KRAM MEETING MINUTES
APRIL 7, 2026
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 by president Tom DeVries.
Eleven members were present. One guest, Brian Burgess, was also present.
Dan McLaren made a motion to approve the minutes as distributed. Jim Grant seconded the motion and the motion carried.
Pete Dehr (lives in Byran Center) and David Hills (lives in Middleville) both noted they built aircraft last year and look forward to first flights as the weather gets nice!
Dan McLaren gave the financial report. No questions were raised. Jim Grant made a motion to accept the financial report and Jim Herron seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Tom DeVries noted a commercial flight that he took once that had mechanical issues on takeoff. Although the flight took off, it circled near the airport until it burned off 300lbs. of fuel before it returned to the runway. Would be pretty expensive in today’s market…
Mike Murphy’s safety message was to check your charger and connections as the flying season has begun. Likewise, when you go out to the field be sure to tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return…
Robert Irish reported the field looks to be in good shape. One washout area towards the east end will need attention, otherwise the runway looks in good shape. No major work day is planned but may have a minor work day towards the middle of May.
Chris Mroch reported that all electronic systems and programs are up and running and up to date. Chris asked if we were going to roll the runway this spring. Tom took the issue under advisement.
Tom DeVries noted that the Vet’s picnic is a go. Mike Murphy is going to ask the Ionia club if they would like to join us to give the Vets a bigger show. He will have an answer at the next meeting. The plan is for a pot luck with the club supplying the meat. Bring military planes to fly if possible.
Club picnic is August 1. More to follow…
The training contact to make an appointment for training is changing from Chuck Putney to Tom DeVries. Chuck has changed jobs and will not be available to train or take calls during his new working hours. Tom volunteered to have his number listed – thanks Tom!
Dan McLaren noted that we have been confirmed as a Gold Leader Club by the AMA. Likewise, our AMA Charter and insurance certificate have been reissues by AMA. The Porta Potty has been ordered for the period of April through October! We are ready to fly – ENJOY AND BE SAFE.
SHOW AND TELL:
Dave Hills showed off a repaired LT40. The repair came out looking very good. The question is is it going to fly?
Mike Murphy showed us his backup competition plane. It is a two meter (length and wingspan). It flies on a ten cell battery with a 22×12 prop and gets seven minute flights. It is a monoplane but has a guvnor (small wing ahead of the cockpit) called a canalizer. Big plane! Best of luck at the competitions this summer Mike!
Motion to adjourn by Jim Grant at 7:55pm. Seconded by Allen Simpson and carried.
Next Meeting is May 5, 2026 at the school at 7:00pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Dan McLaren
KRAM Secretary
