MINUTES BOARD .OFDI~CTORS` MEETING MARCH"~7, 1976

MINUTES
BOARD .OF DI~CTORS' MEETING
MARCH"~7, 1976
Yogo Inn
LEWISTOWN, MT
.The meeting was called to order at 1:15 P.M. by
President Milton small.
Board Members present were Milton small, Frank Stoltz,
and Sal Leighland.
Members present from the Helena Hangar were John Seaquena,
Mike Overstreet, and Frank Cappo
Members present from the Havre Hangar were Bill Spiker
and Sharen spiker.
Minutes: Mitzi Eades read the minutes of the Board of
Directors' Meeting of Nov. 1, 1975. They.were approved
as read.
Treasurer' s Report: Morris Rudio, treasurer, was unable
to attend the meeting. Mitzi Eades stated the MPA had
$3,195.62 in the checking account as of March 27, 1976.
Membership:
Old Business:
Plan •
There are 535 members at this time.
Proposed Medical, Hospital, Dental Oral
we mailed out approximately 750 survey sheets. There
has been 167 returned. Thirty stated they were not
interested.
Milton Small will submit the data to an insurance company.
Convention Report: Sharen Spiker told the board about.
our 1976 COnvention Plans •. Information on the convention
was sent to all Hangar Presidents the first of March.
The theme for this years convention is "76 Freedom in
Flight". The dates are April 30, May 1, 2, 1976. The
location is Havre, Montana. There will be a Board of
Directors' Meeting Friday, April 30,1976 at 3:00P.M.
at the LeHavre Inn.
Convention activities start Friday night at 6:30 P.M.
with a Poo1side Champage Hour at the LeHavre Inn. A no
Host Dinner will follow the cocktail hour.
Registration will be May 1. 1976 at the Eagles Hall.
Banquet and Bicentennial Dance will be that nigh~ with
Dave SClair as the guest speaker.
Please register early: .Before April 15, the cost will be
$35.00/couple and $20.00/single. After April 15, the
cost will be $40.00/couple and $25.00/single.
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Registration fee covers the luncheons, banquet and
Flyaway breakfast.
OUr MPA Constitution states that each member of the
organization shall be notified by mail at leas~ thirty
days in advance of said annual meeting and the time and
place of said meeting well be held. The secretary was
instructed to send the notices out.
Communications: Or. Milton small !l:eceiveda copy of a
letter written to Warren Lee, Baker Hangar, President.
Jim Monger explained the requirements for the annual
awards.
There are five basic categories in which annual awards
are made. They.are: (1) Senior Pilot of the Year;
(2) Junior Pilot of the Year; and (3) Bill Matthews Award:
(4) The Bent Prop Award; and (5) The OUtstanding Pilot
of the Year Award •.
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_ The senior Pilot of the Year Award goes to a man or
lady who has been involved in aviation for many many
years, and over the years has made a major contribution
to the aviation industry. This can be either a person
who is still active as a pilot, to someone who has
retired. Traditionally, this award has gOBe fixed
base operators but certainly is not necessarily a guideline. Anyyone is eligible for the award whether he be
a professional pilot or someone who flies for a hobby.
Award '2 is to the Junior Pilot of the Year.-. Usually
someone who is less than 30 years of age who launched into
the flying career he or she is now in and has stuck with
it, and has become a professional pilot and plans to
follow that career. Usually it is the person who has
excelled in goinggfor advanced certificates and accomplishing a professional status at a relatively young age.
Award 13, the Bill Matthews Award, is an award that goes
to a pilot who has overcome a physical handicap to
either start flying or continued his flying after having
been stopped because of this handicap. Hr. Ha tthews
was a paraplegic who learned to fly years ago in
Great Falls, and the award was established in his memory.
In the past this award has gone to a deaf mute, a person
who had a limb missing, or a person who had overcome
a paralysis and.modified an airplane 90 he or she could
fly it. Award 14 is the Bent Prop Award which is given
..in the spirit of humor and learning from ones mistakes
from a nonserious accident or incident, yet must be
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given with discretion in as much as the intent is certainly not to humiliate or harass anyone, but bO have him
or her laugh along with us over a foolish error. The
OUtstanding Pilot Award has gone in previous years to
young person who has performed somewhat of a heroic
eed such as leading another pilot through the overcast
or helping someone in distress.
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Dr. Milton Small attended a meeting in Helena concerning the clsing of Great Falls Center on March 25, 1976
and the change over to Salt Lake Center. Dr. Small
has invited personal from the Salt Lake Center to speak
to Montana ~lots at our Annlal meeting in Havre.
John Seaquina of Helena asked if there was any information on the clsing of Cut Bank Flight Service Station.
There was no information at this time.
Dr. small appointed John seaquena Convention Chairman for
197'1. The Annual meeting will be held in Helena.
A discussion was held on the printing of an MFA roster
for 1976. It was decided to bring it up at the general
me"eting in May.
