Casa Grande RC Flyers, Inc

Minutes for Friday March 6, 2024 Board Meeting

The meeting was called to order by Alan Friedman, President, at 11:01AM

Those in attendance were: Woody McFarland, Ronald Crawford, Nancy Friedman, Alan Friedman, Maurie Sumption, and Brian Downing.

A motion by Maurie was made to accept the minutes from the last meeting as read and was seconded by Woody.  It was approved by a unanimous vote.

The Treasurer’s Report for the first quarter was presented by Nancy Friedman.  A motion by Brian was made to accept the report with it being seconded by Roland. It was approved by a unanimous vote.

Alan reported that our membership numbers are down slightly from last year which is reflected in the numbers of residents at Palm Creek, Sun Dance, and various other snowbird parks which are also down.

Old Business:

A motion was made by Woody and seconded by Maurie to approve of Alan making any necessary summer maintenance decisions.  This was approved by a unanimous vote. 

It was suggested by Brian we replace the tabletops with a new composite material from Lowe’s.  It will be Brian’s responsibility to look into this.

New Business:

Due to the passing of Ron St. Pierre, the position of Vice President is vacant which Maurie Sumption volunteered to fill.  He was voted into this position unanimously.

Date for the fall 2024 board meeting was set for October 15^th at 11 AM.

Maurie made a motion that all future board meeting luncheons will be paid by each individual board member not by the club. Nancy seconded this motion and it was passed unanimously.

Date for the annual general meeting of 2024 and suggested place will be the responsibility of Woody.

Date for spring 2025 board meeting is set for Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at 11 AM

Help and flyers are need at our airshow this Saturday.  All board members in attendance promised to help at the show with Roland opening the gate at 8 AM.  Brian has taken over the position of safety officer.

With no other new business, the meeting was adjourned by Alan at 11:26 PM.

Respectfully submitted by Nancy Friedman, Secretary/Treasurer

RC Flyers Board Meeting, October 30, 2023

The meeting was called to order by President, Alan Friedman, at 10:02 AM.

 In attendance were Roland Crawford, Woody McFarland, Henry Givre, Brian Downing, Alan Friedman, and Nancy Friedman

Approval of minutes from the last board meeting on March 6, 2023 was recommended by Henry and seconded by Brian. The board approval was unanimous.

Approval of the Treasurer’s report year to date 10/25/2023 was recommended by Henry and seconded by Brian. The board approval was unanimous.

President’s Report

Alan stated the car track was in disrepair despite the weeds being killed, but they were still standing and asked if anyone had a weed whacker.

Henry recommended the track just be removed and leveled if possible. Five members, plus Ron’s proxy vote given to Nancy, voted to remove the track.  Alan abstained, but because of the vote, will be removing reference to the track from the website.  The two tables designated as track tables will be moved to the swap meet area. It was also recommended the large spikes used to hold down the track bumpers be saved.

A large trash barrel will be placed in our parking lot next week and request the members to help clean up the area. We thank the city for the barrel.

Old Business

1. AMA Grants and Awards

Alan has applied for every grant or award possible for our club.

• So far, we have received $175 for our advertising of the AMA and our club in the newspaper and on TV.
• Our club has also received $640 for the Take Off and Grow Grant.
• Finally, when a new AMA member joins on our club website, the club receives $25 each for which we have acquired an extra $125.
• Our club was one of the first clubs to be designated as a “FRIA.”
•  

1. Resurfacing of Tables

This was done this past week for $400, but may need to be done yearly.

1. A request by Alan to choose a number between one and 25 for the drawing on November 1^st for anyone who joined or renewed by October 31^st.  The prize will be a Texas Roadhouse Gift Pack. If #25 doesn’t answer the call on November 1st or want the gift pack, the second number will be #16.

New Business

1. Officer’s Positions

• Track Director is no longer needed.
• Safety Director and Medical Director will be Henry Givre.
• Training Director: Maurie Sumption will continue at this time, until he decides if he needs to turn the job over to someone else.
• Event Director: Open.
• Corporation officers of President, Vice President, Secretary, & Treasurer remain unchanged.

1.  Our Proposed 2023 -2024 Major Event Schedule

• November 11, 2023: National Model Aviation Day & Swap Meet, 9 AM – 1:00, Benefiting the Hospice Charitable Fund of Central Arizona.
• December 9, 2023: P.I.N.A.L Fly-In and Swap Meet, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Benefiting the Pets In Need Action League
• January 13, 2024: Food Bank Fly-In and Swap Meet, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Benefiting St Vincent de Paul Food Bank
• February 10, 2024: Fly-In for Pets and Swap Meet, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Benefiting the Valley Humane Society.
• March 9, 2024: 10th Annual Air Show and Swap Meet, will benefit the Boys & Girls Club of the Sun Corridor.

1. Meeting dates for next year:

Board Meeting: Henry proposed and Woody seconded, that a board luncheon to be at a restaurant and be paid for by the club. The vote was four for the motion and 3 against the motion to include Alan, Nancy, and Ron’s proxy vote. Date and Time: March 5, 2024 at 11 AM.  A restaurant will be located by the Friedman’s

General Meeting: To be held sometime in February of 2024, in the evening, at a restaurant which has an area for meetings. Recommendations were IHOP or Cracker Barrel.  Exact date to depend on available restaurant.  It was also suggested we raffle a prize to entice more members to come. All board members were tasked with finding a suitable restaurant.

Adjournment was at 10:31 AM

Respectfully submitted by Nancy Friedman, Secretary/Treasurer

Minutes of the March 6, 2023 Casa Grande RC Flyers’ Board Meeting

The meeting was called to order by the President, Alan Friedman, at 11 AM at the CG RC Flyer’s airfield with Maurie Sumption, Woody McFarland, Henry Givre, Alan Friedman, and Nancy Friedman in attendance. Ron St. Pierre was unable to attend with his proxy given to Nancy Friedman. Jim Hernandez resigned from the board in September of 2022 because of his employment demands.

Minutes of the last meeting and the Treasurer’s report of January 1, 2023 through March 6, 2023 were unanimously approved

All board members approved the vote to keep the same officers, but to search out a replacement for Jim Hernandez.

All events for the coming season of 2023 and 2024 were also unanimously approved.

Jobs for the upcoming March 11^th airshow were discussed.

1. Maurie will do his usual flight training.
2. Nancy and Woody will promote and collect money for the raffle which will be for RC items and non-RC items.
3. Alan will collect money for swap table fees, those who wish to fly but are not members of our club, and those who wish to become members.

 It was also noted for those who want to join the AMA, the new application can be found on line.  Also, every AMA member should have their membership card when wishing to fly and all CG RC Flyers members must wear their membership badge when at the field.

A report from Henry Givre who attended the Casa Grande Airport Fly-In stated Brian Downing was quite the salesperson for our club.

