Bullsheet - September 2002

For those of you who could not attend the Combat event, you missed a great day. The AMA sanctioned Combat contest was outstanding. It was thoroughly enjoyed by our club and members from other clubs including those from Connecticut and Massachusetts. We owe a special thanks to Rich McGuinness for putting together such a spectacular event. Once again club participation was great. Its nice to see so many turnout for our special events.

There was great flying and excitement and some amazing mid air collisions. With 8 planes in the air at the same time, it was pretty busy up there and one couldn't help but wonder how each guy could keep track of his plane. Harry Peters and Rick Lazzar provided the entertainment for the day presenting a mid air collision that almost looked as though it had been choreographed just for the Combat event. By now, I think it's safe to ask them if it was rehearsed. They are probably ready to cry, or should I say, talk about it. We should applaud all the participants who made this a great day.

On a personal note, a story too good to let go. Picture this, a great day, clear sky, light breeze and me and my yellow bird J-3 mid size cub. I will preface and then end this with special thanks to my buddy Ray Breton, without whom, this would be just a Ho hum tale of woe. I've heard members complain about the trees being too close. My response was an unsympathetic cautioning to be aware of where they flew and the trees would be no problem. Guess what? With throttle wide open, I, being aware of the trees, didn't for a minute suspect that one would reach out and grasp my plane in a hug to the death and not let go. Imagine my surprise when the plane didn't fly out on the other side. I viewed the yellow crumpled mess at the top of the tree and made an impassioned, non verbal plea to Ray. We headed for the trees debating whether we could chop down the tree (can't be done, not allowed) or if Ray would climb it. (Impossible he gets dizzy on a 3 foot ladder). Somewhat skeptical about his next suggestion, but desperate, I agreed to go to his house to get his bow and arrow. I suggested he bring along his air operated Olympic style pellet gun. Back we went, fully armed and ready to do battle with that plane grabbing tree. Ray asked me how I wanted him to proceed. I said, "Shoot the *#* # plane out of the tree. (Symbols indicate a mild disturbance of the whole episode)." I wasn't worried about the plane only the equipment in it as most of you can appreciate. The wing was separated from the fuselage but you could see it was under a strain. The extension for the aileron servo was taut and you could see that it was holding the plane firmly in place.

"Ray, shoot the aileron extension!" I directed, since I wasn't doing the shooting, it was easy to give orders. With his first shot he hit the wire, but as you know, there were 3 wires and he had to shoot all 3 individually. With 3 separate, direct shots, he hit all 3 and the plane slumped, but didn't fall. Uttering the mildest of exasperating comments to the tree witch who had a love affair with the plane, Ray’s next move was a masterpiece. He shot the bolt that holds the landing gear to the fuselage, a perfect strike and down came the plane, falling not gracefully, but with a vengeance, to the ground. So, again, for his expertise, patience, not with the plane, but with me, "Thanks, buddy." By the way, Harry, how’s that for shooting?

A wholehearted thanks to Ralph Dionne for his alertness in getting the license plate of an illegal dumper. A big dump truck form Massachusetts was dumping without a permit and in spite of some intimidation, Ralph got the plate number, called me and I was able to relay this information to the proper authorities who then took the matter into their own hands, thus averting any suspicion of improper activities by our club. It is this kind of concern for the club that should be recognized, so Ralph, in behalf of the club members, thanks for your help.

The last outdoor meeting had an excellent turnout, let's keep it up throughout the year. We have a lot of work ahead of us and everyone’s input is important. We discussed a constitutional change to allow 4 flyers in the air at the same time. This notice should give you ample time to think on it before our next meeting.

Wish you all could have been at the Hopkinton dam on Wednesday the 28th of August. Definitely a red letter day for Maurice Theriault’s electric X-Tail. It had its maiden flight that day and I, with dry mouth, rapid heart beat and some hyperventilation, had the privilege of taking her up for the first time. The flight , amid cheers, applause, whistles and ooh’s and ah’s was a phenomenal success. She’s a beautiful ship and there were none at the field who were not impressed. Maurice was urged to patent this extraordinary craft and we think he should, it is exceptional. Only one problem I have with you, Maurice, I wish you wouldn’t let me or anyone else fly this beauty until you clone it, because it would be criminal to let something happen to the original, it is truly one of a kind. I’m ashamed to admit that I was a doubting Thomas and I shouldn’t have been. Knowing Maurice, his track record for design and ingenuity I should have known it would be a perfect plane on a perfect flight. It was a privilege, Maurice.

Our Wednesday jam sessions are closed for the season, unless we have some spectacular days ahead, but with leaves already changing and it getting dark so early, it doesn’t look too promising. Its been a great summer with lots of activity and events and good turnouts. We’re all looking forward to a good indoor season, with lots of new ideas, discussions and show and tells. See you all at the next meeting.