John seaquena stated that Helena is in the process of
building a new terminal building. Plans on the drawing board do not have a place for general aviation.
A motion was made and seconded to send a formal letter
to ~TO making General Aviations' feelings known on the
availability of a place for general aviation in Helena's
new terminal building.
Sal Leighland, President of the Great Falls Hangar, told
about the new airfield near Gre~t Falls.
The strip is being put in by Joe Horner. The runway,22/4
is 4600 feet long and 60 fe,t wide. It is in the process
of being pa~ed. There will be a fixed base operator,
tie downs, and hangar space. There will be no tie down
fee. The area will be fenced and will have 24 hours
protection. The field will have a unicon. During the
winter the whole area will be plowed. In August the
runway will have lights.
The field is located five miles from the city limits
of Great Falls on the Bootlegger Trail. There will be
transportation for transit pilots flying into the field.
There was no further business.
The meeting was adjorned.
ReSpe~tful~S::~tted,
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Mitzi Eades, Secretary
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MEETING
May 1, 1976
LeHavre Inn
Harve; Montana
The meeting was called to order at 4:50 P.M. by
President Milton small. Those present were: Milton small,
Morris Rudio,)
.k '711''''', Sal Leighland, Jerry Coldwell,
John Stephan, Mrs. Milton Schrank, and Don Eades.
The minutes of the March 27, 1976 board meeting were read by
Mitzi Eades. They were approved as read.
Morris Rudio gave the treasure's report. The MPA has a
check-book balance of $2, 644.71 as of May 30, 1976. A
committee was appointed to audit the books. Harold Noble
was appointed as the chairman.
A motion was made and seconded to put any extra money into
a saving account until needed. It passed unanimously.
A dislUlssion was held on the possibility of increasing the
annual dues. It was decided that at this time it would not
be necessary to increase the dues.
Communications: The MPA received a letter from Mr. Jeff
Mason, General Sales Representative of the Double Arrow
Rance. The letter issued an invitation to all MPA members
and their families to spend the weekend of June 4, 5, and
6 at the Double Arrow Ranch. All meals and lodging would
be free. It was decided that there was no reason why the
MPA shouldn't take advantage of this opportunity.
The Big Flat Hangar has put some cars at their local airport
for transit pilots in the name of the MPA.
Dental Insurance: A recap of the costs of dental insurance
has been received by our MPA pres~dent. There has not been
enough time to study the recap so no report was given at this
time.
A discussion was held on the possibility of a roster of
MPA members. It was decided that in the month of July
a roster would be sent to all board members and the presidents
of all hangars. The roster would be avaIlable to all MPA
members for a small fee.
Morris Rudio suggested that in the future we buy our enevelops
from the local post office. It would save time to have the
stamps already on the envelops. The MPA would have to
sacr.fice the wings on the envelops. It was moved and seconded.
&;d~8eussion was held.•on the most reasonable cost of the
past president pen. Morris Rudio is going to check with at
least two places.
Respectfully submitted,
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M1fzT'E4des ,fuetary
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MINUTES
FREEDOM
IN FLIGHT
SESSION
May 1, 1976
The business meeting of the 1976 M.P.A. Convention,
"Freedom in Flight", began with a welcome by Rod Herrig,
Pres~dent of the Havre Hangar at 10:00 A.M. on May 1, 1976,
in the Eagles Hall, Havre, Montana.
Pastor Donald Ryding
gave the Invocation which was followed by a brief welcome by
Havre's Mayor Bernard Good.
Mr. Herrig presented Dr. Milton
Small, State President, who presided over the remainder of
the day's meeting.
Dr. Small called on Mike Ferguson,
Director of the Montana Aeronautics Division for an update
on the recent activities of the division.
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Mr. Ferguson lead a discussion on the problems with
House Bill No. 121 and the need for amendments to such bill.
House Bill No. 121 calls for registration of all aircraft by
February 1st of each year.
To be registered the aircraft
must first be assessed by the county assessor and either the
assessor sends a signed statement that the aircraft is a
lien on real propertY or the treasurer acknowledges receipt
of the paid taxes.
A $100.00 fine is imposed on all aircraft
owners who fail to comply.
According to Mr. Ferguson,. February 1st is simply not a
realistic deadline date.
Various county assessors, particularly
in the larger counties such as Yellowstone and Cascade, are
having problems getting the aircraft assessed between January
1st and February 1st of each year.
Law forbids the assessment
of aircraft before January 1st of a given year.
Mrs. Mae
Jenkins, Treasurer of Yellowstone County, has held that the
February 1st deadline is contrary to existing state law in
that law gives 30 days from receipt of the tax statement in
which to pay all personal property tax.
She also holds that
no fine is imposed for late payment of other personal property
tax and that such fine on aircraft owners is discriminatory.
As of this date there are still county assessors
not have all the aircraft assessed for 1976.
who do
A major part of the problem stems from a lack of knowledge
on the part of the assessors.
