Hey Guys, only a couple of quick things from me this month.
One of the best things about our club is the lack of DRAMA on site. For the most part everyone respects each other, and treats each other with the dignity and respect they would like to have for themselves. Periodically, we get a pilot come to us from another club that is used to drama and blatantly disrespecting others. It has become a habit for them to continuously fly in an aggressive manner that is flat out dangerous to other members and their aircraft, to the point where it begins to degrade the experience for everyone.
Sadly, since this has been their main flying experience to date – they don’t feel they are doing anything wrong, and get upset if anyone says anything to them or about them. There are a few new members that have come from the Chollas and Chula Vista clubs recently that are in this category. I have personally spoken to them on numerous occasions, but need some help from members. If it’s only me doing the talking, they tend to blow me off with the idea that “ Brad just doesn’t like me”. Couldn’t be further from the truth – I want EVERYONE to have a great experience at our site! A little peer pressure can go a long way if you are trying to get someone to be a better citizen at our field. You don’t have to be mean, or angry – just mention ( often if necessary ) to them that they are being unsafe and it affects you in a negative manner. Hopefully the aggressive attitudes will relax and stop shortly. I have brought this issue to the Board of Directors. We are in agreement that since I have given verbal warning to the aggressors, My next step will be a written warning – followed by expulsion from our club. Having a dozen members tell me “ I HATE THAT GUY!”, or “ I stopped flying because of him” is not the way to move forward.
We are at the point in the year where we start to solicit new blood for the BOD for next year. I have heard some amazing ideas from many of you. You should consider joining the Board next year and show us what you have. If you would like to sit in at the September meeting on the 6th, let a BOD member know – you are invited!
I am still collecting monies through the 50/50 fundraiser conducted on every event day. So far club members have won over $2,500 dollars – CASH MONEY! That means I have also collected over $2,500 towards reducing the ticket costs per guest at the banquet – and an additional raffle prize or two. You can’t win if you don’t play!
The tropical storm did a great job in smoothing out some of the rougher spots of the runway, no excuses – Let’s Fly!
Brad
Addendum to Brad’s article
Team,
There was an incident at the field this week that needs a quick discussion.
An out of control plane went into the field area at the west end of the runway on Thursday, and the batteries let the flames out in a manner we haven’t seen in the last few years. Club members rushed to the site with an extinguisher and when the pin was pulled, and handle squeezed, it failed to light off. Members started stamping the flames down with their feet while another ran to his truck for a couple gallons of drinking water he had, and they were able to extinguish the flames.
A couple of notes:
While battery technology has been getting better over the last few years, it is still something we have to respect at all times- while using, and while charging.
Years ago the BOD gave out approximately 250 Fire extinguisher to members with the words to bring them when you fly – and if you use it, replace it so you still have one for the field. Where are they now?
If you have one of these, when was the last time you looked at the charge indicator and verified the needle was in the green area?
If you are fairly new to the hobby – I highly recommend purchasing a small extinguisher and mounting it in your vehicle for onsite use ( does no good in your shed at home).
If you have one of the small extinguishers manufactured by KIDDE with a plastic nozzle, they have been known to fail because the handle can break when squeezed too hard. There is a 800 number on the label that you can call for a free replacement.
Finally, We are the first line of defense for a fire at our site. Do everything possible to extinguish the flames without putting your personal safety at risk. If a fire does get out of control in our area, members need to evacuate the immediate danger area and call 911. Report the area as South Shores PKWY .
Be Safe!
Brad
