AGM:
Firstly, some words about the 39th AGM held on 16th November. The meeting was quite well-attended with 18 members present. This year's winner of the President's Cup for service to the Club was Gerald Matthews and the trophy was presented to him by Vice-President Tim Weston. Ken Boyce was presented with a Spitfire weather vane by Tim in recognition of Ken's service to the Club over many years and in particular his management of the trade stands at our Show, a task he has now handed on to Antony Redding.
Club Subscriptions were agreed at £35pa Seniors, £15pa Juniors and £7.50pa for Family Juniors. The BMFA subs are also fixed, following their AGM, at £27pa seniors, £14pa Juniors and £10pa Family Juniors.
Your Committee is unchanged, except that Martyn Rule has had to step down due to work commitments. Secretary (me) and Treasurer (John Warner) continue in post and at the first scheduled committee meeting for 2007 on 1st February we will confirm other positions as required- meanwhile continue to contact committee members as usual for noise tests etc.
Noise Tests:
On this subject, it is apparent that some members have turned up at flying sessions hoping for a noise test without prior arrangement. You will almost certainly be disappointed. It is important that you book with a committee member beforehand and also ensure that another senior member is available.
Tuition:
Similarly some members have been asking for individual tuition without prior arrangement. There are four instructors (Alan Reynolds, Antony Redding, John Warner and me) who may be available to give tuition on an individual basis but this can only be done if it is properly arranged in advance. If you do make such an arrangement please make sure you and your model are fully prepared and ready to go when you do turn up.
Safety:
John Warner asked that this experience be passed on to you all. He had his model tethered by a cord and was wearing a glove to hand- start the engine. The engine fired but the tether had been slightly slackened and the throttle was open too much so the model jumped forward a few centimetres until the restraint held it. The prop badly cut John's finger, even through a glove. Fortunately, another member was on the field to assist with first aid.
Lessons: check restraints, check throttle is not open too much and, whenever possible, do not fly alone.
Frequencies:
The previous newsletter covered this topic. Because of a few instances of poor discipline regarding the pegboard all members are required, on renewal, to declare their main frequency, or no more than two or three, which will be listed in the Clubhouse so we can more easily track transgressors and recover pegs. Should you change frequency during the year or add another please advise the secretary.
You are also reminded of the BMFA recommendation that you carry a frequency pennant on your aerial.
When you finish flying put the peg back on the board. Please do not take it away. Also make sure you close the curtains across the Clubhouse windows.
Flying Hours:
The only models which can be flown outside of the agreed four- hour sessions are truly silent (gliders) and LOW POWERED ELECTRIC (e.g. no more than 600 size standard can motors). ALL OTHERS are subject to the same restrictions as I/C powered models. This is necessary as electric flight technology is such that very powerful motor/battery combinations are now in use which rival I/C motors in output and performance.
We have had one or two requests to get morning flying hours agreed, even if that entailed a switch of an afternoon session to the morning, but any change to the existing pattern will require a full planning application with attendant risks. We are not willing to run that risk.
Please also take care driving on to the field as it has become quite wet recently and more rain could make it very difficult. Keep to the edge of the field along to the clubhouse and if in any doubt park outside and walk. Take care not to impinge on the Garage access.
Transmitter Modes:
Which transmitter mode (Mode 1- Throttle right, or Mode 2 -Throttle left) you use is your choice and neither is better than the other. However, should you choose to change mode after you have gained your proficiency, it will be necessary for you to be re-tested on your new mode before you may fly solo on the Club field. Most buddy-box systems can operate on different modes perfectly well. Changing mode is NOT recommended unless it is absolutely necessary and, as far as HMAC is concerned, will invalidate your proficiency until you have been re-tested.
The committee considers this to be a significant potential safety issue.
Invitation to renew membership:
The 2007 fees are listed below and you are hereby invited to renew your membership. Please send your cheques to me with the enclosed renewal application as soon as possible. If your BMFA membership is elsewhere I need to see proof of cover please. If you do not wish to renew could you please let me know as it saves unnecessary follow-up.2007 fees (annual subscription):
Senior Subscription: Club £35.00 BMFA £27.00 Total £62.00 Junior (under 18): Club £15.00 BMFA £14.00 Total £29.00 Family Junior: Club £7.50 BMFA £10.00 Total £17.50
On behalf of the Committee may I wish you all a Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Bernard Morris, Secretary.