Daily Archives: August 30, 2013

10 posts

The Prez’ Sez’ for August/Sept. ’13

Old Site Posts President's Corner

 

To start, I want to say Thank You to all those attended and supported our Wounded Warrior Day. We collected $500 which the club will match to give the WW Program $1000.  I am proud of you all!

 

 

Group picture from Wounded Warrior Day at the field.

 

Soon you start seeing information on the upcoming Veterans Day Salute which takes place in November. I was approached by a friend who’s help will make this an event like no other. I can’t tell you more right now, but you won’t want to miss this one!

 

 

By now you should have noticed a lot of improvements at the field. These things don’t happen by themselves. One person who has taken the lead on improving our “little slice of heaven” is Don “Chief” Griffin. Another is Jim Bonnardel. I know there are others to numerous to mention, and for that I apologize, but when you see these gentlemen at the field. GO UP TO THEM, SHAKE THEIR HAND AND SAY THANK YOU!…I know I will….
Last but not least,Support your local hobby shops……. Follow the safety rules set down to protect you. Fly safely……Have Fun……but FLY SAFELY!

 

Semper Fi

Frank

 

UAVSI 2013 Report

General Interest Old Site Posts


I have been to 5 of these shows in the past few years and it is clear that the multicopters segment is growing very fast. While I don’t have numbers I would say that the number of companies with some sort of multicopter has doubled from last year. Even some of the better known hobby multicopter manufactures like DJI were there with displays and demos this year. The majority of the multicopters where of what I refer to as “offshore oil platforms” which have all the equipment exposed and really don’t have much visual appeal. There were a few that did have some nicely finished multicopters which also tended be offered as complete packages with useful sensors and flight systems that were simple enough that they could be operated by a police officer or soldier without extensive training. The vast majority of the smaller players vehicles are just too close to hobby grade to make it in the UAS market. One of the more unique ideas was a multicopter that had wings—it takes off using the 4 electric motors in multicopter mode—then it uses the Honda engine to drive a pusher prop which allows it to fly on it’s wings. The electric motors are shut down and the props are positioned to reduce drag and off it flies on its mission–when it returns the electric motors start and the gas motor is shut off and it then lands as a multicopter—simple?maybe not! They say it works great but it looked rather heavy with that gas motor…….

The fixed wings and helicopters were the most common vehicles by a large margin. They ranged from tiny planes that weighed a few oz to a full size unmanned Sikorsky S76 helicopter named the “Matrix” Seems as if the brave new world is just about here! Welcome aboard “unmanned airways”.  Of course the big UAS companies like Northrup, Lockheed, General Atomics and AV were there with large displays of their latest developments.  Both AV and some other large companies have been developing very small UAVs to be used as flying bombs intended to attack and I assume kill. While browsing around one of the larger UAV company booths I came across what I suspect is one such craft—with a name of “terminator” is is hard to imagine it being anything else but a bomb!

There were quite a few companies showing off all manner of ground vehicles–some had track, some walked, some where a couple pounds and some were thousands of pounds! More than one company brought small tractors that had been modified to autonomous operation—some kids could have a great time destroying the neighborhood if they got their hands on one! Soon you will not need a skilled heavy equipment operator to level a lot—just do it by a few mouse clicks and it does the work on tis own!

Just as interesting were some of the manufactures of sub systems–including sensors,power systems, propellers, materials and all manner of other cool stuff.  There were suppliers of cool data links, sensors and fancy carbon fiber.

One aspect of these shows is that many of the people in the industry and government that attend are modelers themselves. I see quite a few people I know from the hobby at these events. At this show Bob Brown the current AMA president and Richard Hanson dropped by to talk —AMA is trying to keep up with the trends and developments in the UAV field so as to be in a better position to try and protect the hobby activities that are core to our hobby from excessive government regulation.

 

And speaking of UAVs, Steve also writes: “Looks like it is becoming possible to “certify” UAVs for commercial operation—at least for restricted areas and applications.  The AV Puma is electric powered–with one of our motors—the whole thing is able to be recovered in salt water. It is a rather ugly looking thing…

 

http://www.aviationweek.com/Article.aspx?id=/article-xml/asd_07_26_2013_p01-01-601023.xml&p=1

F5B Day at the Bay Report August ’13

F5B Pilots & Planes Old Site Posts

By Steve Neu

 

We had our regular practice day at Mission Bay on Sunday August 18th. In addition to the usual local group we had two from out of town. Lenny Keer from Colorado and Kris Duggan from San Francisco. Kris flew down for the day to attend the practice—and proved that not flying a F5B plane for nearly 2 years is not a disadvantage as he managed to get a personal best of 49 bases on his last flight. Lenny turned in several high scoring flights including a 50  base set. Jeff had to settle for a 49 base best. I managed to get two 51 base runs which makes me suspect that the sighting devices might have been out of alignment—or our piloting ability just got a whole lot better:)

A good time was had by all–Costco pizza was served for lunch before the start. As usual we welcome anyone who feels the”need for speed” to come down and check out one of the practice sessions. I try to have a suitable “rental” plane for those that want to give it a try.  A special thanks to Steve and Michelle Manganelli for unwavering willingness help make the practice sessions happen.