The Department of Revenue has
failed to give the assessors the information necessary to
comply to the new law.
The division has taken it on themselves
to attempt to inform the assessor what the law requires.
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A second problem with House Bill No. 121 is the definition
of dealer.
There is definitely a need for a more explicit
definition.
The division does not think the fine is wrong but feels
the deadline date is unrealistic.
No fine has been imposed
on any aircraft owner to date.
The bill has done some good in that the taxes are being
collected on more aircraft.
Also, the bill eliminates city
taxes on aircraft and eliminates the temptation for owners
to base their aircraft out of the city to avoid increased
taxes.
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Discussion was held as to whether or not the amount of
the penalty imposed was excessive.
Since prior law called
for a $500.00 fine for failure to register aircraft, it was
generally agreed that such fine was not excessive .
. Sal Leigland of Great Falls Hangar presented the possibility of challenging the constitutionality
of the house
bill.
He stated.that it was not our option to set a fair
fine, but instead our duty to either accept the fine or
challenge its constitutionality.
Jack Wilson suggested that our thoughts as to possible
amendment of the bill should be expressed to our county
commissioners as they were instrumental in getting the bill
passed in the last legislature.
Discussion arose as to'necessity of getting Montana
pilot representation at annual commissioner and assessors'
meetings as it is at these meetings that such subjects as
the book to be used in valuation of aircraft is decided.
Since the dates for such meetings are kept fairly quiet, it
was suggested that possibly pilots should petition the tax
appeal board for a hearing at which they could request that
adequate notice be given to designated representatives
so that pilots could be represented at the commissioner and
assessors' meetings.
Such petition would require 25 signatures.
A suggestion came from the floor that we should work to get
a law which set forth a definition of adequate notice to be
given designated representatives
in an attempt to eliminate
the extremely short notice of one day or one hour as has
been given in the past.
. Mike Ferguson reported that as of the end of February,
2,580 pilots had been registered by the division.
This
figure compares to 3,200 as of the end of December, 1975.
Mr. Ferguson also reported that the Montana Aeronautics
Division had taken over responsibility for pooling the air
travel of the state agencies.
This fiscal year, the division
has flown 1,150 hours.
The cost of the governor air travel
alone cost the tax payers $31,673.00 this fiscal year.
Senate Bill 508 will allow the division to recupe the deficit
spending of the division caused by the governor's flying.
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The question was raised whether or not the division had
any attorneys to represent them.
Mr. Ferguson stated that
the attorney which was hired to represent the division had
quit and that the division would have to go back to a private
firm.
Mr. Ferguson passed on a message contained in a letter
from Mr. Allan Langholt which asked pilots to pass on information to FAA in an attempt for greater understanding between
pilots and administration.
President Small called for the reading of the minutes
of the 1975 convention business meeting.
Mitzi Eades, State
Secretary, read the minutes which were approved as read.
President Small called on Morris Rudio for the treasurer's
report.
Morris reported the following deposits:
Dues
1975 Convention
Voided outstanding
Total
check
Deposits
$ 5,621.00
50.00
11.00
$ 5,682.00
Expenses:
$ 1,492.00
Refund to hangars
1,687.00
Western Flyer
1,339.00
Secretaries' salaries
131. 21
Awards and trophies
120.51
Telephone
330.00
Postage
154.95
Stationery, flyers, etc.
72.84
President's expenses
270.00
pins
Expenses
$ 5,597.51
May. 1975 cash balance
Deposits
withdrawals
May 1976 cash balance
in checking account
$ 2,560.22
5,682.00
5,597.51
Total
Certificate
at Midland
Lewistown
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$ 2,644.71
of deposit
Bank in
$ 5.067.95
Howard Noble has audited
correct.
the report and found it to be
President Small called for a motion to accept the '
report .. The motion to accept the report was made, seconded
and carried.
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President Small gave his President's Report in which he
announced that the first action of the Association this year
was to register an objection with Senator Mansfield on
proposed inclusion of the Meadow Creek Airport in the confines
of the proposed Great Bear Wilderness area.
Although the
area has not been formally declared a wilderness area, we
have been assured that the airport will not be included in
the wilderness area and that pilots will be able to continue
to use such airport.
A follow-up meeting was held in Helena on July 29, 1976
by the Directors of Aeronautics, chaired by our able director,
Mike Ferguson.
A state fly-in was held at Schaffer Meadows.
Mr. Herb
Sammons was in charge.
President Small commented that it
was one of the finest fly-ins he had ever attended.
The M.P.A. formally registered an objection to the
Fuel Tax Bill No. 5005 which is prohibitive for general
aviation as well as a proposed excise tax on aircraft.
A letter was directed to the Great Falls authorities
pointing out that general aviation had been left out in"
their planning in that no gate had been provided at the air
terminal which would enable general aviation people to
discharge or receive passengers or packages.
