Minutes of the October 4, 2016 Meeting
Meeting called to order at 7:00 by President Lee Frederickson
There were 14 Members present with no guests.
Review of the Minutes of the September 6, 2016 meeting resulted in no additions, changes, or revisions.
Motion to approve by: Dave Kingma
Seconded by: Matt Slobe
Vote: Carried
The Financial Report was presented by Dan McLaren. No questions or comments followed.
Motion to accept by: Jim Grant
Seconded by: Jim Heist
Vote: Carried
There were no New Members this month. Membership remains at 72.
Old Business
Mike Murphy
The Safety review this month focused on restraint of aircraft during the start-up procedure. The safest way is to have a buddy hold the plane while it is started. This allows the pilot to remain clear of the front of the plane and not be reaching over the prop while starting the engine. Plane restraints (such as the type manufactured by Jim Heist) are a good alternative when there is no one else around that can help you with the starting process. The last alternative Mike offered was the old rope over the tail and pegged with a tent stake, long gutter nail, or screwdriver. Once again, this will restrain the plane after it is started and keep it safely away from the person in front of the plane starting it.
Mike also told the group about a pilot at a pattern contest who had an “unplanned maneuver”. The pilot immediately landed the plane and went over all the electronic gear looking for a reason for the radio malfunction. It was decided that the pilot was holding the transmitter in such a manner that the antenna was pointed at the plane and thus the plane flew through the “dead spot” off the tip of the antenna. Mike’s recommendation is to always fly with the transmitter pointed slightly down at the ground so the plane can never fly through the “dead spot” or have a 2.4 antenna left or right so it would be unlikely the plane would encounter the reduced signal area.
Lee – commented on the Vets Fly In. Although rained out on Saturday, a nice turnout of about 25 showed up and flew on Sunday. Unfortunately the Vets could not reschedule their trip to Sunday so we will try again next year.
Matt Slobe grill information presented information concerning smaller grills. Price ranged from $100 to aver $500. After some discussion about fire hazards of charcoal fires, cleaning of grill after use, etc. Dan McLaren made a motion that small grills would remain the personal responsibility of the individual who wanted to have a small group event. Mark Schmaltz seconded the motion and the motion carried. (Dan noted that there are a number of portable, small, gas grills on the market for $25 to $40 that Matt could always have in his vehicle for when the need arises.)
Danny Osborn gave a Swap meet update. There are still some tables available so sign up now! Set up will be at 7:30 since there is a wedding reception the night before and we will probably have a lot of tables and chairs to move around. Also, Danny reminded everyone to BRING MONEY!
New Business
Nominations for Club Officers (nominations taken at October and November meetings with election of officers taking place at the December meeting. New officers take over at the January meeting.)
Nominations at the meeting were:
President Mark Schmaltz
Vice President Phil Shea
2nd Vice President
Secretary/Treasurer Dan McLaren
Safety Director Mike Murphy
Maintenance Director
Social Director
Web Master Brian Thomas
Still needed are nominations for 2nd Vice President, Field Maintenance Director, and Social Director. Please consider putting your name in for one of these open positions (or any other position you might like to serve)!
Lee – coming events
KRAM Swap Shop – Oct. 30, 2016
Lee Lubbers reported Roger DeVries has an interest in swapping lawn machines with the club. More information needed about the two machines so issue put on hold for the time being.
Dan McLaren made a motion that the club dues structure for 2017 be the same as it was for 2016. Lee Lubbers seconded the motion and it carried. Dues will be $75 for Regular Members, $50 for Associate Members, $0 for Lifetime members, and $0 for those under 18.
Dan McLaren volunteered to take the mower in for year-end service once the mowing season ends.
Dan noted that the porta potty is paid for up through the end of October. It will be removed during the first week of November so plan accordingly…
Show and Tell – Phil Shea brought in a plane his dad built many years ago that he intends to restore this winter.
Next meeting: November 1, 2016 at 7:00pm AT West Michigan Aviation Academy
Meeting adjourned at
Motion by: Jim Grant
Seconded by: Mark Schmaltz
Respectfully submitted,
Dan McLaren
Secretary / Treasurer
Kent Radio Aeromodelers, Inc.