Below is a picture of Kris flying and Steve Manganelli pressing the buttons.

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BOD Minutes for August 2013

Meeting Minutes Old Site Posts

 

3) Old Business

 

    3.1) Autonomous Flight Activity – JimB

Jim reported there has not been much activity at field lately.

 

    3.2) Rotor Day at the Bay – Steve Neu

We have sponsors lined up–FrankG has the AMA sanction in hand. Will start putting out e-mail blasts about 30 days before the event. Jim has posted on various forums the announcements.

 

    3.3) Nitro/Gas Helis – MichaelN

M Neale has received the receipt for the letter regarding the operation of a nitro heli at SEFSD sent to the member in question. Person in question has been removed from club membership.

 

    3.4) Trailer Storage Cost – Steve N and Jim B

Jim reports that trailer storage are available within 1 mile of the field for under $100 a month for outside parking storage. Discussed if we even need a trailer. Tim made a motion to move the trailer to a new location. Motion passed. Some directors will be receiving access keys.

 

    3.5) Fencing and Parking Lot – Ray

Ray did not attend meeting. Fencing has been installed. Tim discussed parking lot options to fix holes and reduce dust. Discussed use of telephone poles or RR ties to fix up the parking areas. Discussed moving the Tpoles to the parking area and the RR ties along the runway. Frank made a motion to purchase $1000 worth of RR ties or poles to re-define the parking area. Motion passed

 

4) New Business

 

    4.1) Safety Report – Chuck (Sea World), Frank (Alliant)

Chuck report–nothing to report at Sea World. Frank reported that there are no problems at Alliant. M Neale suggested that we try to segregate the activities to keep like aircraft together at the indoor site.

 

    4.2) Sea World Field Runway Report – Jim

Jim reported there has been ongoing maintenance of the field. Discussed the process to prep the runway before the heli event.

 

    4.3) Treasurers Report – Paul

Paul presented the expense and income report to board members. Members can contact Paul for a detailed report. Discussed putting together a projection for expenses for planning for the next year.

 

    4.4) Membership Report – Mike E

Mike reports club still has members! Currently we have 325 members. Need to find a replacement for Mike for next year. Mike discussed some of the issues regarding the larger number of payment options.  

 

    4.5) Future Events at Sea World – Tim

Tim discussed rescheduling Jet day or Foam Frenzy. Discussed doing a reset for the EMAC series aimed for the next season. May consider a clinic for aerobatics for later this year. Discussed swapping some contest dates around. Updated events calendar.

 

    4.6) Future Events at Alliant – Frank

Frank reports no new dates for the indoor venue. Frank will have dates published for next 6 months

 

    4.7) Newsletter/Website – Steve B

 

No report

 

5) Any other business?

 Frank discussed WW day at SEFSD—Success with more than $500 from members—club will match the donations in kind. Plan to preset check to WW rep on entrains day at field.

 

6) Set date for next BOD meeting. Sept 18 at 7pm SteveN house.

 

7) Approved Board Meeting Minutes.

BOD Minutes for July 2013

Meeting Minutes Old Site Posts

July 17 SEFSD BOD meeting

M Neale called meeting to order at 7:07pm July 17

SteveN passed out letter from Steve Nelson regarding our club’s  relationship with ATC at Lindberg . FrankG made motion to table the discussion until next month. Approved by all present. Will ask Steve Nelson to attend next meeting.

Discussed May and June minutes. Made some changes to May minutes. MNeale recorded changes. There was some discussion and it was decided that BOD minutes will be sent to members for review.

Discussed June meeting minutes. Discussed voting and what constitutes a quorum. Motion to edit June minutes to say “motion passed” 3-1. Approved.

Old business:

Gold leader program report by Frank. Made a visit to Boy Scouts at Camp Mataguay. Had a very good reception. Steve B took lots of  pictures. Should help for next year’s  program Gold Leader application with AMA.

Jim B talked about his visit to High Tech High and the activities. He made a presentation on RC equipment and how the components work.

Need to revisit Gold Leader in September to make sure we have everything needed for next years application.

PaulG PayPal update –it is up and running and all seems to be working well. Showed the printout and how it works.  Paul G brought up the fact that the costs could range up to $400 year depending on how many members use the service. Tim made the point that using PayPal will reduce the work for the membership person.

