First Eindecker Meeting

Good Afternoon,

We had our first build meeting today in conjunction with the Stockton Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA Chapter 1432) meeting. The meeting was very productive both in terms of chapter business and our Eindecker project. I would like to thank President Mike Perez and Vice President Steve Foster for their excellent support of the project.

This Monday, July 21st we will be putting the finishing touches on our facility located at Weber High School in Stockton. We have been cleaning out a warehouse that had been used by the district for many years. This facility will serve our needs well in addition to its close proximity to students attending the school. As we build the aircraft, these students will be able to observe progress and incorporate what they observe into their studies. The introduction to aviation we hope will spark interest in build participation and membership in the EAA.

I would also like to thank David Varela, Stockton Unified School District Trustee, for his unequivocal support in addition to Dr. Ward Andrus and Katrina Johnson for allowing us access to the facility.

Beginning Wednesday, July 23 we will begin the process of 'setting up shop' so the build can start. This will entail placing tools and tables, parts inventory, ensuring that the proper tooling is available, having adequate safety equipment and protective gear, and setting schedules. This phase should not last long as we should be joining parts by the end of the month.

This is a 'first effort' at a build. As such, it is often the most difficult because of unknown variables. Above all else we can not be in a hurry to complete the project although we do need to work within reasonable time constraints. Aviation is unique because of the inherent risks of flight. Risk can be managed through careful respect of the processes we will be using to build the airplane. If we don't know how to do a particular task we have to ensure that we have all the information needed to complete the task. Then we practice the task until we are ready to apply it to the real thing. As our skill level builds, we will then be able to take on tasks with more complexity. I ask that 'patient progress' be at the forefront of everyone's mind. If we come up against something we are unsure about, I would insist that we stop and gather information until we are assured of the proper way forward.

To recap: Meeting at Weber High School 302 W. Weber St., Stockton Monday, 7/21 (10:00 a.m) and Wednesday, 7/23 (10:00 a.m.). Future dates will be scheduled depending on progress those two days.

I appreciate your support. This is the beginning of a lot of great things.

David Satterfield
Project Manager