Asking for Your Help

[HAPPYDAN]

I am trying to obtain contact information for the Gig Harbor Light Sport Flying Club. Phil Blum was the former president and CFI, but passed away around a year ago. Their web site and contact info has not been updated. Rumors from members of EAA 406 (KPWT) indicate the club is still active at Tacoma Narrows KTIW, and they still fly an Aeronca Chief. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[Scooper]

Dan, it looks like the registration for the Aeronca, N9791E, expires on November 30, 2018. The owner is listed as Gig Harbor Light Sport Flying Club, 8409 Granite Drive NW, Gig Harbor WA 98329.

https://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquir ... rTxt=9791E

According to Flight Aware, N9791E flew as recently as October 6, 2018, so it's apparently still actively flying.

https://flightaware.com/live/flight/N9791E

[HAPPYDAN]

Thanks for your help, Stan. The address is a local private residence, with no contact phone or email. At this point, I have to assume this "club" is a closed entity, not open to contact or prospective members. So, nice try, no cigar. Next.

[smutny]

If you're on Facebook, try inquiring in the Flights Above the Pacific Northwest (FATPNW) group. If you're not on FB, let me know and I can make the inquiry for you.

[HAPPYDAN]

If you're on Facebook, try inquiring in the Flights Above the Pacific Northwest (FATPNW) group. If you're not on FB, let me know and I can make the inquiry for you.

Thanks, John. I did that. NADA. No response, just 2 "likes" whatever that's supposed to mean. But, it was worth a try. Funny thing is, if the club has a financial issue regarding the "club" plane, I am in a position to help, as part or even full owner. My conjecturing tells me this is likely the problem, as the original owner passed away about a year ago and may have willed the 1946 Aeronca Chief to the club. So how do they pay for maintenance, insurance, fuel and storage? I posted this request here, on the chance that a current "member" might be a lurker and willing to respond.

[TimTaylor]

Did you try calling the FBO and see if they can put you in touch with the owner. Someone must be paying the monthly tiedown fees.

[HAPPYDAN]

Did you try calling the FBO and see if they can put you in touch with the owner. Someone must be paying the monthly tiedown fees.

Another good idea, but the FBO here is not the airport manager. If I can contact the airport manager (airport belongs to Pierce County), it might be possible to get some info on their hangar rental.

[TimTaylor]

But the FBO might know someone who flies the airplane or owns the airplane. They probably buy fuel from the FBO. I would give them a call. If nothing else, give them your name and number and ask them to give it to someone.

[smutny]

Thanks, John. I did that. NADA.

So you did, may have been lost in all the Thanksgiving hubbub. I watch FATPNW pretty closely and I missed it too.

Looking at the Department of Revenue site, I find three names associated with the club, which is still listed as active.

Bruce Farrington
There are two Bruce’s in Gig Harbor:
Bruce R Farrington 253-265-2571
Bruce A Farrington 360-315-6741, 253-857-3047

Mitch Lund
A phone number didn’t pop up for Mitch.

Gary Nelson
I think this is who you’re referring to as who passed away last year.

[Scooper]

Did you try calling the FBO and see if they can put you in touch with the owner. Someone must be paying the monthly tiedown fees.

Another good idea, but the FBO here is not the airport manager. If I can contact the airport manager (airport belongs to Pierce County), it might be possible to get some info on their hangar rental.

AirNav lists the "acting airport manager" as Lorene Behm, Phone: 253-798-7109.

Airport Ownership and Management from official FAA records
Ownership: Publicly-owned
Owner: PIERCE COUNTY PUB WORKS & UTILITIES
AIRPORT AND FERRY DIVISION, 2702 S. 42ND STREET, SUITE 201
TACOMA, WA 98409-7322
Phone 253-798-7109
Manager: ACTING MGR LORENE BEHM
AIRPORT AND FERRY DIVISION, 2702 S. 42ND STREET, SUITE 201
TACOMA, WA 98409-7322
Phone 253-798-7109

[TimTaylor]

Also, do you live near there? I would assume so since you're interested in the club and airplane. If so, drive out there on a Saturday and start asking around.

[HAPPYDAN]

Now I think I'm getting somewhere. Lots of good, useful info here. Some I hadn't thought of. Time to put on the gumshoes and do some leg work. Many Thanks to all for responding! God willing and the creek don't rise, I may be a real pilot yet.

[smutny]

Please update us on what you find out. Hadn't heard about this club before and have run across people that could have been interested.