President’s Message - March 2007

On April 4th, we will meet to choose new oicers for our Pilots Association here at Sparta. It is very important for all of you to attend and to step forward to volunteer to ill one of the following positions: President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary.

Over the last two years the pilots association has been very successful in keeping 8D4 the kind of place we can all enjoy and be comfortable with. However, it is more important than ever to keep up this good work. The attempts to make rule and policy changes is a never ending process that needs our diligent participation and watch dogging. For this reason alone, I do not intend to disappear from being involved. I would still like to keep the channels open with he Village and work with them to shape 8D4 for the future.

As George Washington set the standard of two terms in oice as the normal, (I am not comparing myself to good old George in any way) I think two years as President of the Pilots Association is long enough. It is time for new energies, new ideas, new blood… I would like to see someone with enough time to get out a regular newsletter, with contributing authors, get some by-laws in place, and bring new fun activities that we can all take part in.

There is still much to do at Sparta and the future looks very bright. Please step up to the plate and take the Pilots Association to the next level.

Other News:

• Word has it that the PAPI lights are now certified. Great news!
• I think that the GR VOR may be out for good due to the snow caving in the roof and destroying much of the equipment. As in other locations where VOR antennas have been damaged, the FAA tends to spend their limited resources on GPS and not repairing these very old structures. Makes me wonder if installing a VOR radio in my new RV is a wise move? NOT
• Barry Buchanan has gone back to Illinois to run the family farm and take up lying there. The Sparta Flight School may continue under new management. I understand aircraft are being sought and instructors being lined up. Good news I hope. Competition is always a good thing.

Finally, Annual dues need to be paid at this meeting. Several have already paid. The dues are primarily used to pay for postage etc.

Hope to see a full house at thee next meeting.


Paul Kovalak
cell: 616-240-4289
p k o v a l a k @ c i t y s i g n e r e c t o r s . c o m

Sparta Area Pilot’s Association Newsletter Editor/Publisher Needed

As the new officers are elected, keep in mind that we will need someone to also work on the newsletter. This can be an additional job of the newly elected Secretary or if someone else would like to ill the position of creating and publishing the newsletter, please let us know.

President’s Message - February 2007

MESSAGE FROM PAUL KOVALAK

A lot has changed at 8D4 in the last year, least of all the completion of the new runway 7-25. As good as this is, lets not forget other very important developments. The Village conducted an election at which a new village president was elected. New village officers and committee heads were appointed and a new airport manager was hired. A new village manager is also being searched for. Time will tell how all of this will play itself out. As pilots and renters, we need to stay alert to any impact these changes may have on 8D4.

Talk about change, I hope all of you have been following the dialogue between AOPA and congress in reference to user fees and GA. The new budget contains our worst fears. As I understand the proposal, we have much higher gas taxes and new user fees to add to the already high cost of flying. Every place in the world where user fees have been put into place, GA activity has just about ceased to exist. Just look at Europe! Private flying is so expensive it’s rare. Even Canada with it’s limited user fees is much more expensive to fly in. We all need to follow this issue and contact our congress reps to voice our opinions. Do it now before it’s too late.

As of this writing, the VOR-A is finally available for our use, however you must have DME. This is due to issues with the Grand Rapids VOR and our distance from it. Once again, thanks Kathy for keeping us posted on this information as well as TFR’s, and other aviation news via e-mail.

I would like to thank all those who attended the Christmas Party. We had a good turnout and fun for all. Thank Kathy the next time you see her for arranging all of the food and drinks. Thanks Kathy!

Many years ago, there was held at Sparta a blessing of the airplanes. I understand that the response was very good. We have an opportunity to revive this blessing and turn it into an annual event if it goes well. Father Dan Depew from Holy Trinity Catholic Church has offered to do the blessing. We just need to make the commitment and confirm a date. A few weeks after Easter would work for him. What do you think? Sound interesting? If we are going to do this, much planning needs to be done and volunteers will be needed very soon to pull it off. Let’s talk it over at the Wednesday’s meeting.

