Minutes Oct, 2005

Minutes of October 17 th Bell Air RC Flyers meeting:

The meeting was called to order at 7 pm at the Heritage Flight Museum hangar.

President Jerry McLean welcomed members and guests. There were 18 members and 1 guest present. Mark Metge introduced the guest, Adrian Velez who is seeking mentors. He plans to build a radio control model and learn to fly it as part of his high school culminating project.

The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.

Treasurer Gail Buck gave the financial report. More tickets are available for the $250 50-50 raffle. We still have T shirts and hats to sell.

Old Business:

Pat Eastman reported that the work party for cleaning out the drainage ditches on Saturday, Sept 24 th, was successful and the ditches should drain well.

Safety Report:

Safety Officer Gerry Becker had no accidents to report, but stressed the need to take time to pre-flight your planes. He cited as an example a disconnected rudder linkage on his SE-5, which gave him some anxious moments before getting it back safely on the ground. Charlie Pilchard added that batteries need to be cycled and checked periodically, citing his own experience with a new battery pack that had a bad cell and low capacity. Gerry also stated that building season is no time to ignore safety. Use caution when using sharp tools and hazardous materials. Jerry M. added that since the barriers are down flyers need to be more alert to what other flyers are doing.

Gerry Becker reported on a possible P.A. system from Radio Shack. The system would cost about $195 with the purchase of additional items such as wireless mikes, etc. The issue was discussed and approved with the proviso that the club would not buy it until the spring. There will be more discussion at that time.

Members presented a thank you card to the museum along with a donation of $150 in appreciation for the use of their facility for winter meetings.

New Business:

The President announced that it is time to nominate candidates for next year’s offices and the best crash trophy.

Candidates for best crash (so far) are Charlie Pilchard, Renny Stefani, Jeff Mullen, and Mike Bishop.

Candidates so far are:

President: Pat Eastman, Earl Cammack, John Vanderhage

Vice President: Bill Law, Mike Bishop

Treasurer: Gail Buck ,Wally Swartz

Secretary: Jim Bradshaw

Safety Officer: Scott Wolf

Field Marshall : (in absentia) Curtis Crape

It was proposed that emails be sent out weekly to garner more nominations for office.

Also that we will send out absentee ballots when the nominations are closed so that members who are unable to attend will have a chance to vote.

The Christmas / awards party is set for December 5 th at the WECU building.

Charlie P. asked members to help Adrian Velez in his High school project with what ever materials/ time etc. are needed. Many of us have items sitting around unused that could be helpful. Contact Mark Metge for details.

Gerry Becker reported on the proposed “War birds Over Whatcom” event. He has organized a planning committee and plans are under way for the event to be held in the first part of August 2006. It is to follow the fly-in format with no formal competition. There will be a landing fee and prizes via pilot’s raffle. Pilots will vote on best of show, realistic flight performance, etc. More information will follow as plans are finalized.

Several members are planning war bird projects for the event.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 P.M. and Gerry Becker invited members and guests to watch a War Birds over the Rockies video.