An objection
has also been sent to the planners of the proposed terminal
building at Helena.
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Letters were sent to the representatiyes,in,
Senate Bill 2312, concerning border crossings.
regard,to.
The board of directors is currently studying possibility
of a medical-dental plan.
Such study is too new to reach a
decision at this time.
Mike Ferguson announced that the Aeronautics Board
passed a rule whereby their group cannot participate financially
to any community which does not provide adequate 'terminal
gate access for general aviation.
In addition the Montana
Division of Aeronautics sent letters to our Congressional
Delegates requesting that they support an amendment to the
Adoft Bill. An amendment has been added to the Adoft Bill
stating that no federal funds may be expended on any terminal
projects which do not provide terminal gate access for
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general aviation.
Such bill has been passed by both the
House and Senate and is now in committee.
President Small asked for discussion on the need for a
roster of M.P.A. members.
As the production of the roster
is expensive, the board made the suggestion that only one
roster per hangar would be prepared and sent to the President
of the hangar rather than one roster being sent to each
individual M.P.A. member.
There was no objection to this
proposal.
President Small announced that the M.P.A. membership
This figure is compared
was currently 560 paid-up members.
to 636 members one year ago.
The meeting
was then adjourned
The meeting reconveined
introduced Mr. Harold Lufkin
Center of Great Falls.
for lunch at 12:00.
at 1:30 P.M. President Small
of the Air Traffic Control
Mr. Lufkin announced that the Great Falls center would
be phased out completely as of June 5, .1976. The Great
Falls area air space, which includes most of Montana, was
transferred to Salt Lake in March.
The Great Falls Center
still controls air space in North Dakota.
All remote air
ground sights are controlled in Salt Lake. The basic reason
for the move was cost.
Mr. ~ufkin announced that there are advantages for the
Salt Lake Center to IFR pilots and bigger airplanes.
The
Salt Lake Center offers the safety advantages of altitude
read outs, conflict alerts, and more extensive weather
briefings.
Lufkin stated that rather than a reduction of
services the move offers Montana pilots increased benefits.
Concern was expressed over the possiblity of removal of
the DME equipment from Glasgow Air Force Base.
As this is
the only DME equipment between Cut Bank, Montana, and Williston,
North Dakota.
Mr. Lufkin offered to present the problems to
the FAA authorities.
Dave sclair of Western
Small.
President
reports:
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Flyer was introduced
Small then called
by President
for the following
Summer Fly-in schaffer Meadows Herb Sammons - Herb reported
and enjoyable time by all.
committee
good weather
Border Crossing Chuck Barrett - Chuck reported that little progress
has been made in this area since 1947. New bill
No. 2312 introduced by Senator Purdy would have
given general aviation pilots the same status
as automobile passengers when entering Canada and
Mexico.
Letters were written to Montana senators
and representatives asking them to support this bill.
The bill was defeated.
A new bill concerning the
same issue is presently being debated in Congress.
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Mountain Airstrips Dr. Stephan called for a report given on the
meeting with the Forest Service regarding Schaffer
Air Field.
Essentially, it was determined that
if the wilderness act passes, our use of the Schaffer
airstrip would hinge on the discretion of the
forest service management.
It is thus important
to keep good relations with the Forest Service.
wilderness act has been tabled because this is a
controversial subject for an election years.
Taxation Committee Morris Rudio - There is no concrete plan of attack
at the present time. Morris reported that the
committee had positive commitments from Bill
Lowell, Bob Holter, Glen Kenney, Tim Tornage and
others for assistance.
Taxation Committee plans
to go to county assessors for feedback.' Creath
.Tooley, Yellowstone County Assessor, welcomes
discussion of this type in hopes of getting more
realistic means of assessing aircraft.
Other
assessors have given similar reactions.
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Morris expressed the determination of the committee~to
work to assure adequate representation of pilots at the .
legislature to assure equitable taxation of aircraft.
If
the' need arises, a lobbyist will be.hired •. Morris pointed
out that we, as pilots, enjoy many services provided by our
tax dollar and should rightfully contribute toward the
financing of same; however, we must protect ourselves to
assure that such taxation is equitable.
The problem seems
to be how do we pay for the services we enjoy.
Some inference
was made that perhaps a way of providing extra revenue would
be to assess all pilots a certain fee. House Bill 121
provides for a registration fee of up to $10.00 per pilot.
Presently, a $2.00 fee is being collected by the Montana
Division of Aeronautics.
Mike Ferguson stated that this $2.00 fee is not adequate
as the Division's only source of revenue, a tax on aviation
fuell has generated about $3,000.00 a month less than in
previous years due to Glasgow Air Force Base moving out and
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failure of airlines to fuel in Montana.
The financing
the Division for future years is still another problem
general aviation will be facing.
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Morris expressed the need for each of us to approach
our legislator and ask them po~nt blank how they intend to
vote on various aviation issues.