A discussion at the last EAA meeting about the “rash” of aircraft unintentionally leaving the runway before the taxi way led to the suggestion that there may be something “different” going on with the new runway. Are we letting our taxing skills get a little sloppy with the big new runway or is there really something to it? Who knows, just be careful.

I have pushed the organizational meeting back to April. Very simply, this is to allow our southern (snow birds) time to migrate back up North. At this meeting, new officers will be appointed. I will not be running for the presidents position again so please consider stepping up to the plate. All other positions will need to be filled with new folks with new ideas and new energies. We have come alone well so far and much still needs to be done. Please be part of it.

Remember, it is our goal to keep Sparta a friendly airport and fun place to hang out and fly from.


Paul Kovalak
cell: 616-240-4289
p k o v a l a k @ c i t y s i g n e r e c t o r s . c o m

Change From Your SSN to a New Airman Certificate Number...

AND YOU CAN UPGRADE YOUR CERTIFICATE TO THE NEW STYLE FOR FREE

The FAA now issues all original airmen certificates with a unique certificate number. The Airmen Certification Branch no longer assigns your Social Security Number (SSN) as your certificate number. If your certificate uses your SSN as the certificate number we will continue to issue you that number unless you request a unique number.

If your airman certificate uses your SSN as your certificate number and you would like to change it, or you would like to remove your SSN completely from their official records, you can fill out a Request for Change of Certificate Number form (found online) . Once you fill out the form you can mail it in or you can go to the Airmen Online Services portion of the FAA website and create a Safety Program Airmen Notification System (SPANS) account so that you can apply for it electronically.

You can check out the FAA Website at www.faa.gov, for more details.

Next Meeting 2-17-07

SPARTA AREA PILOT’S ASSOCIATION MEETING
Our next meeting will be held on
Wednesday February 21 2007 at 7pm
in the airport lounge.

Message from your Newsletter Editor (January 2007)

Fellow Members,

You will find on the back of this newsletter a letter that was recently sent to one of our fellow pilot’s at the Sparta Airport, Larry Bauer. It is in regards to a small conflict that unfortunately has escalated to be much more than it should. The letter that Larry recieved concerned a dispute over an employee of Paramount leaving shoveled snow on the ramp, blocking the way to and from the “blue” hangars. And in another instance when a Paramount Aviation airplane was parked at the fuel station for an extended period. Both of these instances resulted in Larry contacting the staff of Paramount Aviation, and that staff possibly overreacting to his communication.

I, myself was not present at any of these altercations, nor have I spoken to Larry or anyone from Paramount Aviation about this matter. I am only stating what has been portrayed to me and what is in the letter sent to Larry by Paramount Aviation. The details of the matter aren’t necessarily what is important anyway, it’s the resolution that is important.

Like many of you, I’ve known Larry for several years, and I’ve always known him to be a kindhearted and gentle man. A man who does not fit the type of behavior that Paramount Aviation has insinuated in the letter.

I’ve taken it upon myself to inform all of you of this instance because of my extreme love for our great airport. My short 8 years of brotherhood with the airport is just a drop in the bucket to a bunch of you, but I still think of it as my home airport, and I am saddened to see this type of conflict going on. Conflict resolution needs both sides of the conflict to come to an agreement, I know that Larry would like their to be no “hard feelings”, but as long as the “warning” letter stands, I don’t know how that could happen.

In the end, I’m sure that all of this has got to be just some sort of misunderstanding, as I can’t for the life of me believe that a company would resort to this type of action in today’s world. “Word-of-mouth” alone could have a huge negative impact on overall business and during these hard times that would not be good. I personally haven’t ever used the services provided by Paramount Aviation, but they look to have a nice lineup of airplanes, etc...

I hope that once these “heated” feelings suppress themselves, that Paramount Aviation, Larry and all our fellow pilots can come to an understanding. Because when I read a letter like the one on the back, as someone that could be a potential customer, I feel unwelcome also. The last thing that I want is to have “charges” brought against me for being at the airport that I love so much.

Please remember that our pilot’s association was formed to try to facilitate all of us in making a better and greater airport experience for everyone. Whether that be to the seasoned pilot, the extreme newbie, someone’s significant other, a friend tagging along, or anyone that just stops by for a visit.