When asked if there was any more business, it was suggested by Henry and Maurie the club get two new poles for our runway airsocks and place the poles 10 feet further back to the east than they are now. If no members can be found to do this task, Alan will hire someone to do this, as well as, replacing and painting pilot tables that are in disrepair. All board members agreed to this expense.

A request by Maurie and Henry was to ask the city to grade level the desert area at both ends of the runway and the desert area on the west side of the petromat runway.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:18 AM with a motion by Henri Givre which was seconded by Woody McFarland.

Respectively submitted by Nancy Friedman, Secretary/Treasurer

Minutes of the Casa Grande RC Flyers’ Board Meeting of 11/6/20

The meeting was brought to order by Alan Friedman, President, at 11:05 AM.  In attendance at the airfield were Henry Givre, Woody McFarland, Ron St. Pierre, and Nancy Friedman.

Alan announced the replacement of Win Koch with Rick Downing who unfortunately could not be at the meeting due to a sickness in the family.  Alan commended Win on his service and hard work on behalf of the club.

Maurie Sumption was unavailable due to surgery.

Both the Minutes and Treasurer’s Reports were approved and seconded.

President’s Report

The annual summer meeting with the Mayor was canceled due to the Covid virus.

Although all permits for events were sent to the city, no events were approved for public attendance due to the Covid virus. The city will allow our club events with AMA members only in attendance providing masks and social distancing be observed. All charities the club has previously sponsored have been notified they cannot come to the field to collect donations as in previous years. 

Swap meet tables will be free this year, but a parking fee of $10 per carload of people who are AMA members will be allowed into the field by showing their AMA membership.  All of our club members will park for free.  Alan hopes the parking fee will help with any deficit we may encounter this year.  If there is extra money from the parking fee, he will request a board vote to divide the extra money to our supported charities.

Only one Canadian has rejoined at the time of the meeting and Alan feels not many more will be forthcoming.  At this time only 28 members have renewed or joined for 2021.  Unfortunately, the AMA is behind in their processing of their mail in membership applications which affects our ability to easily check AMA numbers and expiration dates when people apply for membership to our club.

National Aviation Day is coming up on the 14^th of November at which time Alan will present two checks, one each, to Pets in Action League and the Valley Humane Society which he was able to secure through grants from the Diane Warren Foundation. He also has a surprise from the AMA award to present.

Old Business

The General dinner meeting at Golden Coral was canceled due to the Covid virus.  The next board meeting is scheduled to be at the airfield on Tuesday, March 16^th,at 11 AM.

New Business

With Maurie unable to teach free flying lessons for a month, Ron has agreed to teach while Maurie is recovering.  We can give out his telephone number.

Alan reapplied for the Field Improvement Grant with the AMA since the runway work was done within the last 12 months.  Hopefully, this will give us the cushion needed to repair and resurface our flight tables.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:30 AM.

Minutes For March 6, 2020 Board Meeting Lunch.

Call to order

The meeting was called to order at 11:35 AM.  In attendance were Alan Friedman, Nancy Friedman, Win Koch, Henry Givre, and Woody McFarland

Read and approve last meeting minutes

The minutes were approved.

Treasurer’s Report read by Nancy Friedman and was approved

Old Business:

President’s report:

• Car track work done by Rick Downing and Jim Hernandez.  Also two new members are also using the car track, John and Annmarie

• Replaced weather station due to the old one not functioning.  Alan has fixed the old weather station, but not the rain gauge.  It was determined not to send the unit back just to fix the rain gauge since it seldom rains here.

• Table Painting was done, but only with one coat and will need another it appears. 

New Business

• Runway Work

One March 19^th the airstrip will have 2 layers of slurry seal applied and rolled.  Since we waited to have the work done when the equipment was available, the price was discounted.  Ron had checked other sites where this company had done the same type of treatment and felt it worth the money.  They claim it will be smooth and last 3-5 years.  We will try to save $1000/yr. for retreatment.

While talking about the runway, Woody and Win stated they would like to use our leftover petromat to make taxiways from the airstrip to the pilot stations. It was determined we had the large spikes and it was fine to do.

• Trash Pick-up

Win picked up 2 trash bags weighing 40lbs the previous week.  Nancy stated she reminded Rick Downing, about the membership deal for kids under 19 if they would come out and help clean up the field.

• Event Schedule for 2020 -2021

The change in the starting time for events from 8 AM to 9 AM was approved.  A discussion about changing the February date due to any conflict with the Superstition Air Show was brought up by Nancy.  The board voted in majority not to change from the second Saturday of the month for this event.

November 14^th will be National Aviation Day with the Boys and Girls Club as the Charity

December 12^th will be a Food Bank Fly-In with the CG Food Bank as the Charity

January 9^th will be a P.I.N.A.L Fly-In with the Pets In Need Action League as the Charity

February 13^th will be a Fly-In For Pets with the Valley Humane Society as the Charity

March 13^th The Annual Air Show with Hospice Charitable Fund of Central AZ as the Charity

• Dues Structure & Renewal Dues

Alan brought forth a suggestion of increasing the new membership dues to $75 for 15 months from September through December of the following year.  After discussion, it was felt the increase to $75 would be more of a deterrent to membership.  A majority voted not to increase the new membership dues.  New member dues remain at $60.00 and renewal will also be unchanged at $50.00.

• Date for fall 2020 board meeting

November 6^th, 2020 was selected for the fall board meeting to be held at the Robson Ranch Grill at 11 AM

• Date for annual meeting

The target date will be the first week in February with the date to be determined by when the room at the Golden Corral is available.

• Date for spring 2021 board meeting.

It was decided to choose this date at the fall 2020 board meeting on November 6^th.

• Blow off petromat runway before air show

Win and Woody will do this job on 3/11/2020 before the Air Show

• Help needed at air show

Win will be checking in nonmembers who wish to fly or drive with Woody’s help

• Summer visit with the mayor

Nancy suggested our two new local board members, Henry and Maurie, attend with Alan the summer visit to the mayor.  Alan thought that to be a good idea.

• Club Promotion

Win suggested a flyer be made to promote the club and it be taken to all the RV parks.  Henry suggested we take it to the college also.  Win will make the flyer.

The meeting was adjourned at 12:30.

Submitted by Nancy Friedman, Secretary

Minutes for the General Meeting of the Casa Grande RC Flyers Feb. 4, 2020

The meeting was called to order at 6PM with 19 members and guests in attendance.

The Minutes of last General Meeting held Dec.4, 2018 were approved

The Treasurer’s Report was presented with Nancy noting two annual fees having already been paid for the year, but to expect another ~$550 for the port-a-potty.  The large donation of RC airplanes, an RC car, and supplies by the widow of a recently deceased member made up the bulk of the income for the January.