Jim B autonomous flight report. Reported on activities at the field. Tim talked about area 51 and what the field looks like and a free flight event. Reported some successful UAV tests he saw at area 51 of a X8.  Jim reports that there were autonomous flights at SEFSD. FrankG discussed his views on autonomous activities stating that while he is not opposed to operations that stay with in the field boundaries it is his view that the filed is too small for such operations.

Discussed rotor days at the bay and sponsors, costs and raffle prizes. Approved up to $300 for getting raffle prizes for event. Motion made and approved. FrankG will arrange for raffle prizes with Discount Hobbies. Discussed the need first aid kit for trailer before rotor event. Discussed getting fire extinguishers for rotor event.

Safety report by Chuck reported that hovering over the runway is becoming a problem as reported by a club member. Frank discussed flight issues he has seen at the field.  Frank said that the runway must be kept clear–no hovering for expended periods on the runway. The same no hovering rule apply to all types of “hovering”–helicopters, multicopters and fixed wing.

Runway condition report by JimB–all OK

PaulG report–The treasure presented a report that is available for members to review—-please contact PaulG for more detailed information.

EMAC discussion by Tim–will  hold event on the 27th as scheduled.  Will see how things work out and see if we should host more events. Seem to be a problem in contacting Jeffery Kuehn-he has the scoring computer.  Mike N said that we need to hold events as scheduled.

FrankG discussed Wounded Warrior program.  Tim moved that club match any member donations on the flying on the 17th of August. Tim will run hot dog roast at the event. Try to get the word out to members to attend.

Discussed indoor flying and if we should continue supporting the activity. Jim said that some people flying at  Mission Bay think there is little value to them. PaulG says we are due for a payment in August. Will ask if another day than Friday can be scheduled for next year since many people have other activities on Friday evenings.

Newsletter–still have one

Discussed trailer storage.–JimB will explore other storage options closer to the field. Since SteveN is unable to continue free  use of a covered locked garage locked his apartment building based on the current economic climate. SteveN did offer to continue storage for $100/month which is about 1/2 the going rate for a garage in that area.

Discussed possible added class to electro glide–Jim will review the proposed rules.

Fence proposal from Tim to redo the fence with chain link. Will take a look at options and discuss at future meetings. Costs expected to be between $2000-3000 depending on type of material.

Parking lot plan from Tim. Will explore getting the ruts fixed. Cost est to be $4000 if we pay for it.

Any other business–none

Next meeting the 21st of August 7pm

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BOD Minutes for June 2013

Old Site Posts

June 19th BOD meeting(revised)

Tim A called meeting to at 7:08

Motion made and approved to delay approval of May BOD minutes until July meeting when Frank and MNeale can attend.

TimA reported on Gold Leader program and that we are supporting the goal with school activities.

PayPal proposal discussion by Paul. Paul showed proposed pages and details. Discussed adding a 2 year option for SEFSD memberships. Paul proposed that the PayPal payment be implemented by August 1st. Proposal passed.

There was a discussion regarding raising dues in the future–will discuss further when we have a meeting with all the members.

Jim B made a motion to allow autonomous operation at the SEFSD field with out any further restrictions through the end of the year if operated under AMA 550 and 560 guidelines. SteveN suggested that the discussion be deferred until MNeale and Frank are present for a meeting.  PaulG made a motion to allow autonomous operation. Motion passed 3-1 in favor.

Rotor days at the Bay showed flyer and will have action plan for the next meeting.

Signs–look good –thanks Chuck and Jack. Frank–thank Jack for work.

safety–no problems

Runway–under budget–looks good–JimB Discussed fixing parking lot holes. Ask Don G for ideas to fix them–TimA
Discussed getting new netting–JimB proposed getting new net for up to $100–motion approved.

Treasures report with Paul. Presented new format for finical reports. Motion to approve new format approved.

Membership report–we have  306 members. Discussed who can take over membership chairman in November from MikeE

Calendar–discussed Bomb drop event–had 22 pilots–declared a success. Discussed F5B team selection conflict with electro glide in October–will figure out what to do.

Next general meeting at PG on 7/23

Alliant efest canceled event. Will look to reschedule in the future. Discussed renewing indoor venue. Need to discuss this in more detail. Wait until July to discuss with full board is available. When is the bill due Frank?

No newsletter report

OMBAC report TimA reports on planning. Discussed events that are planned–including banner towing and formation flying. May limit the type of flying and planes to slow foam due to safety concerns. Insurance? BOD members are concerned about safety and club risks. July 8th will be decision day for what is flown

Next meeting on 17 July

Meeting over at 8:52Pm

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