I hope that in the future we can all do our part in finding better ways to get along at our great airport, whether it be at the pumps, in the airport lounge, on the ramp, on the taxiway, on the runway or even in the pattern.

Thank you for your time,
P.J. Bevelacqua

Letter from Paramount Aviation to Larry Bauer

12/11/06

Dear Mr. Bauer:

This letter is to inform you that you are unequivocally not welcome or allowed on or in any owned and or leased property of Paramount Aviation. Your past uncivil altercations with Paramount employees, customers, and myself are unlawful and unacceptable. Any future visits to Paramount Aviation property (see Exhibit A) will be considered trespassing, and we will press charges. Any future uncivil verbal assaults from you to Paramount Aviation employees, customers, or myself will be considered harassment and we will press charges.

Sincerely,
Thomas Owen
Owner
Paramount Aviation
9140 Vinton NW
Sparta MI 49345
616-887-5900


Cc Richard Roberts
Cc Bryan Chadkowski
Cc Skip Meyer
Cc Kent County Sheriff Department
Cc Cliffor Maine Atty

Surprise Retirement Party for Vic Johnston

Sunday November 5 at 2:00pm

• There will be a surprise party for Vic Johnston in John Gill’s hanger.
• It will be a potluck so please bring a dish to pass.
• You will need to bring your own service (plates etc.)
• Drinks will be provided.
• Please invite those you think may want to come celebrate with us.
• Remember, it is a surprise. So don’t say anything to Vic if you see him

8D4 RUNWAY PICS

President’s Message - November 2006

MESSAGE FROM PAUL KOVALAK

I would like to let you know about a proposed tower that would be dangerously close to instrument approaches into 8D4. I am attaching a letter (page 2) I sent to the MDOT aviation and to the FAA. We are encouraging all pilots to send letters to these two agencies with their concern.

The addresses are:
Federal Aviation Administration
Great Lakes Region
Air Traffic Division, AGL-520
2300 E. Devon Ave.
Des Plaines, IL 60018
Linn P. Smith
Michigan Department of Transportation
Bureau of Aeronautics and Freight Services
2700 East Airport Service Drive
Lansing, MI 48906-2100
All letters or communications should reference the following:

FAA Airspace Case # 2006-AGL-6153-OE
Paul C. Miller - Sparta Airport, Sparta, MI

Paul Kovalak
cell: 616-240-4289
p k o v a l a k @ c i t y s i g n e r e c t o r s . c o m

Paul's Letter

Federal Aviation Administration
Great Lakes Region
Air Traffic Division, AGL-520
2300 E Devon Ave
Des Plaines, IL 60018

Re: FAA Airspace Case # 2006-AGL-6153-OE
Paul C. Miller – Sparta Airport
Sparta, MI

Linn P. Smith:

As the president of the Sparta Area Pilots Association with over 60 pilot members, I am writing this letter to voice our concern in this matter.

It would appear that this tower is within the airspace designated for the VOR-A approach into 8D4. Roughly speaking, it is about 3.55 miles from the end of the runway with a tower height of 1124 feet. This is within the area inside of the EATUN intersection, 4.7 miles from the end of the runway. The approach after EATUN allows a MDA of 1360 feet.

This proposed tower represents an obstruction with a clearance of less than 250 feet on the approach.

Please use this letter to voice our concern over this proposed tower and its possible impact on the only approach available to most of us at 8D4. If the tower is installed as proposed, it could create a very dangerous situation.

I can be reached on my cell phone at 616-240-4289 to answer any concerns or comments.


Paul Kovalak
President,
Sparta Area Pilots Association
Paul C Miller Airport
156 East Division
Sparta, MI 49345

Next Meeting 5-24-06

When: Wednesday May 24th, 2006 at 7pm

President’s Message - May 2006

MESSAGE FROM PAUL KOVALAK

Do you ever hesitate about going into controlled airspace? Don’t know what to say or how to say it without sounding like an idiot? What the heck is Clearance Delivery anyway? For whatever reason you don’t go into towered airports or use ATC services, these services really do make for safer filing and open up additional opportunities.