President’s Report

• Rodney Hexter stepped down from his position

• Change in Board from 5 to 7 members

• New directors included Maurie Sumption, Woody McFarland, and Henry Givre

• Revised car track.  Thanks to Rick Downing and Jim Hernandez

• City’s installation of directional road signs to the CG RC Flyers airfield

Vice President’s Report

Ron suggested Alan send out to all members the proposed FAA rules and requested and what the AMA’s thoughts are on these rules, and then each member make their comments known in writing to the FAA by March 2, 2020. If we want to keep our FRIA airspace, our club would have to apply within 120 days of the law going into effect. without remote identification. A key concern is that the UAS must not be further than 400 feet radius from the controller.  (Not just fly below 400 ft.)

Those who fly at other locations not at a FAA-recognized identification areas need to understand the proposed identification requirements.  

The FAA is proposing to accept applications for FAA-recognized identification areas within 12 calendar months of the effective date of a final rule. At the end of that 12-month period, no new applications for FAA-recognized identification areas would be accepted. After that date, the number of FAA-recognized identification areas could therefore only remain the same or decrease. Over time, the FAA anticipates that most UAS without remote identification will reach the end of their useful lives or be phased out. As these numbers dwindle, and as compliance with remote identification requirements becomes cheaper and easier, the number of UAS that need to operate only at FAA-recognized identification areas would likely drop significantly.

Safety Officer’s report and comments

We have had some recent near misses at the airfield. Win suggests a spotter be used to give an alert to avoid injuries.  Also when one sees a real airplane flying low over our field it needs to be reported to the Prescott air service.  The phone number is posted on the board by the port-a-potty.  There are two big “Xs” at the end of our runway to make planes aware it is not a runway for their use. During the second Saturday events there are a first aid kit and fire extinguisher available.  However, when you are by yourself, it is advisable you have a small first aid kit available in case you are injured and the sea container is not open. 

Old Business

Actions completed on items discussed at last General Meeting

• All swap meet table tops plus one car track table top were replaced and paint, but free paint was not up to par and will need to be repainted with Rustoleum  product

• More pavers and secrete were placed around the port-a-potty by Woody and Rodney as it was being undermined by water runoff during rain storms

• The supports of the sunshades were cleaned and painted

• Henry Givre donated a propane tank so we would always have an extra

• A large garden cart with big wheels was purchased for the mobility of the generator along with a power strip to put on a table for charging.

• Ron St. Pierre, with the aid of Jerry Moore, has been running Combat and Glider Thursdays.

• Woody has volunteered to do fun flies again if the membership would still want these.  Woody would appreciate any suggestions. No members shown interest at the meeting.

• A literature box was purchased and placed by the gate by Win.  It was decided to be placed by the gate where the person opening the gate could sign in and the person signing out can mention how many people were at the field plus note any items which may need repair or other issues of concern.  This is also of benefit when Alan talks with the mayor of Casa Grande each summer.

New Business

• Locking the Port-a-Potty.  Do not leave it unlocked or leave the lock set at the numbers to open it.  People have been coming over from the shooting range.  Stan saw a person pick the lock.  If this continues, the lock code will be changed and an email will be sent out.

• A work crew to paint table tops, headed by Ron St. Pierre, will meet on Feb. 13^th after combat flying to paint the tabletops.

• Helpers for March Air Show. We will need flyers to help put on the air show this year.  Please volunteer.

• Days/times for RC auto racing were tabled until there are more interested members.

• Runway repaving will be discussed by the board if our AMA grant is approved and the board is satisfied with the end results of the samples seen.

• Changing the time for December and January Swap Meets from 8 AM to 9 AM was approved.

• Lease renewal coming up next year.  It will more than likely be approved, but let us all follow the safety rules so there will be no dissension or reason for denial of our lease.

• Still have a few items to sell from Angela’s donation which will be at the Swap Meet on Saturday, Feb.8^th.

• The Davis Instruments Weather Station is not functioning properly.  The board decided to purchase another unit to replace the nonfunctioning unit since a high ranger is always needed for anything need to be done to the unit.  The new unit will have a year’s warranty.  The old unit will be sent in to assess its nonfunctioning.  A decision will be made as to refurbishing it or buying parts.

• A request was made by Jerry Moore to be flexible on the February date of the swap meet to avoid conflict with the Arizona Electric Festival which our members would like to attend.

• Harry Givre asked if windsocks could be placed at the both ends of the runway on the pilot side of the airstrip so one doesn’t lose sight of their plane was checking the windsock when landing. Alan will purchase the stakes and asked Ron and Henry to follow up with the placement.

Meeting Adjourned at 6:55 PM

Minutes of the Board Meeting for November 22, 2019

Meeting called to order by President Alan Friedman.  Those Board members in attendance were Ron St. Pierre, Vice President; Nancy Friedman, Secretary/Treasurer; and Win Koch.  Also attending were Maurie Sumption and Woody McFarland.

A motion to accept the minutes of last meeting and the treasurer’s report sent by email was made by Win and seconded by Ron with unanimous approval.

President’s Report:

• Meeting with Mayor and other city officials

  The city officials seemed happy with what we do and feel renewal of our lease will be simple.  When Alan requested signs be made to both our airfield and the shooting range, two signs were installed in approximately 2 weeks.  One placed on Trekell Road and one on Arica Road.

  Because of problems with food vendors who must be licensed with the county and the city, the mayor and other city officials stated if the food is purchased or donated by a licensed source could be sold at our airfield since it would not be made onsite.

• New Pilot Only signs and fixing of pilot stations were done this summer by Alan & Nancy.

• Variety of Food Services for this season

  • Salsa Bites for November, January, and March.

  • Neighborz  Gourmet Hot Dogs for February

  • Pets in Need Action League will be selling coffee and donuts obtained from a licensed vendor for both December and February.

Prior to Old Business, a motion was made to accept Rodney Hexter’s resignation and to increase the size of the board from five members to seven members by Win and seconded by Ron.  The vote was unanimous.

Nominations to the Board were Maurie Sumption, Henry Givre, and Woody McFarland were made by Win with a second by Ron.  The vote was unanimous.

With an increase in the size of the board, the meeting was continued.

Old business

1. Review and discuss use of sign in book

   An explanation was given to the new board members as to the usefulness of the sign in book.  Since it was in place, the board decided to continue to use it.

2. Contest Director—Woody stated he would take the position.

   He was told to apply on the AMA website and Ron and Maurie would be good sources for suggestions.

3. Education

   Nancy reported she, Alan, and Ron attended the Villago Science Night, but Ron was unable to fly in their small gym and the DVD did not work properly.  We decided it was a waste of time since very few people came to where we were located.

New business

1. Safety Officer Appointment

   Since Win would only be a member of MAAC this next year, not the AMA, he could no longer be designated as the Safety Officer with the AMA.  Maurie volunteered to take on this job with Win’s help.

