Our efforts to establish a Letter of Agreement with Lindbergh air traffic control continue. I would like to thank BOD members Quan, Steve, and Eric for their Efforts. Also a big Thank you to Steve Manganelli for his contributions and experience dealing with Government entities. Our LOA was submitted this week and we are waiting for a reply from the officials involved. While this process is underway we have not been instructed to cease operations, so we are still using our site. It is very important that we adhere to the posted guidelines at our site. Please make a STRONG effort to keep aircraft below 400 feet. Some folks have a harder time judging altitude than others – so If you think “I wonder if I am too high?” – You are too high and should not linger. Along these lines, Jeff has also reduced the motor run times for Electroglide to keep the gliders closer to our limits.
Late last month we had an Officer from the FAA visit our site. He was happy we were in talks with the tower, but was very unhappy that less than half of the models (Planes AND Multi-rotors) on site had FAA registration numbers displayed per the current legislation. While neither I nor the BOD members serve as FAA Police, and are not going to be inspecting your craft – I am motivated to state that the FAA requirement to register yourself and display your numbers can get you in hot water legally and the possibility of a hefty fine is not out of the question. 99% of us are grown-ups, Nuff said…
The Independence Day Raffle went fairly well, We had more funds come in than last year, but still not as much as I was hoping for. As we make plans for the next Post – Holiday Banquet we will determine if the members will have to kick in for their meal as they did last year. I am looking for a volunteer or two to help with the banquet committee this year, Please let Me, Tony, or Quan know if you would like to get involved!
Speaking of Independence Day, The weather cooperated and the fireworks show was the best we have had in the last couple of years! The breeze was perfect and blew the smoke away to give a great view from our field. Thanks to those on site for carrying their trash out with them. Our area was the cleanest part of Mission Bay the next morning.
The outlying field area is very dry, please be careful! Those with extinguishers please be ready if we need you! We are setting up a water truck and roller in the next couple of weeks to get the field back in shape, but I still need to ask you to not kick at pebbles and rocks in the surface as that only makes things worse.
Obviously the cool months are behind us and as we get ready or August and September I need to throw out the need for sun block, and hydration. We have had a few members show up this year looking like bandaged mummies after having cancers removed, try to avoid long term exposure if you can! A couple of summers ago a member was suffering from severe dehydration and almost was hospitalized. Bring Water for you and any pets! I have had people approach me and ask for water, and while I like to share, if I give you my water- then I have to leave earlier than planned. Fair?? Not really. Bring your own fluids.
This month’s fun fly event on the 27th will be the Flea Circus. Between 10 AM and Noon all flight will be restricted to Micro aircraft. There should be some neat events! Our usual hot dog lunch and board meeting will follow.
I hope everyone has a GREAT month,
Brad
