety:

Dick Hitt presented a video produced by AOPA on "Flying Friendly." Suggestions on how to improve and maintain a good relationship with the community surrounding the airport. Thanks, Dick. The message was timely and informative. Don’t forget to turn 20 degrees south (right) when departing runway 09 here at Whiteplains.

The next Pilots Association meeting will be Mach 17, 2002 7:00 p.m.

The Association recognized Vicky Gardner for her service of coffee and cookies at the meeting. Thanks, Vicky.

The meeting adjourned at 8:47 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Terry R. Yon, Secretary

Attendees: