Buzzard Droppings May 2004

(President’s Message  Continued from page 1)

our field rules. We’ll have burgers and other goodies available for sale at the field.

An antenna and other items are being made for our frequency scanner. We will start implementing the new Scanner/Red Tag Policy this month. If you are interested in learning to use our scanner, please contact Bob Martin. We will set a date and send notices to those who want to participate.

I had a chance to talk to Joe Goffin about the work parties at the field this year and he really thanks all of your guys for helping out. We have accomplished a lot and the safety at the field is much improved.

Dale (our landlord) mentioned that the lease of his other property expired on April 12. For some unknown reason, he is really, really happy about this… Dale did mention possibly putting in corn in the area around the flying field, I have flown at sites that were surrounded by corn and it wasn’t a problem as long as the models land on the field.

When corn gets to be taller than us, the models can be difficult to locate. We will obtain a pair of walkie-talkies and a pole with a flag on it to assist in locating lost planes. We must be sure to prevent damaging the corn when retrieving our models. As always, make sure to find and pickup all the pieces if your model happens to have a mishap.

(Continued from page 1)

American B525J

Sorry to Charles and Dan for the error

  A motion was made, seconded, and passed.

Officers Reports:

President– Ron reported that he had discussed our proposed rent increase with the landlord and he accepted the new rate. Ron is working with him to draw up a lease agreement.  Dale also expressed his approval of the field changes that we have completed

 

Vice President - Brian Richardson reported that the dates for the 2004  club events are:

Spring work party   Saturday, April 10^th

Swap Meet               Saturday, May 15^th      Open House            Saturday, June 19^th

1^st  Fun Fly               Saturday, July 24^th

Combat  Event         Saturday, August 14^th

2^nd Fun Fly             Saturday, Sept 11^th

Building Competition October thru March

Brian asked for  volunteers to serve as directors for each of the above events. So far, Scott Curtis will again lead the combat event, Ron Swift will coordinate the Open

House and Brian will coordinate the swap meet.  If you are interested in coordinating or being an assistant coordinator for one of these events, please contact Brian.

 

Secretary -  Bob Martin discussed the new membership limit of 60 members and the recommendation from the board that full members would determine the cap, and not include family, student, or junior members. A brief discussion with the motion originators indicated this is in line with the intent of the motion that passed. The attending members agreed with the Board’s recommendation.   Bob reported current club membership is 55 full members, 3 family and 1 junior member.

 

Treasurer - Doug stopped briefly and reported that the treasury is healthy.

 

Safety Director - Randy reported that the board of directors had discussed the large plane issue and had decided that at present there is not a problem with large planes flying at our field and no action is needed at this time, but the board would re-open the issue if a problem did

(Continued on page 3)

 

If you mow the field and it isn’t your week to mow it, please let the member who is signed up know you’ve mowed it (mowing list in on our web site and posted at the field). As the summer season approaches, we will probably need to mow the runway more than once per week. If you purchase oil and gas for the mowers, the club will reimburse your expenses. Just give the receipts to Doug (or mail them to him) and he’ll send a check to your address.

Dick Ovrid has done an excellent job keeping our mowers in excellent working order. I doubt that we give his efforts the thanks they deserve, but for what it’s worth thank you, Dick! The club flying field is the most important asset we have. The field maintenance equipment is vital to keep it in shape. If there is a problem with the equipment, please contact Dick or one of the members of the board so it can be addressed. Also, it you hear of someone looking to find a new home for a gang reel mower or other yard maintenance equipment, please let us know.

We have a great club and really great members. Our safety record is commendable. Check your models over thoroughly before each flight and verify the controls move in the correct direction. Most crashes are preventable by paying some attention to the details and setting a checklist.

See you at the flying field!

Ron