August 17th Meeting, Gilbert International Airpark (SC45), 1pm-3pm

The Tree Top Flyers of EAA Chapter 1467 met on August 17, 2025 at Gilbert International Airpark with 33 members present, just short of the quorum needed for voting. President Eddie Brennan opened the meeting, thanked host Ron Angerman for using his hangar, and welcomed guest Craig Bartley, a longtime EAA member who plans to attend regularly after his son-in-law purchased Chris Jewett’s hangar.

Chapter Secretary Debbie Philbin noted that the July minutes were posted on the TTF website, with no corrections requested. Because attendance did not meet quorum, the chapter could not hold a formal vote to approve the minutes.

Treasurer Jim Matthews reported that chapter finances remain stable, with healthy balances in both accounts. He also shared that additional Ray Scholarship funds are expected soon, following recent training milestones; Scholarship Coordinator Larry Philbin will notify EAA so the next disbursement can be processed.

Safety Coordinator Don Schmotzer reviewed key pre-flight and in-flight checks and encouraged consistent habits to keep pilots and passengers safe, prompting a constructive Q&A and discussion among members.

Ray Scholar Ana Filich shared highlights from a week at AirVenture 2025 and GirlVenture Camp, announced receipt of a memorial scholarship, and celebrated her first solo. Her Ray Scholarship is now underwritten by the Kylie Murray Memorial Foundation, and she’s preparing for her written exam.

The group discussed the risks and management of carburetor icing, noting historical accident data and sharing prevention tips and in-flight responses to handle the condition if encountered.

Member Brad Hood delivered an engaging presentation comparing his flights in the P-51 Mustang and the F4U Corsair, reflecting on performance tradeoffs, the challenges of maintaining vintage fighters, and the work of organizations that support heritage air shows.

Looking ahead, members were reminded about the Triple Tree Fly-In in Woodruff, SC (September 22–28, 2025) and the next chapter meeting on September 21 at Ron Angerman’s hangar, featuring a hot dog cookout with classic fixings, sides, and desserts.

With no further business, Eddie thanked everyone for attending and adjourned the meeting at 3:15 PM. Minutes prepared and submitted by Chapter Secretary Debbie Philbin.

Aviation Safety Checklist

July 20th Meeting, Gilbert International Airpark (SC45), 1pm-3pm

Our July meeting was held at Gilbert International Airpark, with Ron Angerman once again generously hosting us in his hangar. President Eddie Brennan opened the meeting by welcoming 33 members and a guest, Hugh Chisolm, who introduced his aviation business and website, JustPlanes.com, a platform for listing planes for sale. Although we had a strong turnout, we fell just short of the quorum required to approve official chapter business.

In the absence of Safety Officer Don Schmotzer, Dave Gardner stepped in to clarify some points from his June presentation, sparking a lively and informative discussion on related flying topics. Secretary Debbie Philbin reminded everyone that the June minutes had been posted online, though a vote for approval was deferred due to the lack of quorum.

Treasurer Jim Matthews gave a financial update and noted that lunch donations haven’t quite been covering costs. He encouraged members and guests to consider pitching in an extra dollar or two at future meetings if they’re able.

While Ray Scholar Ana Filich was away attending AirVenture Oshkosh and participating in “Women in Aviation” events, Eddie mentioned that she’ll return in August with an update on her experiences and her upcoming flight training schedule. Eddie also led the monthly EAA VMC and IMC Club discussions, presenting real-world scenarios and walking through FAA-compliant solutions.

Our planned guest speaker, Brad Hood, who was scheduled to share his experience flying both the P-51 Mustang and the F4U Corsair, had to postpone his presentation until the August meeting so more members returning from Oshkosh can attend.

Looking ahead, our next meeting will be Sunday, August 17th at Ron’s hangar. We’ll enjoy a summer-friendly lunch featuring casseroles, salads, sides, and desserts. Thanks to all who came out and helped make it another great meeting!