Grand Rapids ATC controllers have agreed to come to our May 24th meeting to talk to us about tower and ATC operations. They will put on a short PowerPoint presentation and then have a question and answer period to go over any ATC subject you would like to talk about. This is a great opportunity to get to know your local controller and find out the answers to all those questions and more.

Airport runway update

Last month I had the opportunity to sit in on the pre-bid meeting between the bidding contractors and MDOT Aviation, the engineers and designers, the village, and Vic. All of the bid documents were reviewed and questions answered. It was good to see so much interest in our little project by so many quality contractors. Several points to bring to your attention:

1. Tree removal is a very large part of this project

2. The runway will be closed during part of the 90 day contract period and we will NOT be able to fly from Sparta

3. The runway will slope up to the west with a difference of about 30 feet from end to end.

4. The direction will change to 7 - 25

5. During construction, the runway will be open part of the time and there will be construction equipment to watch for.

6. There will not be a parallel taxi way in this phase

7. Plan on being closed during parts of August, September, and October.

I will keep you posted as to when the contract is let and when construction is to start so that we have a much time to move our aircraft as possible.

Airport Managers position update.

The Village is getting a lot of interest in the Managers job. I understand that multiple calls are coming in every day to enquire about the job. They have also received several quality, qualified applications. I hope the Village will allow us to sit in on the interviews. Please let me know if you would be willing to attend.

Membership:

If you haven’t paid your dues yet, please do. I think it’s the best $10 you can spend to help keep your airport a fun place to keep your aircraft. Even if you don’t have an aircraft at the moment, what a great way to stay in touch and bum a ride once in a while.

We’re looking for ideas for future meetings. Please let me know.

Paul Kovalak
cell: 616-240-4289
p k o v a l a k @ c i t y s i g n e r e c t o r s . c o m

Meeting Minutes, 4-24-06

Wednesday, April 24th, 2006 at 7pm

Meeting was called to order by Paul Kovalak at 7:10.

No minutes were read or approved due to loss of minutes during a computer crash.

The Treasurers report was given by Paul Zimmer, moneys in checking were $734.87.

It was brought up that we still need to get bylaws written and approved. Marv Weinrich had assembled some bylaws that could be used as a guide.

New officers for the year 2006 were voted on. All present officers will remain with the exception of Mark Raymond for Vice President. Dorn Jaffas volunteered and was accepted for that position.

Dues for the year was discussed and a decision for it to remain at $10 was voted on and accepted.

Skip Meyers, who is head of the Sparta village airport board and Sandy Keech-Chambliss who is a member of the village council and head of the hiring board, attended the meeting to answer questions and get our views on what qualities were needed in the new airport manager. Some requirements that all parties agreed on were
1. be a pilot
2. be a village employee
3. understand general aviation
4. be able to write grant applications

Work on the runway should start mid-July with the actual airport closure being 45 to 60 days starting in August. No decision has been made as to what if any compensation will be given to pilots with hangers on the field for loss of use.

There was a discussion of whether we wanted to sell hotdogs and drinks during the RC air show again this year. A decision was made to do so and volunteers were sought to help plan. Kathy Hakeem volunteer to be in charge.

Meeting adjourned at 8:17pm

Important Meeting 4-17-06

MESSAGE FROM
THE ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT

WHEN: Monday, April 17th, 2006 at 7pm

This next meeting is very important for all of us to attend. At this meeting, we will elect new officers and discuss upcoming events.

However, the most exciting agenda item is discussing the future airport manager with the Village. Sandy, the Chair of the Selection Committee and Skip, the Airport Committee Chair have asked if they could attend out next meeting to get to know us and to get our ideas and comments as related to selecting a new airport manager.

I am very pleased that they want to meet with us and listen to us!

For this reason alone, we need as many members as possible to attend this meeting. I hope each and everyone of you can make it.

Hope to see you there.
Paul Kovalak

PS: If you are unable to attend , please call me or e-mail me with any comments that you may have in referance to what qualities the new airport manager should or should not have.

Paul Kovalak
cell: 616-240-4289
pkovalak@citysignerectors.com

Board Meeting 2/6/06

The next SAPA Board Meeting is on February 6, 2006 at 7:00pm