2. Replacing or fixing the rain gauge of weather station.

   It was decided to fix the rain gauge when the next battery needed to be replaced by city’s the high ranger, since the club was more worried about the wind not the rain.

3. Members, Jim Hernandez and Rick Downing, volunteered to expand the car track and add jumps to the center, to attract a younger set of members such as Rick’s church youth group.  They were hoping to get them into flying also. Free membership in the AMA is required to provide insurance and a free membership to our club in exchange for 2 hours of work were discussed.  All board members were in agreement and hoped this plan would bring in new young members.

4. Revisit port-a-pottie stabilization and funnel water around it somehow

   Woody said he would take on this job.  Rodney had previously recommended the use of Sackrete and Woody added gravel and sackrete should do the job.

5. Discussion of Runway Quotes and AMA Grants

   Alan presented 4 quotes for a topcoat of a slurry seal.  He also stated he had applied to the AMA for a grant also. . Woody expressed a need to make the runway smooth as it tears up Styrofoam planes easily.  Win and Ron had concerns about the product holding up as the contractors were road contractors, not runway contractor for RC planes.  Ron stated he had heard from another RC group, their runway had only held up for 3 years verses the 5-7 years stated by contractors.  Ron will do some further investigation and see if we could get a sample square placed on our field for a test or view another job.

6. Resurface tables not done with Rustoleum, as the free stain didn’t do much.  Redo legs of tables again with polyurethane or something better? It was decided to table this until all members of the board could view the tables.

7. Events and Charities: 

• November 9, 2019, National Aviation Day. Charity: Valley Humane Society.

• December 14, 2019   Fly In & Swap Meet.  Charity: Pets in Need Action League. 

• January 11, 2020, Fly-In for Hospice Charitable Fund of Central Arizona.

• February 8, 2020, Swap Meet.  Charity:  Boys and Girls Club

• March 14, 2020, March Air Show.  Charity: Casa Grande Food Bank.

• Help will be needed for the following jobs at these events (especially for 12/14/19)

1. Take in money for swap tables

2. Sign in nonmember flyers and collect landing fees

3. Person to time combat (if doing on a Saturday)

4. Parking director for food vendor (other vendors), swap meet participants, and charity personnel

5. Check toilet for cleanliness, dust, plus responsible for unlocking and locking for event

6. Putting up all flags: American, AMA, & MAAC only

7. Wipe down bleachers

8. Blowing off runways before events

9. Putting up charging tables

10. One to two people responsible for photography

11. Pick up trash and tumbleweeds

12. Someone responsible for locking up after event or making sure only members are left who know to lock up.

Ron, Maurie, and Woody volunteered to share the above duties for the December 14^th date.

1.  Date of General Meeting

The meeting will be held at the Golden Corral on Tuesday, February 4^th at 5 PM.

1. Date of next Board Meeting before the March Air Show is set for Friday, March 6^th, at 11:30 AM at the RR Grill.

2. Fund raising event during the winter season of 2021 for the AMA was discussed.  Even if the AMA brought their trailer with flight simulators, the board thought there would not be enough money to be made at this function to be feasible for the AMA.

3.  Use of our field for STEM Rocketry by CG Union High School by Steve Hardesty.  The board saw only potential problems such as overflying our boundaries and a fire hazard for this to be a partnership despite the fact we would love to have young members.  Win pointed out there was a Rocket Field by the Saguaro National Park and to let the school know.

4. A request for a donation for the Western Carolina Radio Club in Greer, SC was turned down as we have our own needs to think of first.

5.  Woody asked about using the extra petro mat to make taxi ways from table to airfield.  It was turned down due too much foot traffic in the area.

6. Maurie asked to have everyone’s phone number and email addresses.  It was then noted the website had such information, but no one could remember how to get onto the website.  Alan and Nancy will look for the sign in and password information and update the website so access can be made by all board members.

7. The meeting was adjourned at 1:50 PM.

Minutes of Board Meeting on February 26, 2019

The board meeting of the Casa Grande RC Flyers was called to order at 11:10 AM by Alan Friedman, President, with the following board members in attendance: Ron St. Pierre, Vice President; Nancy Friedman, Secretary/Treasurer; Rodney Hexter and Win Koch, Members at Large.

President’s Report

With donations from Lowes and Home Deport, the board was able to replace and paint 10 tabletops.  Thanks to Rodney, pavers were place around the toilet to provide a nice looking barrier to the water runoff from the airstrip and he also cleaned the support posts from 2 to 7 ft above the ground.

Alan thought the exposed legs of the pilot tables needed to have the spar varnish reapplied, plus apply the one gallon of color matched deck and concrete restorer to the tops of the pilots’ tables.

Since the striping machine was borrowed from Palm Creek, Alan will buy a striper for striping the airstrip and helicopter pad.

Minutes of last meeting sent by email were approved

Treasurer’s report also sent by email was approved with a comment on the budget numbers which had not been transferred to the budget yet.

Old business

Review and discuss use of sign in log

The waterproof box with sign in log has given us more information about the use of the field as far as number of people flying and time of day the field is being used.  Alan will use the information from the log when meeting with the mayor this summer.

Fun Fly organizer

Woody had stated he would consider the position.  We haven’t heard anymore about it.  We should ask him again.

Education

We have not heard anything from either high school concerning their STEAM fairs and one is this coming weekend.  We also haven’t heard from the Maricopa 4-H either.  However, we still may be requested to participate in the middle school summer program as we have done in the past two summers.

A motion was made and unanimously approved to keep the same officers for the coming year.

New business

March Air Show

The March Air Show will be to benefit the Valley Humane Society.  We are expecting a donation from Dianne Warren who is Alan’s cousin and loves animals. We will need to take picture of Alan giving check to the Valley Humane Society representatives.

Tony Quist will be representing Horizon Hobbies flying and presenting a seminar on the Spectrum transmitter.

Multiplex-Hi Tech has been asked to send a pilot, but as of yet, Alan not heard if one will be available. However, they did say they would send a prize or prizes.

Superstition Hobbies will fly and show their cars.  Two Robson Ranch people have volunteered to race on the car track also.

Maurie will be able to give flying lessons.  Ron and Rodney will give FPV flights.

1. Check out donated plane to be raffled

   Ron will check the plane out

   Alan has other items to be raffled. He also has a gift certificate from Sig manufacturing and is hoping for a donation from Multiplex.

2. Extra help needed for jobs

   1. Sell Raffle Tickets and take in money for swap tables--Nancy

   2. Sign in non-member flyers-Win as Safety Officer

   3. Ron will take care of combat which will start at 10:45 AM

   4. Alan will be responsible for directing the parking of Superstition Hobbies, Twisted Entrees, Humane Society, and swap meet vendors.  Plus placement for Tony Quist’s Spectrum Transmitter at the car track tables. It was suggested cones be placed where Superstition Hobbies is to park to avoid others parking in Superstition Hobbies’ area.

