Chapter 16

On the 13th of April Chapter 16 experienced a wonderful inaugural Chapter Meet and Barbeque at Ant's place.

The guys had a good look over Ant's Sonerai Project and discovered that it looks as good in real life as it does in the photos. For most this was their first closeup look at this style of construction. I found the quality of discussion of the various aspects of the project to be quite inspiring. In the shot above Ant is discussing the finer points of the forming and heat treatment of his aluminium undercarriage leg.

Ant reckons that there are three welds in his fuselage that are a little below standard but search as we might none of us could find anything that looked remotely doubtful. In the shot above you can get an idea of just how true his fuselage is.

Not all of the discussions were serious though.

The BarBque that followed and the sharing of techniques in discussions among the builders was quite something to partake in. All of the guys there on the day offer Bo Hannington a heartfelt thanks for breaking the ice and organising the first Chapter get together.
We also thank Amanda for organising the Snaggers and Coffee and generally putting up with the invasion that lasted all day.

Ant and I both smile like hell these days when someone says "well there is only a few of us, how are we going to organise the chapter?" In the photos above there is a Jodel Builder and a Jodel Restorer, Two Zenair 601 HDS builders, Two RV6 builders a Thorp T18 builder, a KR2 builder, the restorer of an Auster and a Kitfox pilot. Oh a Sonerai Welder as well. You wouldnt find more Aviation talent at a Barbeque anywhere outside of Oshkosh ( ...unless you were at another SAAA chapter meet) and that doesnt count the other half of the guys who couldnt make it that weekend.

This country has more aviation talent than anyone could ever believe.
Howard Jones
SAAA National Secretary

Copyright SAAA Inc. 2001