Minutes

Bell-Air R/C Flyers August Monthly Meeting

August 17 th, ,2009 6:00pm @ the club field

E-board members in attendance: Paul Baker – President, Mark Metge – Vice President, Renny Stefani – Treasurer, Jay Schoening – Safety Officer, Gene Tapparo – Field Marshall, Rory Cahill – Secretary and 26 Faithfulls.

The meeting was brought to order at 6:00pm by Paul Baker; a sign in sheet was passed around.

September will be the last meeting at the field, Mark Metge will check on BECU Credit Union building in Ferndale for Fall and Winter meetings. New member Jim Walker and guests Kendrick Bradley, Dave and Nathan Anderson and Tara from Arlington were introduced.

July’s minutes were read and approved.

Renny gave the Treasurer’s report along with a break-down of funds spent and profit made at the Warbirds event. The report was approved by members.

Paul gave the President’s report: Fall clean up will be in September, the date to be announced.

The club would like to encourage a junior membership program, we are seeing more young people flying.

The fly-in at Lynden Airport (on Depot Rd.) will be August 22 nd. The club has been asked to showcase some planes beginning at 9:30.

A club member is trying to arrange for the club to go through a Homeland Security hanger to view some of their “magic”. Date to be announced.

The club all-fly will be Saturday August 29 th; salmon, hot dogs, drinks and silverware will be furnished, please bring something to share with other members.

The club received a nice “thank you” from the Heritage Air Museum for our donation.

The club had a good turn-out for Don Wilson’s funeral; Pat Eastman and Paul Baker said a few words on Don’s behalf, he will be missed…

August 20 th will be the last Pylon race of the season, food will be furnished for all of the trusted help that showed up all season, racing starts at 6:00pm.

Gerry Becker reported that there were no accidents or close calls at Warbirds. Pictures of the event will be sent to AMA to be included in a future District 11 report. Due to many events scheduled the first of August, the date for Warbirds may change next year. Many pilots had conflicts due to the date. Gerry also read a list of prize donors for the event.

George Eckhart stated that Joe Moser was impressed with Warbirds and would like to be more involved with the club. He would be most welcomed!

Renny reported on the foster youth that he has been flying with. He is 13 and hopes to get more stick time in. If all conditions are met, a plane has been offered to him when he solos. Renny explained that although the club is full, youth can join as Associates and transfer with full flying rights as openings occur. A motion was put on the floor to that effect, it passed unanimously.

Jay Schoening gave Marv Benson his solo certificate. Jay thanked everyone for a safe Warbirds and summer. Last week Jay found that the safety fences worked as designed. A pilot was flying his plane and Jay was spotting when another plane taxied into the fence. The pilot in the air was informed that he was in no danger, allowing him to keep his eyes on his plane. Spotter and fence did their job.

Jerry Mclain is looking to update the pilot’s memorial plaque for passed members. September 19 th will be the pylon racing fly-off, also another class race for larger planes will be added. Taxi ways have been approved by Hoby Acres and hopefully will be installed the same day as our field clean-up day. The date to be announced. A Bobcat or small track hoe would really simplify things if anyone has such a machine.

Gerry Becker brought up the fact that the club’s folding tables are in sad shape and should be replaced. A motion was put to the floor to replace 6 at an estimated cost of $55 per; it passed unanimously. The club will look for “end of the summer sales”.

Gerry also brought up the fact that the PA system needs to be replaced, Paul, Jay and Mark Metge will look into the purchase. A motion was put to the floor to buy new equipment, it passed unanimously.

September 5 th is Warbirds over the Cascades in Snohomish County, Jets over Whidbey is August 28 th, 29 th and 30 th.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:45pm.