Old dog, new tricks

By John H. Weber, EAA Chapter 534 Vice President

Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?

Take Ted Luebbers, a frequent contributor to General Aviation News. Officially he is the Public Information Officer of EAA Chapter 534 in Leesburg, Florida. Unofficially, he is one of the spark plugs of the chapter and the embodiment of EAA Chapter 534’s spirit.

Ted can always be found at any function of the chapter, taking pictures, interviewing guests, and filling in wherever he can help. One of the most difficult things is to get Ted in front of a camera, instead of behind it.

One of Ted’s “pet projects” is the chapter’s Aircamper project. He has spearheaded much of the advancement of the build. Recently, I had the opportunity to introduce Ted to a new skill, one that he had not achieved so far in his 80-plus years.

It was time to prime and paint the “tail feathers” of our fabric-covered bird. Ted hadn’t used an HVLP spray gun before, but was interested in learning the technique, and wanted to be an active participant in this endeavor.  Within a short time, he was getting his technique down pat and was having a good time with his new skill.

We are using a different painting process with this wood and fabric aircraft. We are using latex house paint for our primer and our color coats. This method was suggested by another EAA chapter’s members, and after viewing the EAA webinar on using latex, I was sold on the idea. The cost of covering this project will be significantly less for our treasury.

Ted Luebbers certainly stands as a life lesson for all of our chapter members — indeed all of general aviation — that you are never too old to learn new skills.

He is always willing to step in and help whenever and wherever he is needed. I am proud of all of Ted’s involvement, but more than that, I am proud to call him my friend.