   5. Check toilet for cleanliness, dust, plus responsible for unlocking and locking for event.  Whatever officer arrives first and leaves last will be responsible for this job.

   6.  Putting up all flags: American, AMA, & MAAC—Win and Rodney

   7. Wipe down bleachers--Rodney

   8. One to two people responsible for photography—Rodney for drone video and everyone else with phones.

Rotation of charities for next year with event dates

We will have Events November through March with the Valley Humane Society as our charity for Model Aviation Day which is November 9^th.  Our January charity will be Hospice Charitable Fund of Central Arizona and February may be the Boys and Girls Club if they wish to participate.  The March Air Show will have the Casa Grande Food Bank as the charity.

Projects

The board approved unanimously, that labor for the varnishing of the pilot tables’ legs and the painting of the sunshade supports be hired out for a maximum of $300.  Win will provide Alan with a name of a handyman who probably will be willing to do the work.

Runway Quote(s)

The one quote we have is for $7,600.  Alan is also awaiting a quote from the company who is doing the Florence airstrip.

Date for next Board and General Meeting

The next board meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, November 7^th, at 11 AM in the Robson Ranch Grill.

With the poor attendance at the last general meeting, it was decided to hold the meeting in February before the 2^nd Saturday event.  The meeting will be held at the Golden Corral on Tuesday, February 4^th at 5 PM.

The meeting was adjourned at 12:05 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Nancy Friedman, Secretary/Treasurer

Casa Grande RC Flyers

Minutes of the CG RC Flyers Board Meeting on March 15, 2018

The meeting was called to order by President Alan Friedman at 11:06 AM at the Robson Ranch Grill.

Minutes of the last Board meeting and email votes were sent out and approved unanimously.

Presentation of the Treasurer’s Report

President’s Report:

Alan stated he has a meeting scheduled with the Mayor, City Manager, and Community Service Director on June 6^th at 2 PM.  He will update the group on the past years events and what we plan as improvements and events in the coming year.  He will ask the group’s advice for obtaining a sea/shipping container, if electricity could be run across the road for charging stations, and for an update on resurfacing the road/airfield.

Alan stated he had requests for caps again, but would delay taking names until fall when he could get at least an order of 24 again.

Old Business:

1. Sun Shades are still on the Maricopa 4-H Club’s agenda according to Erik Schroeder.  We hope to have a cost for the project sometime in August.  It was voted we stay within our budgeted cost of $4,000.

2. Locking the bathroom after use.  The board voted the rule to be: The last person at the field was to not only lock the gate, but to check to make sure the toilet is locked also.  Ron will put a note/sign on the gate itself to remind people to check the toilet lock.  Changing the combination on the toilet will be tabled until a problem is observed.

3. Nancy commented on the miscommunication with the AZ SciTech Festival and hoped next year we could participate if notified in a timely manner.

4. Guest landing fees were revisited per the request of the membership vote at the last General meeting.

   1. The following rule was passed by a vote of 4:1.  A member may bring/sponsor a guest(s) who can present a current AMA or MAAC membership card up to 3 times/calendar year. Non sponsored guests will still be required to show a current AMA/MAAC card and pay a $10 landing fee.

New Business:

1. Moving a table for gas/nitro planes was tabled until next fall when help would be available to move the table.

2. Nancy then presented a Budget for the newly requested items from the membership with the figures she had heard tossed out at the General meeting for the shipping container and solar panels needed for a charging station.  Win had one response so far concerning the shipping container cost which was $3,000. It was thought a cheaper container might be found, but not less than $1,500.  Ron and Rodney thought the solar panels and batteries needed for a charging station might be less than $1000.  Ron will look into the solar cost.  Win will continue to research the cost of a shipping container.  Resurfacing the runway was tabled until a shipping container and the recharging stations were purchased especially since we have the petromat runway.  The board voted to spend a total of $4000 on the sunshades and if any money was left, it would go towards the shipping container.  It was determined until a shipping container was obtained, solar or electric power would not be a priority.

3. After seeing the probable deficit which would occur if the newly requested items for the field were purchased, Nancy presented a survey she requested from AZ RC clubs.  So far only 6 had responded.  She added 5 more clubs with the information she could obtained from their clubs’ websites.  After considering the dues requested and the facilities provided by the other clubs, the board voted unanimously to raise the renewal dues for next year to $50 when paid by 12/31/18. Initial membership fee or members not renewing by 12/31 will pay $60. Win suggested the survey be sent out to club members when announcing the fee increase.

4. Dates for meetings and events were determined as follows:

   1. Board meeting will be Thursday, November 15, 2018 at 11 AM, Robson Ranch House Grill

   2. Annual General Meeting  will be prior to Model Aviation Day (now scheduled at Golden Corral for Tuesday, December 4^th, with dinner at 5 PM and meeting starting  6:00 PM)

   3. Model Aviation Day will be Saturday, December 8^, 2018 with the Casa Grande Food Bank being the charity for this event.

   4. Annual Air Show will be Saturday, March 9, 2019 with the Valley Humane Society being the charity for this event.

5. Win suggested we put out a weatherproof box much like one finds at trailheads with a sign in log to help us assess the usage of the field. Placement was suggested by the first entry gate to the pilot’s stations. Win will research this topic.

The meeting was adjourned at 12:30 PM.

Respectively submitted,

Nancy Friedman, Secretary/Treasurer

Casa Grande RC Flyers 

CG RC Flyers Annual Dinner/General Meeting Minutes 12/6/2017

Old Business

Treasurer’s report to date as of 12/4/2017 was presented by Nancy Friedman, Treasurer. The 60% increase in the cost of port-a-potty maintenance and use by gun range participants was given as reasons for the lock on the port-a-potty.  It was noted the 50/50 raffle would be drawn around noon on Saturday, December 9^th rather than 12/15/2017.

The President, Alan Friedman, referred back to minutes of the last general meeting when it was suggested we get younger people involved in our club and that one way might be by getting more into drones and perhaps drone racing. In the past year the board has addressed these issues by putting up a drone racing course and presentations at various schools and a 4-H club.

Alan then asked Win Koch to give a short presentation about the drone racing course constructed by Rodney Hexter, Ron St. Pierre and himself.   Nancy Friedman then listed the many school presentations and the involvement with the Maricopa 4-H club from whom we have acquired 5 youth members and their leader who is only is his forties.

New Business

The President’s report included not only the improvements mentioned in the Treasurer’s report, but also the improvements the city provided this summer which included widening the parking lot, grading the eroded areas along the ravine to the south of the runway, laying out telephone poles to delineate the parking area from the spectator chair/ walking area, and increasing the height of the earthen barrier. Also the Palm Creek Flying Club was thanked for all the tables, roller, and drag given to our club.  These tables will now be used for swap meet tables which will be free to members and $10/table for non-members. Alan then addressed future projects to included sunshades, weather station, and possible runway resurfacing.

