Hello guys, happy New Year to you all! I hope that you have had a wonderful Christmas and New Year. The committee would like to thank all of you who attended the AGM back in November, there were a total of 29 attendees and 9 apologies, which was fantastic, thank you. We felt that the evening went well and that plenty of items on the agenda got sorted, which is all good. Most of the memberships have been renewed for 2011; the club now has 37 members. One of which is a new member, Adrian Loud – welcome aboard! Following on from some of the discussions that took place during the AGM the instructors list on the last page of the newsletter now includes what each instructor is willing and able to teach and what times would suit them best to do so. Also included in the newsletter is a diary of events for the coming year.
CLUB WEBSITE Some of you may be aware that we have a website up and running with thanks to Steve Purkiss (and his son) it has pictures and all sorts of bits and pieces on it. If you would like to add or have any comments/suggestions do get in touch with Steve. What we would like is other sites such as the BMFA, model shops etc link to our site, if anybody has any contacts do get in touch. The address is: northwiltsmodelaircraftclub.weebly.com
RAF LYNEHAM Dave Ruskin has received a letter from the senior air traffic control officer at Raf Lyneham, stating that Lyneham will be closing on the 30th of September. After this date we will no longer be required to telephone air traffic control to inform them of our model flying activities – yippee!
CHANGES TO THE ‘B’ CERTIFICATE TEST The BMFA have issued a few changes to the ‘B’ certificate test (these will be reflected in our own club rules):
‘In the fixed wing B test there were exceptions allowed for two manoeuvres, the bunt and 3 turn spin. These no longer apply. The candidate is responsible for supplying a model that will both spin and bunt’.
‘Standing behind the aircraft out on the open runway during take-off is no longer permitted. The pilot must stand off the runway for the entirety of the flight, including landings (preferably in the pilot’s box if so marked). This is a rule in many clubs and so brings the test standards into line with safe practice’.
The committee would like to see more members in the club, who are already an ‘A’ certificate, have a bash at the ‘B’ certificate, This would make the general club flying ability higher and give the club more pilots who able to fly at displays, which could help promote our club. We have listed some instructor coaching day, dates in the diary below where at least 2 instructors will be on hand to teach and give advice to anyone interested in either training for their ‘B’ or generally practising their flying skills.
TRACK As discussed at the AGM the club fees have raised, part of the reason for this was so that the club can keep the track in a more useable state all year round. As a result we have purchased a pile of hardcore which is currently at the field; within the next fortnight it will be placed on the track (after the surface has been scraped to remove the mud). This will make it much more passable during the next few months.
2011 DIARY (See 2011 Web Page for details) Keith simpkins has suggested a few more event days such as a scale day, a vintage day and possibly a combat day like the panic team that performs at Woodspring wings! Any of these ideas float your boat? If so get in touch with the committee and we’ll sort something.