Next Club Meeting - Thursday August 5, 2010 - at the Club field - food at 6:30, meeting at 7:00.

Check out the AMA sponsored emagazine especially designed for the sport aviation enthusiast. Lots of articles for folks new to the hobby, as well as good info the experienced among us. 

PLEASE read this URGENT MESSAGE regarding our use of the field!!!

Safety Message from Pres. Mike Atkinson, January 9, 2009.

It seems like at least every couple of years we need to address the following issues, but things have gotten out of hand (again!) recently. So, here we go ……

1- The pilot station is behind the fence, in the middle of the fence, not in the opening. The only time it is permitted to stand in the opening while flying is when you are the only one flying at that time. Even then, whenever someone else gets into the air, you need to move behind the fence.
2- The starting tables are to be situated so that the pilot is facing the runway while starting the aircraft. This allows you to see oncoming aircraft while you are starting yours. If your back is to the field, you cannot know when to duck!
3- DO NOT TAXI behind the flight line. If you start your plane behind the flight line, carry it to the flight line before taxi and take off. After the flight, stop the engine before crossing the flight line. This includes electrics, as well. Planes should always be started on the starting tables or on the ground near the flight line. Helicopters are permitted to be started under the shelter, but should be kept idling until taken to the runway or hover pad.
4- The flight line extends infinitely in both directions. The only time the line should be crossed by your aircraft is on the south side (over the pond), and only on final landing approach.
5- We still have the imaginary box extending out from each end of the flight stations, and connecting with another line going down the middle of the runway. There is no 3D flying, either helicopter or fixed wing, to be performed in this area. If you want to do it in front of the pilots stations, that’s fine. Just do it on the far side of the runway so as to not disturb the other pilots. The only exception to this rule is during flight demonstrations during special events. Even then, I would recommend staying out a bit from the flight line to maximize safety.
6- The grass circles on the north and south sides of the pits are for helicopter and small electric planes for hovering and light 3D maneuvers. If the maneuvers are going to take the aircraft outside the boundaries of the circle, the pilot needs to transition to one of the designated flight stations and perform the maneuvers on the east side of the flight line.
7- Even though the landfill is no longer using the weigh station for trash, that area remains a no-fly zone. Please do not fly over the weigh station.
8- Not posted on our field map, is the location of the football/soccer fields. But we all know where they are. Please do not fly past the pond. Doing so will put you over spectators, which is a violation of the AMA safety code.
9- Absolutely no alcoholic beverages are to be consumed on the property….not even if you are not flying. The field is located in a county park and alcoholic beverages are not allowed.

This is just a friendly reminder of those things we should have already known. Beginning next week, our safety officer, Gordie Meade will start correcting violations. I would ask all other members to help patrol these issues, as well. These and other safety measures are in place to: 1- Provide for a safe environment for all club member, and 2- Prohibit major incidents from occurring, which could have an adverse effect on our use of county property for our hobby. If repeated violations continue, suspension of flying privileges for the offending member(s) could be in order. Hopefully, it won’t come to that.

Thanks,

Michael Atkinson

PS- On a similar note, please help out and discard your trash before you leave the field. We’ve had several occasions lately where drink cans and other items have been left at the end of the day.