The Budget was then presented by Nancy Friedman noting the Board recommended sunshades and a weather station as top priorities with a possibility of some money left to staple down the petro runway material from Palm Creek Flyers, if their club still desired to donate it the Casa Grande RC Flyers.  By a show of hands then attending, members agreed a weather station was a top priority followed by sunshades with some fix for the runway to make it more amenable to the landing of small wheeled planes as a third priority.  Rodney Hexter volunteered to head up the weather station project.  Alan would follow up with the 4-H club on the sunshades.  Ron St. Pierre would get with Ron Penner about the petro material runway from Palm Creek.

Alan announced he was taking orders for club caps at a price of $15 and would need a minimum of 24 to place the order.

Win Koch was introduced as the Safety Officer and then explained his position and what was expected of club members for us to keep safe and comply with AMA and FAA rules. These guidelines and rules will be posted on the website and may be downloaded which Win suggested every member do.

Alan then asked for volunteers for the following:

1.   Conduct Fun Fly Events

2.   Help with drone race course and general airfield maintenance

3.  A painting day in January. Brian Illston volunteered 

4.   A member with a gas leaf blower to be used before each main event.  Brian Illston volunteered a generator so electric leaf blowers could be used.

Alan encouraged the use of car track especially on those windy days when one can’t fly.

It was announced the Club’s Trainer, a Super Cub which has been flown twice and never crashed, is now for sale as most instuctors are now using an Apprentice or mini Apprentice for fixed winged aircraft lessons.  It comes with an extra battery and transmitter for $150.  It will be at the Swap Meet on Saturday, December 9^th.

 An Introduction of the club’s instructors was done.  The instructors and what they teach are listed below.

Jerry Linderman, Maurie Sumption, and Alan Friedman all teach Fixed Winged aircraft

Win Koch teaches both Fixed Winged aircraft and drones

Rodney Hexter teaches drones

Kandace Rawlings teaches primarily Helicopers and drones

Ron St. Pierre teaches all

The guidelines and limitations for teaching were reiterated. To cover the student who is not a member of the AMA and our AMA instructor, the instructor will complete the appropriate student forms per AMA guidelines.  A student will be exempt from the $10 landing fee for up to 6 visits, but then must become a member of the AMA and our club. 

No more new business was introduced.

Alan then stated everyone would get an AMA Gold Leader Club Pin since our club was awarded this status and is one of 200 in the nation.

 Ken Orthner was given the Cactus Award which is only awarded to those having hit the Saguaro at the north end of the runway.

Nancy then presented the AMA’s Carl & Beth Goldberg Vital People Award to Maurie Sumption.  This award is presented annually to “vital people in the background of the modeling movement whose efforts enhance the enjoyment of the hobby and whose accomplishment are seldom formally acknowledged”. A $200 check accompanied this award, but Maurie immediately donated to the club.  The check was graciously accepted.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 PM

Respectively submitted by,

Nancy Friedman, Secretary/Treasurer

Casa Grande RC Flyers

Minutes for CG RC Flyers Board Meeting of 12/4/2017

The meeting was brought to order by President, Alan Friedman, at 11 AM with all board members in attendance. (Ron St. Pierre, Win Koch, Rodney Hexter, and Nancy Friedman)

Old Business

1. The minutes of the last board meeting and email conversation and vote were approved.

2. The treasurer’s report was presented. 

   Two bills were accepted from Rodney for the drone course

New Business

1. Two budget proposals were discussed.  An alternative budget was voted upon placing the sunshades and weather station as top priorities over resurfacing the runway.  If the petro mesh material is donated by the Palm Creek Club we would still have approximately $1000 with which to have it stapled in place which would be either parallel to present runway or in an east-west direction at the north end of our present paved runway.

2. Rodney volunteered to collect money and hand out raffle tickets for 50/50, as well as, watch the table with any other items, such as Super Cub, for sale by the club, donations, and preordering club caps Nancy would be at the table for renewals.  We will ask at the general meeting for 3-4 volunteers to relieve Rodney at the table.

3. The drawing date for 50/50 was changed to the end of Model Aeronautics Day which is Saturday, December 9^th.

4. Drone racing course

   1. A big thank you was given to Win for all the work he has done with writing up the club’s Drone Racing Rules.  Rodney suggested a slight change be made to reflect Course Timing Systems, or compatible timing emitters, refers only to those drone pilots who wish to participate in US Drone Nationals competition. Expect for Rodney’s disclaimer, the rules were approved by the board unanimously. 

   2. Ron has donated the 100 multi colored soccer cones purchased last year for the course. It was thought another 50 may be needed, but the original hundred cones will be placed first before purchasing another 50.  It was also noted multicolored cones were cheaper to purchase than single colored cones on Amazon.

5.  As for maintenance of the field, volunteers will be requested at the general meeting.  Win suggested we have a notice board placed on the fence next to the north side of the port-a-potty.  He suggested notices and a laminated map of the drone course be posted there for pilots to see.  Win and Rodney will be responsible for this project. A request will be made at the general meeting for someone with a gas blower to blow off the airstrip before major events.  If no one has a blower, the board will consider purchasing one. A large sign was suggested for the table by the entry gate which would state: This is an AMA flying field for members only.  Learn to fly free.  See our website at casagrandercflyers.com.  Alan was in charge of this project.

6. It was clarified that Win is the Safety Officer only and he will give a short explanation at the General Meeting of what he will do and the safety rules he expects club members to follow. Win has donated vests for the Safety Officer, Events Manager, and Parking director.  He will also ask for volunteers for his Safety Crew.  Rodney and Nancy have volunteered when they are not busy with other jobs at the field.

7. The club needs an Events Manager.  Although Alan has taken the test and sent in the required $25 to be an Events Manager for the club to say the club has one presently, he would like someone else to take this position.  Jerry Linderman has been a contest director, but unsure if he still would take on this job.  Jerry will be asked.  If he does not, we will explain the job and the discounted 50% AMA membership fee to see if anyone volunteers.

8. It was suggested and agreed that at our general meeting, the names of our instructors and what they prefer to teach be announced.   Win Koch, Jerry Linderman, Ron St. Pierre, Maurie Sumption and Alan Friedman all teach fixed winged aircraft.  Drones will be taught by Kandace Rawlings, Rodney Hexter, and Win Koch.  Helicopter training can be done with Ron St. Pierre or Kandace Rawlings.  The number of times a student can fly with a teacher before becoming an AMA and club member will also be reiterated. (number is six and instructor needs to register them with the AMA)

9. Encourage use of car track by members on windy days at general meeting. The car track can only be used by members of the AMA for insurance purposes.  Please remember, children under the age of 19 can become free AMA members and do work for the club to acquire a free membership or pay the $25 youth membership fee.  The youth, however, must be accompanied by an adult.