He urged pilots not to be
shy but to personally convey to our legislators our pleasure
or displeasure with their voting record.
The taxation committee promised to attend the assessors
meeting, to be held next fall, at which the book to be used
for valuation of aircraft is to be determined.
Historian Report
Historian Char~ey ~nwa~
unable to
be preseet.
Jim Monger presented a written historian's
report to President Small. Convention Sight - John Patton announced that the convention
would be held in Helena next year. A Gates of the
Mountain trip and a bar-b-que are being planned in
conjunction with the 1977 convention.
A definite date
and location have not yet been determined.
Medical-Dental
Plan - President Small - President Small
mentioned that'the main problem being faced on the
medical-dental
plan for this'organization
stemmed
from the ease of members to-belong one year to M.P.A.
and not the next as our whims designate.
It is
difficult getting an insurance underwriter for this
reason.
The policies being considered pay a graduated
portion such as 60-70-80% and after a third year 100%
coverage.
It would be necessary to maintain membership in M.P.A. or lose the medical-dental care.
HANGAR
REPORTS
Garfield Skyriders - Vivian Schrank, President, reported_
that the Garfield Skyriders have 22 members.
Activities
of the year included a 4th of July fly-in breakfast,
bi-plane float for a parade in Jordan, Samon bar-b-que,
pot luck at Rock Springs, Christmas party and a card
party.
Helena Hangar - John Kouen, President of the Helena
Hangar reported no activity in 1975. Activities
for 1976 are plans for a poker fly-in.
To raise
money, the hangar will give rides and donate the
proceeds collected to a charity.
The Helena Hangar
has 50 members.
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Great Falls - Sal Leigland, President, reported the hangar
had held a fly-in which raised $500.00 for the ~oy
Additional activities included pool-side
Scouts.
• ba.ri:b:-que a,n~ Chr~stmas, pa,rty.
Mr'., Don Eades will be
.. the ..new presJ.dent of Great Falls Hangar. for"the'.lJ~':':;~
, coming yea r, ..
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Havre Hangar,- President
Rod Herrig,
reported
that Havre
oj :. has a,me~ership
of about ,SO;'members, During'the
.
l\c! ,'i past; year, Havre boasted of a .,successful
air. show
f''''J'
. ~~~.~ fly-in
to ..the ?picher. fa:;m. Havre pl~ns '.ci.no,ther
aJ.r show for June 13 1976'
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Lewisto~:announced,that.they.now,have.a
.• shJ.p of approxJ.mately, 30l~emb~r~ .•• Plan~.'a.re
made to. ~nter ~~w.?
•.•fl;>a;.~s ~JI'
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"I~
~emberbeing.
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, , Cut. Bank.!~J H~_rb~amm?n.s.gave ,the . report .•~ci~ the Cut. Bank
,1 Hangar~ ~ He announced that meetings.are;he~don
the
4th Tuesday of each month: .. 'Cut Bank-boasts of
having the search'and'rescue'team
with'the'most
••• ~:tlll:':V'-:;" "successful
record inJ the state,
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to. ncl:tn9v.no:>
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is Rob
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Nei~~,~an~,John.~e~~5
i~~v~cei~re~ident:~~M:.Mo~ger
stated
that GallatJ.n'was
a socJ.al organJ.zatJ.on wJ.th
rilL~~
~bu~in~~~ s7~~n~~a~~,~~~i~e_t~~r~'Ir~~~~u~ed,~n~the
011.3' no year 1 s.>ac~J.
v~t.~~~.~a!i I a, ba:r;;bj'que, ..:.an.;aJ.r;;show,- a
b~~pancakelan~)~in~lEre~~fa~!'oar~~i~i~g:p~rty.and
.A.q." OJ Ch~is~a5~p~~tY'o~Th~.~a~gar~is:a150~spo~sorJ.ng
an
r..l :"Explor~r;lBoYbsc()u~,~T:r:ooP.
an~ .~ss~::ts., the ,Flying
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.'r~~valley.~,~~hn:~ol!~g,~~~~sgO'w,ta.~~ounced~that,u~til
one
. ,~week ..prior:~~.)~e"c:~n~~~ti~~,
":'al~e¥~Ha~gar had not
had a meetJ.ng 1n two years.
WJ.th sJ.xty'new students,
the hangar reorganized.~ ••The hangar has taken on as
a project
putting~forth~an~effort
to keep some of
J.)~.:h•... ;~th~ .f~<:=!l~tieso.~0\o1,:at. ~he IGlasgow Air F,?r.ce..Ba;se in
t!JHlv.t:t:>f.' .the.~rea ..c ~!~sg~w.put ..~or~~ t~e~~appl:l;catJ.on:for
the
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air
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Chinook - Harlem - Chinook is planning a fly!inCbreakfast
£tlffor.- Saturday,
March.8,.1976.They
invited
members
to
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MJ.tJ.zJ.Eades read an J.nvJ.tatJ.on from the Double
Arrow Ranch near Seely Lake for a"free'fiy':'in
'I.tPttJ1rl :J1I:.weekend"at.the:.:r::~nch.~~.~lt~!.~
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A motion
The discussion was held regarding the offer.
the
was made and seconded to accept the offer of
Double Arrow.
