Prior to the business meeting, many of us were treated to a progress report from Matt Gentry and Karen Kotzan of the "Phoenix" human powered helicopter project team in the nearby engineering projects building.

THIS IS THE DRIVE TRAIN, or at least part of it, for the University of Michigan human powered helicopter project. It will use bevel gears and a belt drive to drive the counter-rotating inner and outer sets of blades. Two members of the HPH team, Matt Gentry and Karen Kotzan, gave an update on the project prior to the MHPVA meeting Feb. 14.

The team is still working on constructing a full-scale prototype of their design. Inner and outer counter-rotating blades with an innovative "duct" form the heart of the machine. They have just revised their transmission concept to utilize bevel gears instead of a planetary arrangement. Balancing the angular momentum requires a 7:1 ratio between the rotation speeds of the inner and outer blades, which proved too much for simple planetary gears.

Meeting
At 1:10 pm, President Wally Kiehler called the business meeting to order. Treasurer Bill Frey presented the financial report for 2003, which showed income of $1,891.40 and expenses of $2,392.16, a "deficit" of $500.76, leaving us with assets totaling $1816.57. This is not a cause for worry, however, as a one-time contribution of $500 was made to help pay for purchase of the new Human Powered Racing - America timing equipment. Aside from that, our normal activities continue to balance out nicely. The treasurer's report was accepted unanimously.

Waterford 2004
Next came discussion of the 21st annual Michigan HPV Rally, which will be June 5-6 at the Waterford Hills raceway. Once again, camping will be available on site Friday and Saturday nights.

Paul Pancella moved (Paul Bruneau second) to run the same events on the same schedule as last year. Motion passed. Bill Frey moved (Pancella second) to appropriate the same prize budget (~$300) as last year. Motion passed.

Rick Wianecki moved (Terry Gerweck second) to charge the same entry fees. (Both days for $35; one day, $25). Motion passed. (continued on page 5)

CHRIS EVANS of Flint was the only member to bring something to the MHPVA winter meeting Feb. 14, 2004, for "show and tell," his new Catrike (intended for his wife). The frame is aluminum.