10. Painting day for PC tables.  We will ask at the general meeting for a date in January and volunteers.

11. Club Caps.  It was decided to obtain preorders for caps since the minimum is 24 at $15/cap.  If a minimum order of 24 cannot be reached, an alternative source for the caps will be researched.

12. It was decided the club’s Super Cub trainer, extra battery, and transmitter should attempted to be sold for two months at the swap meets and on line.  The asking price will be $150. If it doesn’t sell, a raffle will be held for two months before a drawing will be held.

13. A program presentation at the upcoming dinner meeting was voted down since we had so much on the agenda, but thought it would be good idea for another short dinner/meeting in March.

14. Add to email announcement how to park.  Cars next to fence, trucks/SUVs on roadside of the parking lot.

15. Renewal and new member dues were recommended to be the same for 2019 by Ron and agreed to by the board.

16. A date for the next board meeting was set for 11 AM, on March 15, 2018, at the Robson Ranch Grill.

    The meeting was adjourned at 12:45 PM

CG RC Flyers Board Meeting of 3/16/2017

Attendance: Rodney Hexter, Ron St. Pierre, Win Koch, Alan Friedman, and Nancy Friedman.

The meeting was start at 11:29 AM at the Robson Ranch Grill

Old Business:

1. Grants:

   1. Take Off and Go Grant

      Alan applied for this $1,000 grant to purchase trainer airplanes (mini Apprentices), trainer transmitters, batteries, and a drone.  The announcement of the grant is not due until the end of March.  Alan has been sending all the press releases to the AMA concerning our recent presentations at CVHS Stem class, Maricopa 4-H club, Villago Middle School Science Night, and the AZ SciTech Festival

   2. Flying Site Assistance Grant

      1. Unable to apply since we requested/received a grant within 3 years (May of 2014)

      2. Runway Surface Project

         1. SW Slurry Seal, Inc. estimate was $9,730

         2.  SW Slurry Seal, Inc. estimate for PMM seal coat of 1400 sq. yds. was $6,720 with $1,450 for stripping extra.

         3. No answer from the city as to when the top sealing coat would be able to be done.

         4. Other Choices:

            1. Impact Asphalt estimate measured runway today at 270 ft x 43 ft. or 11,610 sq. ft. plus 15 ft. x 15 ft heli pad.  The estimate was ~ $1890 for two coats of “Liquid Road” plus $150 for stripping coming to $2,040.  It may be less if contractor deems only one coat is needed which would make the quote ~$300+ less.

            2. Alan made a motion to accept this quote if it was within our budget range.  Win seconded the motion and it was passed by a unanimous vote.

   3. A request was made by Rodney for a financial report to be sent to Win as a new member of the board and also a budget be made for the coming year to be more transparent as a corporation board. A long range budget was also deemed necessary as we look to the future.

      1. Nancy stated she would see that a copy of the financial report would be sent to Win and a budget be made and sent to all board members. She would also write up a treasurer’s report and look into what was needed for signatures to the checking account since one of the original officers has died and the other quit.

      2. Rodney made a motion to have three signatures on the club’s checking account which would include: Alan Friedman, President; Ron St. Pierre, Vice-President, and Nancy Friedman, Secretary/Treasurer.  It was seconded by Ron and accepted by a unanimous vote.

          

2. Work at field needed

   1. Painting of legs on flight tables with weatherproofing

      Need a price on weatherproofing which should be added to the budget

   2. Field clean up

   3. Stones on runway

   4. Student membership, time line, flight training schedule

      Nancy stated she is still waiting on the Maricopa 4-H club to give a definite timeline which will probably be after the County Fair. Last date given was after 3/20/17.

   5. Other means of getting work done

      1. A FOD (Foreign Object Damage) walk or Emu Parade was suggested at least monthly by both Win and Rodney.  We all agreed this would be a great way to keep the Field and Runway cleaned up.

3. Nancy suggested if the student work for membership program did not materialize, we could offer the same for adult membership.  It was seconded by Ron and approved unanimously by the board.

4. Other Old Business

   There was no more old business

New Business:

1. Increasing size of parking lot

   1. A request was made of the city to extend the parking lot North  to the next street culvert when appropriate equipment would be in the area.

   2. No response as of yet

2. Schedule for next season 2017-2018

   1. Events

      1. It was decided to keep the 2^nd Saturday of each month from December to March as a Swap Meet and hopefully a fun fly if a Fun Fly Director can be found.

      2. General meeting(s)

         A December General Meeting should be scheduled the first or second week of December at the Golden Coral with a possible program and/or You Tube Video. A decision at this meeting can be made as how often future meeting should be held and with type of topics to be addressed.

      3. Board meetings

         The next Board meeting will be on Wednesday, 12/29/2017 at 11:30 AM at the Robson Ranch Grill over lunch.

      4. Continue second Saturday as Swap Meets/Fun Flys

         1. Volunteer to do Fun Fly Events

            1. Possible person to ask is on a Ski vacation presently, but Ron will ask him when he returns.

         2. Volunteer for Safety Officer

            1. It was suggested, as officers, we should all try to enforce the rules when at the field

            2. Win offered to obtain a Safety Officer’s vest and make a binder with information on what to do in case of an accident.

            3. Win also offered to give a presentation at the next general meeting about the binder and a safety talk on Ground School Mission.

         3. Instructor assignments

            1. It was suggested an email be sent to all our registered instructors to see if a schedule could be worked out between them to teach on a regular basis.  Ron also offered his skills as a helicopter instructor.  An email will also go out to Kandace Rawling to request she be a helicopter instructor.  Drone instructors will also be recruited.

         4. Continue third Saturday as Car racing

         5. Continue fourth Saturday as Helicopter/Drone Day

             

             

3. Expected impact, if any, of Palm Creek members

   1. Need additions to field

      1. Tables

         1.  A couple of tables may be available sometime between the 15^th and 30^th of April from Palm Creek.  A truck and a couple of men would be needed to move the tables.  Win offered his truck, but he will be leaving mid-April.  Rodney was going to get a quote from U-haul if a truck was needed later.

      2. Frequency of toilet cleaning

         1. A wait and see approach was decided upon

      3. Pilot stations

         Check with Jerry Linderman about design for pilot stations similar to those at Palm Creek

4. 2018 renewal dues

   Win made a motion for a 3 year membership to coincide with a 3 year AMA membership at a small discount rate to be to be a $5/yr discount=$15.   It was seconded by Nancy with it being approved by 4 yes votes with one abstention. Alan made a motion to increase the renewal dues to $35/year, but the board thought $40 was a better choice with the money needed to resurface the runway and $40/year was voted as the renewal price of a membership, while keeping the initial membership dues at $50. The increase in fees would not affect the offer made to the members of the current Palm Creek club for 2018.  

