Clyde Smith Tube and Fabric Construction Seminar Sponsored by EAA-46 In a day and age when all the talk in aviation seems to be about RV’s, PFDs/MFDs, Cirrus and WAAS it’s reassuring to know someone is working hard to pass on the traditional techniques, history, and mystique of tube and fabric construction. That person is Clyde Smith of Lock Haven, PA. He started his career in aviation at the Piper factory in Lock Haven. Once the factory closed he became involved in restoration, the supplying of hard to find parts and historical information, and the education of numerous people in seminars across the country. The purpose of this announcement is to provide the details of a local Tube and Fabric Construction seminar and to encourage you to reserve your place at this important class. This is a rare opportunity to learn from nationally renowned Clyde Smith at a nearby site. The next chance to hear Clyde anywhere near here will be the summer of ‘06 at the Curtiss Museum. This seminar is suitable for pilots and mechanics with a wide range of aircraft interests. It might surprise some that new certified tube and fabric aircraft are still being produced. The Husky and Top Cub immediately come to mind. There are many experimentals that are built with this traditional and proven technique. Also there are thousands of vintage aircraft in need of various levels of repair, restoration, or upgrade. Aeronca, Piper, Stinson -- the list goes on and on. For the cost of just a GPS/Com and MFD you can be flying a vintage or experimental rag and tube aircraft along the lake shore at 500’ while smelling the new cut grass through the open window. These are aircraft with low operating and maintenance costs that will only appreciate in value. The seminar is three (3) days long, Friday June 10 through Sunday June 12. There is lots of material to cover but there will also be opportunity for questions, including ones about the differences between various makes and models. When you complete the course you will know what to look for in evaluating a kit or project, what costs to expect, what skills are needed, how much time it should take, sources of parts, information, and help. The legal/paperwork aspects of kits and rebuilds will also be discussed. In summary, you will leave with the knowledge, confidence and motivation necessary to carry you through a project. Clyde’s fee is $325/person for the three days (coffee and donuts included). You will likely save that fee many times over -- starting with the large collection of reference handouts you will receive plus the time and materials saving hints he provides. Speaking of time, Clyde is a busy guy. The weekend selected (6/10-12) is the only one available in April, May, or June. The class needs a minimum number of attendees so I will need a $100 deposit (check made out to “Cub Restoration Services”) by April 24th to reserve a place in the class; the balance will be due the morning of the first day of the seminar. Make sure you include your address and contact info. with the check. These checks will be held until April 24 and will be returned to you if there is inadequate interest. Your check will also be returned to you for ANY reason up to that date. Late reservations will of course be accepted, but only if we meet the minimum requirement before the reservation deadline. At this time the location is undecided though the final location will be announced before April 24 in case that is a factor in your decision. I have had a number of locations offered, and additional suggestions are appreciated. The location of *confirmed* attendees will be a prime factor in deciding the location. I’ve gotten a surprising amount of interest from people out of the area, so I’ve arranged a limited number of beds (free) for those in need. First deposited, first served. Make sure a bed request is included with your deposit. Carl M. Miller EAA-46 25 Briggs Drive Orchard Park, New York 14127 carlmill@buffalo.edu (preferred) 716-662-2305 Class of 1946