June 22nd Meeting, Gilbert International Airpark (SC45), 1pm-3pm

Our June 22nd meeting was once again held at Gilbert International Airpark and hosted by Ron Angerman—thank you, Ron! Chapter President Eddie Brennan opened the meeting at 2:00 PM with 40 members present, confirming a quorum was met for official chapter business. We welcomed guest Claire Paradise, who joined us from Connecticut along with member Julia Nightengale-Born, traveling together from Conway, SC.

Treasurer Jim Matthews provided a financial update and noted that our chapter remains in good standing. The current balance includes recent scholarship funds from EAA designated for Ana Filich’s flight training. Jim also reminded members of the importance of meeting quorum requirements to remain in compliance with our 501(c)(3) status. The May meeting minutes were reviewed and approved by unanimous vote.

Eddie brought up the idea of reordering Tree Top Flyer caps, as only a few remain. Members agreed it would be worthwhile to purchase more—especially since they make great gifts for guest speakers. Eddie will follow up with the supplier to get pricing and quantity details.

Ray Scholar Ana Filich reported steady progress with her training, though recent weather and aircraft maintenance limited her flight time. She has completed 80% of her ground school and is now concentrating on landings in preparation for her solo flight. Ana also shared that she will be attending EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, where she’ll take part in the “Young Women in Aviation” event and meet with aviation college representatives.

President Brennan led the VMC and IMC Club discussions, presenting practical flight scenarios and reviewing the correct answers using FAA guidance.

The highlight of the meeting was an entertaining presentation by TTF member and pilot Dave Gardner, who recounted his recent cross-country journey in a Cessna 150. His trip, from Southern California to Williston, SC, included mountain flying, weather issues, and fuel logistics. Dave delivered the plane to its new owner at White Plains Airpark in Gilbert and took questions from fellow members following his talk.

Looking ahead, our next meeting is scheduled for Sunday, July 20th at Ron Angerman’s hangar. We’ll also enjoy an Italian-themed lunch, so be sure to come hungry!

Thanks to everyone who attended and contributed to a great meeting. The session was adjourned at 3:10 PM.

   Meeting Presentation  Daves Presentation

May 18th Meeting, Gilbert International Airpark (SC45), 1pm-3pm

EAA Chapter 1467 held its monthly meeting on May 18, 2025, at Gilbert International Airpark, hosted by Ron Angerman. Chapter President Eddie Brennan called the meeting to order at 2:00 PM with forty members in attendance, meeting the quorum requirement. Eddie welcomed two guests: Griffin Lindler, attending with his father Rome Lindler, and Brian Baltierra from Fayetteville, AR, a friend of Roger Kohl.

Treasurer Jim Matthews reported a current account balance of $8,808, which includes a deposit from EAA for Ray Scholarship recipient Ana Filich’s training expenses. Jim confirmed that 501(c)(3) tax reporting was completed on time and reminded members that a quorum is required to conduct official chapter business. The minutes from the previous meeting were reviewed and unanimously approved.

The chapter paused to recognize the passing of Jim McClain, a longtime member, retired Marine, and supporter of the chapter. Jim passed away on May 4th after a battle with pancreatic cancer and will be greatly missed.

Safety Coordinator Don Schmotzer delivered an expanded safety briefing focused on density altitude and its effects on aircraft performance. His presentation emphasized the importance of proper approach speeds, tire pressure checks, engine and propeller inspections, and the impact of environmental conditions such as tall grass and warmer temperatures on takeoffs and landings.

Ray Scholarship recipient Ana Filich shared that she has logged 10 hours of flight time in May with CFI Roger Kohl and has completed 60% of her ground school through Sporty’s. President Brennan also led a discussion for the EAA VMC Club, engaging members with a scenario-based question and the correct FAA-based response.

Looking ahead, members voted to move the June meeting to the 22nd to avoid a conflict with Father’s Day. Vice President Stan Lawrimore announced plans to add a “Request for Parts and Other” section to the chapter website to help facilitate buying and selling among members.

The meeting concluded at 2:55 PM..

   Meeting Presentation