The motion carried.
RESOLUTIONS
COMMITTEE
WHEREAS, the efforts and generosity of the Hensley Flying
Service, Havre, Aviation, and Solomon and Johnson were responsible
for the succe~s of the poolside Champange Hour.
THEREFORE, be it resolved that the MFA extended their'
thanks and appreciation to them for the success of the
Champange Hour.
WHEREAS, through the efforts of the President of "the
Havre Hangar, Rod Herrig and his wife Merlene, the 1976
convention has been successful.
THEREFORE, be it resolved, that the MFA express
to them for a successful convention.
thanks
, .
WHEREAS, the host, Havre Hangar has extended every
effort to put on an excellent convention for the members
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MFA.
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of
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THEREFORE, BE_IT RESOLVED, .that we extend our appreciation
to the Havre Hangar for a'job well done.'
WHEREAS, the Chairman,
have put forth every effort
complete success.
Bill Spicher and his wife Sharon
to make the 1976 Convention a
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the MFA extend
thanks to them for a jOb,well done.
WHEREAS;
portat:ion.
Walt and Francis
Hensley
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED,
and thanks for a job well done.
a special
have provided'trans-
that we extend our appreciation
We move that these resolutions be adopted and the
secretary be instructed to write letters of appreciation
these people.
Respectfully
submitted,
Sal Leigland
Dr. John Stephan
The motion
was seconded
and unanimously
approved.
to
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ANNOUNCEMENTS"
Cascade invited the members of the M.P.A. to attend an
old-timers Bicentennial celebration to be held June 27,
1976. Paul Harvey is to be the featured speaker.
NOMINATION
OF OFFICERS
The following officers were nominated
unanimous ballots:
President
Western Vice President
Eastern Vice President
Treasurer
Eastern Director
Western Director
-
,
and elected by
Jerry Caldwell
John Patton
Frank Stoltz
Morris Rudio
Carl HarbClugh
Dr. Stephan
President Small
thanked the members for attending the
convention.
He then turned the meeting over to the newly
elected President, Jerry Caldwell.
...
,. -
A motion was made to have the M.P.A. Board-of"Directors
look into the financial situation of the Montana Division of
Aeronautics to determine what, if anything, can be done
about the financial problems they are"presently'having.
The
motion was seconded and carried. "
\"'.
A motion ,was made to prepare a petition for signature
of at least 25 air craft owners for presentation to the
Montana Aeronautics Board for hearing on the taxation problem.
The motion was seconded and carried.
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A motion was made and seconded to 'accept 'Glasgow as our
site for the fall fly-in. The motion was carried.
The meeting was adjourned by President
at 4:10 P.M.
Jerry Caldwell
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AWARDS
PRESENTED
- Given awards from M.P.A.
Division of Aeronautics.
-
Odd Couple
John Patton and Glen Kenney
Bent Prop
-
Lyle Saltain
Jr. Pilot of the Year Rod Herrig
Sr. Pilot of the Year H. J. Spillar
Bill Matthews
Leonard
Outstanding
Award
-
Thoe
Pilot of the Year -
Al Newby
Past President's
Dr. Milton
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BANQUET
Mechanic of the Year Kenneth Wendland
I
AT AWARDS
Pin Small
and Montana
BOARD
OF DIRECTORS
MEETING
MAY 29, 1976
I
I
YOGa
LEWISTOWN,
INN
MONTANA
The meeting was called to order by President Jerry Coldwell.
Those
present were Jerry Coldwell, Carl Harbaugh, Jr., Don Eades, and
Mitzi Eades.
Mitzi Eades read the minutes of the May 1, 1976 board meeting.
were approved after corrections.
They
~orris Rudio was unable to attend the board meeting.
The secretary
stated that there was $2,630.45 in the checking account.
Committee
Reports:
Insurance
There was no report at this time on the Dental Insurance.
Don
Eades read a proposal for Major Medical Insurance presented by Blue
Cross.
It was decided that the plan should be brought up at another
board meeting when more board members were present.
Jerry Coldwell
appointed
the following
committee
members:
Legislative Committee:
Herb Sammon and Bob Wheatcroft
Border Crossing:
Rod Herrig
Mountain Airstrips:
John Stephans and Milt Small
Award Chairman:
Jim Monger and John Patten
Resolutions:
Milton and Vivienne Schrank
Nominations Committee:
Carl Harbaugh, Jr. and Sal Leigland
News Commi ttee : Don Eades
Everyone is unhappy with House Bill 121. Jerry Coldwell spoke with
several county assessors about the Bill.
