President’s Report
NOTHING GETS BETWEEN ME AND MY GAL!
Hello Everyone,
Hopefully I have now gained your attention. I wasn’t really talking about my gal but my model when flying. Now that 2.4GHz equipment is rapidly increasing in popularity MAAA continues to modify, add or change guide lines for the use of these radios. One particular area in 4.18 of the M.O.P.058 contains the following:
Atmospheric conditions such as high humidity, fog or cloud can significantly reduce the range of 2.4GHz equipment due to the increase in the attenuation between the transmitter and the receiver.In addition, the users should ensure that neither they nor other people get between their transmitter and the model being controlled. This is due to the human body attenuating a 2.4GHz signal much more than in the lower frequency bands.
So it is important that we stand in the designated area near the strip as outlined in our Club rules and don’t come between the flyer and model. Although no known crashes have happened at LMAC because of the above mentioned it is better to take precautions. I feel we must be pro-active rather than re-active.
Geoff has sent, via George and the web site, the latest MOP procedures, changes and additions. May I strongly suggest that we read all of MOP058 and acquaint ourselves with other MOP requirements/rules.
I would like to thank Kerry for sewing our club badge onto the newly donated blanket which will be permanently housed in the club room. In the event of an accident the blanket should be used to keep the victim warm especially if suffering shock. Hopefully it will never have to be used.
On behalf of our club members I wish Kerry all the best and success for her medical procedure next week in Melbourne. Try to avoid the tram lines George – not great for wheel chairs! We’ll be thinking of you.
Now for some random notes/observations around the club. Mike Madden has fully recovered from his propeller altercation and we hope to see him back at the field as soon as the weather warms up. John Moody hasn’t been well lately so I hope he is soon on the way to better health.
Saturday, 21st started out bright and sunny but soon after 11 a.m. the weather turned nasty with cold winds which stopped flying rather abruptly. Some of us managed a few flights. I noticed Terry was instructing Scott, a prospective new member whilst Chris Klimeck was busy instructing Bill and Mike H., as well as flying his own model in between student flights. A big Thank You to all our instructors for your perseverance and dedication.
I was looking forward to seeing Doug’s new Beaver fly but it wasn’t to be. Sunday was a better day and I believe he flew it then. Reports confirm that it flew very well. Eagerly looking forward to seeing that new STUKA fly, Doug.
My Piper Cub had Sanwa servos in it but they aren’t compatible with Futaba gear. I have three of these to give away if anyone has a use for them.
Informed sources told me that four hardy souls turned up on Saturday 28th but flying conditions were very unpleasant. (Still winter!) On the Sunday Merv and Owen travelled to HMAC for the Tomboy Competition. There were seven flyers. Merv’s comments “Cold and windy but I still enjoyed the day.”
I enjoyed Jacques’s story about his early modelling days and the lack of really anything then for modelling. Thankfully, he has persevered with models to this day. Does anyone else have a story they would like to share? I’m sure we would like to hear it.
Lastly, I would like to thank our mowing teams for keeping our field and surrounds in a very neat and tidy condition. They are Merv and Greg, Geoff and Terry, George and Bill. Well done!
“til next time,
Safe Flying!
Fred Willis
Telephone: 03 6257 8258
Email: [email protected]