Hi guys, I hope that you all had a nice relaxing Christmas and a happy start to the New Year. I hope you have all been keeping to your new year’s resolutions!
The committee would like to thank all of the members who attended the AGM in November last year, many items were discussed and it was good to have the members involved. One notable outcome from the meeting is the appointment of Dave Harradine as grounds keeper for the field. Dave will take charge of grass cutting for the club on our nice new mower, if anyone feels that the grass could do with a trim please give Dave a bell on 07974234785.
To date the club has 38 members, with two new members: David Akers and Bob Jones son Michael Jones, welcome to the club chaps. Also congratulations to Andrew Bailey for successfully passing his ‘B’ certificate!
INCIDENT AT QUEENS FIELD
Although not everyone is aware we would like to clarify the incident at Queen’s field where a battery came loose and the main lead disconnected, leaving the aircraft with no electrical power, therefore invalidating the “fail safe” on the transmitter.
Will all members please make sure that their battery is securely mounted in the aeroplane, plus the main electrical lead from the battery is either tie wrapped or a safety lead lock is fitted.
This is a reminder that each member is solely responsible for putting an aircraft into the air in an airworthy condition and that safety is the number one priority.
The above incident resulted in the aircraft crashing into the field. However, having no control over the aircraft left the operator feeling extremely stressed as we all know the housing estate, the road and the railway track are very close to our flying area.
2012 EVENTS
Following on from the success of last year’s club events we have decided to list all of 2012’s events now so as to give everyone as much notice as possible – so keep these dates free!
As promised there will be more prizes for the events and at next year’s AGM we will be having various awards such as ‘best crash’ and ‘most improved pilot’ etc. All of the events are listed in the 2012 Diary page, including a new one - ‘jet day’ this is provisionally down for Friday the 13th July (perhaps the worst day to hold such an event . . . !?). This will be held at Hullavington but could be subject to change due to operational requirements of the Airfield. The idea is simple – if you want to have a go at flying a turbine without buying one, come along and whilst firmly attached to a buddy box you can experience it! Confirmation of date and time will be posted nearer to the date – so watch this space!
CHARGING LI – PO BATTERIES
Bob Jones has kindly written the following guidance for the safe use of Li – po batteries. Please read the BMFA newsletter and handbook regarding this matter. Will all members please follow the following precautions at both flying sites:
1. Do not charge li-po batteries near other member’s cars. 2. Do not leave your li-po batteries to bake in your car on hot days 3. When charging your batteries in the pit area make sure they are a safe distance from your plane and other members models, also that you monitor them at all times. 4. When charging your batteries in your plane, make sure that your model is isolated from other members models and that you have a fire extinguisher handy, bearing in mind that water is not much use on electrical fires.
VALEDICTION
We would all like to say a big farewell to John Faithfull, who has decided not to renew his membership with the club as he has joined a club closer to him in Bristol. John has been a dedicated member of our club for twenty years! He has made many friends and we hope that he takes away lots of happy memories and landings from his time ‘down the field’
We wish you all the very best John and hope you continue to fly well and have plenty of happy landings.
Just a final thought: If anyone has a photograph of a model (no matter how old or new) you would like included in the Newsletter please feel free to send it to me.
Hopefully see you soon guys, happy landings for now,