About Arizona Cloudbusters

History

Though the first airplane owned and operated by the club was previously owned by some of the founding members in 1958, the club was actually formed in mid-1959 and the first shares were sold to 10 charter members in September, 1959.  This first plane was an early model Luscombe and was based and operated at Phoenix's Sky Harbor Airport.  At that time it was not much more than a small uncontrolled airport.  Soon after forming, in 1960 the club purchased a 1952 Cessna 170B and grew to a membership of roughly 20 members.  The growth of the club quickly accelerated and the members traded the Luscombe for a brand new 1961 Morrisey Shinn 2150A (manufactured in Chandler, AZ).  

The club continued to grow and it was soon learned that new members had a broader base of flying skills.  This demanded that the club trade for a larger variety of airplanes, including, several Mooney M20Es, Cessna 150s, Cardinals/Cardinal RGs, Skyhawks, Skylanes, and a Piper Comanche.  After about 1965, the club rarely had fewer than 3 airplanes and often four or more. The By-Laws allow for up to 50 members, but after losing several members in the late 1990s, due to the hassles associated with operating out of Sky Harbor Airport, the club moved to Stellar Airpark in Chandler, AZ in late 1998.  Since that time, the club has begun to grow again and currently has a full complement of 50 members.

Board of Directors

• President: Bill McGrath
• Vice President: Gil Day
• Treasurer: Jerry Doris
• Secretary: Walt Turansky
• Avionics Officer: Doug Makinen
• Maintenance Officer: Steve Pauken
• Safety Officer: Bob McKinion
• Board Member at Large: Ron Greenbank
• Board Member at Large: Greg Clouse