5. Weather station at airfield

   1. An estimate of $1000 plus a yearly service fee was submitted.  It was thought this item would be placed at the bottom of a wish list of items needed for the field with the following list in descending order of importance:

      1. Sealing the runway and heli pad

      2. Sun shades

      3. Extra tables/pilot stations

      4. Drone racing course

      5. Weather station

6. Other New Business

   1. It was suggested by Ron we do a 50/50 email raffle at $10 a raffle ticket to make money to pay for our runway and heli pad sealing. 

   2. Rodney and Ron stated they would write something up to put on the website and to send out to members.

   3. Money would be collect via cash, check, PayPal, and possibly direct deposit.

       

       

       

Respectively Submitted by,

Nancy Friedman, Secretary/Treasurer

Casa Grande RC Flyers

Minutes of the January 27, 2016 Board Meeting

The meeting started at 1:30 PM at Dunkin Donuts in Casa Grande.

In attendance were: Alan Friedman, Ron St. Pierre, Rodney Hexter, Arvin Van Ry*, and Nancy Friedman

*arrived at 2:05

A motion was made by Alan Friedman, President, to move Ron St. Pierre from the Secretary position to the Vice-President position, and to appoint Nancy Friedman to the Secretary/Treasurer position.  The board in attendance approved these officers’ positions unanimously.

Second family membership for $25 initially, then $25/year was approved.

Youth membership for those 19 and under (age matching that of the AMA) was approved at $25 initially, then $25/year. A youth member must have an adult member with them when flying at the field. A youth member may obtain a free membership by working 2 hours at the field.

Approval for purchasing a battery pack charging station was given to Alan who will be responsible for said battery pack.

Since the city of Casa Grande has had a significant turnover in staff this past year, the answer to when the runway will be sealed is up in the air.  Because of this state of limbo, Alan asked everyone to look into whom and how much it might cost to slurry seal our runway of 60 ft by 300 ft.  Alan than would apply for the “Flying Site Assistant Grant” due March 1, 2017, to cover 10% of the cost for the slurry seal.

Grant application and awards were listed by Alan. 

*Alan has already applied for this grant

Alan noted an event manager position was a new position the AMA had established and was one now open for our club.  Jerry Linderman is the club’s contest director and has been ill.

An Update on presentations was given by Nancy.  Two presentations are scheduled to be given.  One will be to the Maricopa 4H club and the other to the Casa Verde STEM class taught by John Morris.

Upon Arvin’s arrival, a discussion ensued about setting up an email account for the club.  Arvin was requested to take on this job with input from Rodney.

It was requested Alan send a P and L sheet to all Board members via email.  He stated he would do so upon returning home. 

Arvin requested negative requirements be left out of the Casa Grande Dispatch.  It was decided the only requirements which would be published would be “only AMA members could fly and the plane size was limited to 10 lbs.”

Rodney pointed out a student waiver was available with the AMA for registered instructors to use with their student pilots which would cover them for up to 60 consecutive days.  Signing up at the field on one’s cell phone was discussed and suggested this be brought up in any class presentations given.

Arvin asked if a guest of a member could fly at the club’s field.  The club’s rule was cited as the guest must be a member of the AMA and there would be a $5 fee each day of flying with the exception of AMA special events scheduled on the second Saturday of the month.

The next Board meeting was scheduled for Thursday, March 16^th, at the Robson Ranch Grill for lunch at 11:30 AM.

The meeting adjourned at 2:30 PM.

Respectively submitted,

Nancy Friedman, Secretary

Casa Grande RC Flyers

The minutes of the dinner meeting for the Casa Grande RC flyers club on December 15th 2016

The meeting started at 6 PM. Board members in attendance were Arvin Van Ry and Alan Friedman.

The first order of business was to ask how improve communication between members to increase attendance at the field.  Many members did not want numerous emails, but wanted some means to communicate when everyone would be flying.  Suggestions were: to make a closed Facebook page; a Yahoo group, or place a message board on the club's website. Jim Berk suggested the president talk to officers of the Twin Cities RC club to find out more about Yahoo groups.  Other members objected to using Yahoo because of their recent security breach.

 The discussion was then turned to what time of day would be the best to fly, in relationship to temperature, and which days.  It was determined around 10 AM when it was warmer and the wind was less.  The current Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday winter days seemed best with Saturday early after sunrise, in the summer.

The next topic was fun fly events.  With little participation in the fun fly contests, the board suggested a raffle ticket be given to anybody who would attempt to fly in these events.  That way anyone who attempted to fly would a chance to win a prize, even if they did not win the fun fly. It was also suggested by Jim Burke, the fun fly be divided into expertise divisions . However that suggestion was rejected due to the lack of participation.  

Discussion was then turned to second Saturdays events which are open to the public.  It was noted that very few people flew when the public was invited.  Again a raffle ticket was suggested as an incentive to get pilots to fly.  For every time a pilot would fly, they will receive a raffle ticket for a prize drawing.  Alan noted that manufactures and suppliers have donated a large number of prizes for or events this year.

 Everyone thought it was great that Ron St Pierre was bringing his first person view goggles, plus bringing his buddy box to help teach people to fly, to the air show on March 11, 2017.  Ron has provided free first person view flights at other of our Saturday events in the past and they proved very popular.

 The next issue was how to get more new members since attrition and the Canadian dollar was causing the membership decrease. No one thought the cost of dues was the problem.  It was requested of members living in communities to talk up the Casa Grande RC flyers whenever possible in their communities.  Other suggestions were getting younger people involved since drone racing is popular among the younger generations.  Apparently there are a few TV programs on drones. It was requested, once again of the members, to volunteer to get the youth involved. Both Rodney Hexter and Rick Lawrence volunteered for this committee. 

Alan announced and requested volunteers for two vacant board slots. Those who would desire being on the board should contact Alan.  Richard Rose has been out of town working in Hawaii and now in Chicago and asked to be replaced.  Another vacancy has existed for a few months.

Alan requested all members to fly safe by announcing take off, landings and field crossings in a loud voice per AMA and field rules.  Alan also asked members to not to fly over the tables or spectator areas. Those who do not follow these rules will be grounded for the day.

Alan asked for questions and they were as follows: Where can one buy parts close by in the area. Most members said they purchased items online.  Also, oftentimes what someone might need could  be available from Tom Trosper, who usually attends the second Saturday swap meets each month. The next question was inquiring if anyone was slope soaring or night flying in the area with the answer being no. Alan reminded everybody there were now two runways, the paved one and the chemically treated earthen one for those who wish to do belly landings, however due to the gravel between the two runways there would not be any crossover.  Members were notified that the gate code will change on January 1^st with an email going out to notify members of the new code. The meeting was adjourned at 7:03 PM.