They do not like the manner
in which the aircraft are taxed.
Don Eades stated that all insurance
claims are settled on a higher value than any of the books.
It
isn't the amount of taxes that we are paying but the manner in which
we are assessed.
The county assessors would like to work with pilots and aircraft
owners to figure out a bill to supersede House Bill 121.
The MPA secretary is out of Membership applications.
for permission to revise the membership applications.
was granted.
Mitzi asked
Permission
A motion was made and seconded and passed that the secretary be
instructed to send membership applications to all new pilots in the
state that are listed in the state newsletter.
The next directors
meeting
will be in Glasgow
There being no further business
Respectfully
Submitted.
at the Fall Fly-In.
the meeting was adjourned.
Mitzi Eades,
Secretary
MONTANA PILOTS' ,ASSOCIATION
SPECIAL MEETING
BOARD MEETING
YOGO INN
LEWISTOWN, MONTANA
DECEMBER 4, 1976
NOON
President Jerry Coldwell called the meeting to order at one
o'clock.
Those present were Jerry Coldwell, Morris Rudio,
Carl Harbaugh Jr., Frank Stoltz, John Patten, Don Eades,
Bob Simpson, special guest, Mike Fergerson, and Mitzi Eades,
The minutes of the August meeting
and they were approved as read.
were read by Mitzi Eades
Vivienne Schank of the resolution committee is still in
California.
A new member should be appointed sometime
before the annual meeting in June.
A discussion followed on the new airpott terminal building
in Helena.
It was stated that there would be a gate for general
aviation to enter the new terminal area.
Since last October
a new federal law has been passed that must allowed this.
John Patten reported that there will probably be a building
put up for loading and unloading of luggage.
John Patten is
pleased with the progress so far. Mike Fergerson reported
that the grant is being held up from the Aernoutics Division
.,until they see what they are going to do with general aviation.
Morris Rudio wanted to know if there is anyway to keep the
airport commission from charging a tie down fee for aircraft.
The only suggestion was to study the way it is done in other
cities.
Mike Fergerson wrote a letter to the Denver Region-Administrator,
John Lucus concerning getting into the terminal area and why
security is so different at each airport.
It is because 'each
area reads the laws a different way. A new revised plan is
going to be presented in the near future.
Milton Small reported that the Big Bear Wilderness is under
further study and that we have two years to fight the closing
of the airstrips in the mountainous areas.
There doesn't seem
much hope in keeping them open.
The MPA is not the only group
that would like to keep the area open.
The Snow Mobile
Association and the Recreational Vehicle Association are planning
to meet with the Forest Service to plan a course of action
to prevent the closing of the mountainous areas.
Milt will
follow-up with these groups.
It was suggested that he contact
Herb Sammons of Cut Bank to help plan a course of action.
Minutes of December Board Meeting
1976
2
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John Patten reported on the Annual Convention plans.
The
tenative date has been set to June 11, 1976. The Helena Hangar is
asking for suggesion for the guest speaker.
Morris Rudio
suggested the actor, Bob Cunnings.
Morris Rudio gave the treasurer's report.
The MPA has
$2,381.60 in the checking account and the saving certificate
is worth $5413.20.
The 9gers are starting a flying scholarship fund for teenagers.
They are asking the MPA for a donation for the fund. Morris
pointed out to the board members that a scholarship
fund would be in line with our bylaws and constitution.
Carl Harbaugh Jr. made a motion to contribute $100.00 to the
scholarship fund being sponsored by the- 9gers. It was seconded
by Milton Small. The motion carried.
The board members studied the proposed changes to House Bill
121 presented to the board by Mike Fergerson.
Morris Rud~o
made a motion to be infloavr of the proposed changes
recommended by Mike Fergerson.
John Patten seconded the motion
and it passed unaninously.
The proposal is attached to the
minutes.
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Mitzi Eades read a letter from Jim Monger asking all hangars
to send in nominations for the awards that will be presented
at the annual meeting.
The letter asked Mitzi to send a copy of
instructions to each hangar before January I, 1977.
It was brought to the attention of the board that J. J. Spiller
has not received his trophy from the last a~nual Meeting.
Frank Stoltz is going to look into the matter.
A report was given by Morris Rudio that the Past-President
pens should be arriving soon.
Milton Small asked for a standing ovation
for Mike Fergerson.
Mike Fergerson stated that the Aernoutics Division was presenting
to the legislature a proposal to increase the gasoline tax by
one cent. The division is running in the red every year.
In 1945, the MPA started the Aernoutics Division to be ~upported
by a one cent fuel tax. Mike pointed out that the commission
has run all these years on that one cent. He is only asking
for one more cent.
Mike stated that the aircraft pool in Helena is running~
properly now. In that each government bureau is charged for
the use of the aircraft and the money goes back to the aircraft.
