Hey Fliers,
Welcome to 2026!
Our annual banquet went off without a hitch on Saturday the 17th. The food was amazing, as were the prizes received by Members and Guests. Thank you to Brian Glensky for selecting and transporting the member prizes, and Lisa for selecting and bringing the guest prizes. The winners were very happy.
Thanks to our Vice President, Jovi Murek, for being our MC for the event. He made it a lot of fun – and didn’t get mad when I picked on him. Thanks Frank and Jim for taking time to make the outstanding video presentations!! A few people missed out because they procrastinated in the purchasing of tickets. We needed to give final attendance numbers to the venue on the 9th, and I had 4 or 5 folks still asking for tickets during the following week. As Frank Sutton starts posting the amazing pictures on Face Book, hopefully you will make a mental note to buy your tickets early next year.
We have changed the locks at the gate and on the bathroom to reflect the new 4 digit code for 2026. The combination is printed on the back of your 2026 membership card. Please renew if you intend to fly at our site. There are no “ Guest privileges “ for returning members. You will be asked to leave if you cannot produce a current membership card. If your AMA is about to expire, our renewal system will not allow you to renew unless you have an AMA membership that is valid for at least the next 90 days. Please wear/display your 2026 card any time you are flying.
A few notes about recent events at the field:
The flying surface is in great shape at the moment due to the rain received in December and January. There’s one, maybe two rainy days remaining before we go into dry months. This is the time we really need to think about what we want the runway to be like for the rest of the year. Some of you simply cannot stand to lose a day of flying without having fits. If it rains on Tuesday, and the sun is out on Wednesday, that doesn’t mean the runway can support flight operations on Wednesday… We have a clay surface with a light coating of sand. The clay can take 2-4 days to firm up after a storm. Foot prints left now in the mud could potentially remain in the surface until August. People argue that their light plane won’t make any marks, but when its stuck in the mud – they need to walk their entire 200 lbs. out to retrieve it. We attempt to put the red lock on when the surface is wet, but if you make it in and the runway is soft – please don’t fly.
Again with the issue of LOUDLY calling your intentions at the field. Whether you intend to take off, land, cross the runway, or do a low pass – you need to let others know. Pitch your voice so it can be heard at least 2 gates away. If you can’t be LOUD – ask someone to call out for you. Whispering to yourself simply doesn’t get it done. If you are crossing the runway, YOU need to treat it like you are crossing a highway. LOOK BOTH WAYS before stepping out. Last week I heard someone quietly say “ On the runway ” and immediately step in front of a 90mm jet that was on final. The jet pilot had called his landing, but the walking person hadn’t heard it… That was nearly a 90mm head shot.
As you land and plan your path to taxi your plane back to the gate, always plan to taxi out of the center to a position near the fence – then continue towards you. DON’T taxi down the center line as others behind you in the pattern may be landing and assumed you had cleared the way. We had a new member finish his first ever flight and end up underneath one of Marks composite jets as it landed. There was a fair amount of damage to both.
If you saw my Email note last week, I mentioned that there have been a few complaints that members are relieving themselves in the pit area next to their vehicles – instead of using the porta potty. I have spoken with one, and will talk with another that was identified. Please do not follow their example. If the facility is too far away for you to walk – please start flying from gates 5 or 6 so you are closer. In this situation, there will be a verbal discussion, followed by an official letter of reprimand by the BOD, then if the pattern persists – membership will be revoked.
The first club meeting at the field/fun fly event for 2026 will be this Saturday, the 24th. The event will be POKER FLY, which will start at 10AM. Come down for some fun, Club Information, And Hot Dogs cooked by Mark!
Stay Safe,
Brad
