CLUB HISTORY

Submitted by

John Seifert

Mike Perkins was granted a charter by the United States Ultralight Association the summer of 1994 to organize USUA Club 195. In July that year, four men, responding to Mike's invitation in Ultralight flying Magazine, joined Mike at Kirby-Risk Electrical Supply, 1001 Walnut Street in Terre Haute, Indiana, to become the five charter members.

Mike, who had soloed in 1981 in his American Aerolite Eagle, was the only one of the five who owned and flew an ultralight, a Quicksilver MX. Two charter members, Dutch Gunyon and Bud Anderson, both had private tickets and flew GA rentals. Sunny Boyd and Rick Manwaring  were the other two charter members.

By 1997, the club had grown to about 20 members and today is the largest it has ever been with 39 members. Thirty-one members own and fly an ultralight (either powered parachutes or rigid wings) or GA plane.

Most members have an ultralight pilot's certificate issued by ASC, USUA or EAA and seven members have earned Basic Flight Instructor certificates. Six members also have GA private tickets.

The club's home base is KeeDot Ultralight Flight Park one-half mile south of Prairieton, IN.  The club usually meets the last Saturday morning of the month at various members airstrips in flying weather and at Kirby-Risk Electrical Supply in Terre Haute during the winter months.