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Minutes
t.
of December
Board Meeting
1976
3
The Aernoutics Division can get by with the one cent that they
now have until July 1979. After that time expenditures of the state
would have to be cut. The bulk of the money from the one
cent goes back into the communities as loans to improve airports.
It is loaned to each community at a rate of 4 1/2 per cent.
West Yellowstone Airport is running in the black.
Last year
it made over $17,000.00 (fical year 1976)
The one cent tax is broken down to 10 percent airforce, general
aviation 12 percent and the airlines 78 per cent.
The strongest
opposition will be from the airlines.
Montana has the lowest fuel t
(aircraft) of all states.
In that the MPA realizes the necessity and s~pports the Aernoutics
Division Legislative Proposal to increase the aviation fuel
tax by one cent per gallon
a total of two cents for the operation
of the Montana Aernoutics Division.
The resolution was made,
seconded by John Patten, and carried.
The board meeting was called by Jerry Coldwell to select five
people to present to Governor Thomas Judge for the upcoming
vacancy on the Aernoutics Board.
After much discussion the
following people were decided upon.
Herb Sammons, Milton Small,
Bob Simpson, Glenn Kenny, John Stephen, George Tittett, and
Don Eades.
Morris Rudio made the motion to instruct the secretary to
contact each of these people by phone and ask them if they
would be willing to serve and then teil the president so he
can submit the names to Governor Judge.
The motion was
seconded and passed.
The meeting
was adjorned.
Respectfully
submitted,
Mitzi Eades,
Secretary
MONTANA PILOTS' ASSOCIATION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS ~EETING
AUGUST 7, 1976
ELKS CLUB
GLASGOW, MONTANA
I.
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The meeting was called to order by President Jerry Coldwell.
Those present were Morris Rudio, Frank Stoltz, Carl Harbaugh,
and Jerry Coldwell.
Jeane Hughes read the minutes
They were approved as read.
Jr.,
of the ~~y 29, 2976 board meeting.
Herb Sammons declined the committee he was appointed to. Mitzi
did not contact Vivienne after the death of her husband, Milt.
She might have to be replaced also.
Morris Rudio gave the Treasurer's report.
checking account and all bills are paid.
$2,488.65
is in the
A financial report has been received from the Havre Convention.
Carl Harbaugh, Jr. made a motion to accept the report on the
Havre Convention and the report should be entered in the minutes.
It was seconded by Frank Stoltz.
The motion passed.
Mr. Rudio stated that the new membership application cards have
been printed and are now available to anyone needing them.
The
MPA is in the process of getting a non-profit status.
It will
take several months, so the MPA will wait until the first of the
year to ~et a mailing permit.
New membership
pins have been ordered.
A discussion was hild regarding the spring Fly !n at the Double
Arrow Ranch, Seely Lake.
The MPA was invited to whole the
spring Fly In at the Double Arrow Ranch, with meals.and lodging
furnished by the Double Arrow.
The Double Arrow Ranch is a
commercial enterprize.
Mr. Rudio stated the cost of printing
advertisements$9.24 plus postage.
A discussion was held
whether we should pay for the advertisements
of the Double Arrow.
Morris Rudio made a motion to forget the cost in appreciation
for the.good treatment afforded at the Spring Fly In. The
Secretary is to inform Jeff Macon at the Double Arrow.
Frank
Stoltz was against the motion because it is a commercial venture.
Carl seconded the motion and the motion was passed.
President Jerry Coldwell stated the Resolution committee needs
two new people if Vivienne is unable to work on the committee.
A discussion followed and it was tabled at this time.
Frank Stoltz stated that Jim Monger at Miles City said that
H. J. Spiller has not received his trophy.
It was decided that
Frank should call and have it mailed as soon as possible.
Mr. Rudio stated that there was a problem at the Helena Airport
They received a Fereral grant to build a new administration
building.
A discussion was held.
Mr. Rudio made a motion
that the president of the MFA (State Association) write letters
to Senators and Congressmen insisting that provisions be
included in the plans for the construction of the new administration
building for general aviation at the Helena Airport.
Also
for the State President to specifically instruct each local hangar
president to write to their Senators and Congressman insisting
upon this. Since these plans for the construction are in
process this should be done without delay.
The motion was
seconded by Frank.
The motion was passed.
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Mr. Rudio stated that he had corresponded with John Patten about
the courtesy car the the Big Flat Hangar regarding insurance.
A
discussion followed.
All MFA members are shook up about Senate Bill 508.
A discussion was held on the 1977 COnvention in Helena.
date would be the first week in June.
A possible
President Jerry Coldwell stated that Doc Small had called him
about Mountain Strips.
He was very upset;
it looks like the
mountain strips will be closed for everthing except foot
traffic.
President COldwell told Doc Small to talk to and
contact anyone necessary to get this matter resolved.
Doc Small asked Mr. Rudio to do somthing to reactivate.the
Billings .and Missoula hangars.
A discussion was held.
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The meeting was adjourned.
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