Things are finally cooling off and recent rain has left the field in fine condition. It’s still pretty dry in the outlying area though, so please continue being diligent with fire safety. We continue to request the city keep our are safe by restricting access to non-members when the gate is closed. The city did respond by placing the railroad ties, but there are still determined people that move the boulders to access the field. There continues to be damage to the parking lot and people dumping trash on site. Our part in this is to lock the gate when there are no members on site. Please – if you are the last one out, Lock the gate behind you.
I have seen some distressingly unsafe things this past month that I would like to touch upon. With the nature of our hobby, we need to be extremely aware of what is happening around us. There were a couple more incidents of planes having an abrupt landing in the pit area or parking lot this month. While I generally get on the pilot for not warning others, I understand that they are busy trying to save their aircraft. If you see it, whether it’s your aircraft or not – please loudly warn others. Also, I continue to see people walking onto the runway without actually looking both ways to ensure it is clear. While some do call out that they intend to cross, they do not always call out loudly enough to be heard at all of the gates. We HAVE to look and be safe! I had someone step out 10 feet in front of a 30 lb plane that was on final – at head height. His statement afterword? You guessed it – “ Well I said I was crossing! ” The same thing goes for preparing to take off – Just saying “Taking Off” does not mean its ok to taxi out in front of people already landing, and in one case, two jets that were landing next to each other in formation when a trainer type aircraft slowly taxied out in front of them both… If you hear another pilot call out, and they are using their inside voice instead of their MAN voice, please feel free to pass it on in a louder manner so others are aware.
For those of you that remember our past club member Bak Kahn, or “Captain Bak” as he was affectionately known, I had a chance to visit him and his family in the Portland area late September. He is staying away from the drama in downtown Portland and is doing great things. He has attempted to find a local flying site, but seems to only find grumpy clubs. I’m thinking the friendly atmosphere he enjoyed at SEFSD may have spoiled him. I’m trying to convince him to visit before Christmas.
There will be some minor changes in the make-up of the Board of Directors for 2022. Most of the Board members have agreed to stay on for another year. THANK YOU TO EACH !!! We will say Thank You and farewell to our current Secretary, Eric Shapiro – and will possibly shift a few current members around in positions. I have had one member say he would like to join the BOD ( Thanks Larry Kosta!! ) and am still awaiting an answer from 2 others ( Dave?, Larry? ) who made previous suggestive comments about serving. I will firm the possible nominations up and determine whether there will be active competition for any position – which will require a vote. If seats are spoken for without challenge, there will not need to be a vote.
Quan is finalizing the details for the club banquet which will be held on Jan 15th. It should be an amazing event this year, making up for the one we missed last year. Once ticket sales are announced I recommend jumping on them, seating will be limited, and even alligator tears will not get you a seat once sold out…
The club meeting and fun fly at the field will take place on Saturday the 23rd at the field starting at 10:00 AM. Jovi has an interesting twist on the Bomb Drop that I am looking forward to! Following the fun fly, we will have Hotdogs provided by Fritz and cooked by Carl.
With the holidays coming this may be the last meeting at the field this year, so come out and join us!!
Have a great month and be safe!
Brad
