Buzzard Droppings November 2008

(President’s Message continued from page 1)

us like to take off into turn into a weird mix of easterly and cross winds with good gusts.  It’s just like Rick told me when I was training, “If you don’t learn to fly in the wind or on ‘not so perfect days’, you won’t be flying much! Just remember, YOU are flying the plane, not the wind.  Don’t wait for the airplane to make corrections…… that’s the pilot’s job”.

I was bumping around on eBay and couldn’t help to notice that the ads for R/C planes and related air equipment were far and few as compared to the past few years.  I don’t know if that’s a sign of the economy or a change in interest or both.  R/C cars, trucks and heli’s are getting all the notice now and that’s the same way the hobby shops are

going.  There’s always some attrition in specific interests or hobbies after a while.  I hope the flying hobby has a good seat with those of us who still enjoy it.

The economy is sadly dropping terribly. That has brought on many lay-offs and job losses. My best wishes are with anyone who loses their livelihood. I hope everyone can manage to stay with the hobby or interest they enjoy. It can offer great stress relief.

Don’t forget, AMA

membership will be due at

the end of the year. We all

know the dance……

 

Chet

(Continued from page 1)

· Treasurer – Rick Hanners

· Field Safety Officer – Vince Bell

· Newsletter Editor and Webmaster – Ron Swift

· Field Manager – Ron Rueter

 

Chet read the letter from the Veterans Association thanking the Barnyard Buzzards for the $1,000.00 and the outing on September 14, 2008.  The guests really enjoyed themselves.  (I think everyone attending had a great time as well.)

 

Secretary – Vaughan Houger reported we have 69 members including 1 family and 1 Jr. member.

Treasurer – Rick Hanners reported that the bank account has more than $5,000.00, which does not include the money designated for charity donations.  Financially the club is in good shape.

Safety Officer – Vince reminded us that we, as a collective group, are doing a good job staying safe.  Make sure to keep it that way.

Field Manager – Ron Rueter mentioned possible repairs to the lawn mower.  He located a mechanic on Camano Island who made a preliminary assessment.  The range is about $60 to replace the head gasket, to $1,200 – 1,300 to replace the block.  Ron stated he would be willing to contribute his labor in dismantling

the engine.  Kevin Craft offered his machining expertise should the engine need some heavy duty work.

 

Special Committee Reports

 

Alternate Field Location Committee – Nothing new, but we need to get it going again. 

Pilot training – About the same as last month:  There are 6 individuals in training, 2 inactive and 2 MIA (no one has heard from for a while)

Sound Management – Same report as last month:  A sound reading was taken on the lawn mower.  The results were 94 db without the blades engaged; 107 db with blades engaged.  Now all we need to do is add some wings…  The AMA recommendation is 90 dBa.  Most of our airplane engines average around 92 or 93 which is good for protecting our hearing.

Website - Ron Swift…Ron suggested that anyone undertaking a building (airplane of course) project has the opportunity to gain some visibility through our web site.  Begin to take pictures along the journey and document what you do.  Then, send the pictures and information in to Ron.  Some significant amount of time has passed since we’ve updated our pictures on the web.

 

Old Business

Charities – We still need to distribute the

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