Bullsheet November '03

Vol. 03 No. 11

President's Message

An important reminder, this month's meeting will be held on the 13th, a Thursday, rather than our usual second Tuesday because we are unable to use the school on that night.

This month's meeting will be election of officers. It seems that your present officers must have done something right because those in attendance nominated the present board. There were no other nominations, however, if you have someone else in mind for any of the positions, please feel free to speak up at the meeting.

John Hayes reported that the glider fun-fly was successful. Everyone in attendance had a good time. We'll wait to hear more about that from John.

The field is looking good and even though it is November there have been some good flying days. If we are lucky enough to get e few more, come on out to the field and get your last few flying hours in before the snow falls. Of course, as of this writing, it is cold and damp and though you can't smell the snow in the air, we know its coming. So, if by the time you read this there are no more flying days, just chalk it up to wishful thinking on my part. For you doubting Thomas', those of us who are native New Englanders or who have adopted this part of the country and lived here long enough, really can smell snow in the air!

For your calendar, are we still having a Yankee Swap in December? If so, let's get those prized gifts, wrapped. In January, remember that the first meeting of the year will be an auction. This gives you plenty of time to rummage through the sawdust and dark corners of your workshop to come up with things that you are not using, never used and have no intention of using. Somebody might be looking for just that item.

Our regular coffee tender, Maurice is on a cruise enjoying the weather, food and beverages so you'll have to put up with his designee, me, who won't make either the donuts or the coffee, but make a quick run to Dunkin Donuts.

The 27th of this month is Thanksgiving and for those of you whom we may not see before then, we wish you a full-filling day (that doesn't necessarily mean overeating).

On a personal note, my family and I would like to thank the membership for the beautiful sympathy bouquet. Thank you too for the many cards. Your gestures of sympathy and friendship are deeply appreciated.

-- Darrell Wagner

October Meeting Minutes!

SNHRCC MEETING October 14th, 2003

Litchfield Middle School, Litchfield, NH

Officers in attendance: Darrell Wagner, Roland Harmon, Kip Bean and John Hayes

Secretary and Treasurer's reports were read and accepted.

Prior to the business meeting Darrell introduced Dennis Sawyer, a member of our club and a lifelong aero modeler as well as champion full-scale aerobatic pilot. He gave a very interesting talk about his modeling experiences as well as detailed descriptions of the aerobatic experience. Dennis also brought his 5-point harness used to "fasten" himself to the pilot's seat of his aerobatic plane.

Old Business:

Roland Harmon mentioned that the next meeting would be held on Thursday Nov 13th at the Litchfield Middle School. This date change is due to the school being closed on the 11th, our normal evening.

Ray Breton had rules and sign material to be made up for posting at the field. He read the rules, and there was discussion regarding the noise level not being posted on the sign. The lack of noise level posting was due to the potential changing of the level and then having to change the sign.

Members who fly on Ham frequencies asked that spaces be provided on the board for the ham frequency pins.

Rich Kelley asked about the posting of a sign at the gate and weather we really want to advertise our existence at the site.

Dave Redman mentioned the status of the training program, stating that he should have a program in place by spring. He asked for volunteers to be instructors.

DJ is looking for volunteers for next years mowing season. He would like to get a jump-start by having a schedule in place well ahead of time.

Weightlift Challenge 2004 discussion took place and Maurice Theriault agreed to be the CD for the event, thus relieving Rich Kelley of any conflict of interest issues since he is a member of Team Buzzard.

-- John Hayes
Dennis Sawyer telling about aerobatics
So how serious are they about staying put?
CRRC Visitor's View of the Glider Fun-Fly
Pete Young wrote this up for the CRRC Yahoo groups message board. Nice write up, worthy of the bullsheet...

A number of us went up to Hudson, NH to participate in the glider/electric Fun-Fly organized by John Hayes and the Southern New Hampshire R/C club. Although the weather forecast called for wind and rain and I drove through some sprinkles on the way up, the weather through the early afternoon was very calm and clear, no precipitation.

The flying conditions were good - the air was buoyant and although early on, planes weren't thermalling, the gliders were getting good air times. Around noon time, the weather changed and big bubbles of lift formed over the woods at the far end of the field. Many long flights resulted and the weather continued to improve until I had to depart about 1:45. It started to rain when I approached Route-128 but I assume the flying continued up there at least until after 2pm.

Glider flying on two winch lines was relaxed and no problems encountered. Quite a few SNHRCC fliers were there with a variety of machines, both glider and electric, and it was fun to fly, time, kibitz, and watch Fritz and others duking it out in a spot landing contest for nickel and dime change. (Big spenders, that group!). SNHRCC provided a terrific grilled hamburger and hot dog lunch which under the cool conditions, was exactly what we needed - and as the flying conditions improved dramatically after lunch, life was good :)

Other things seen and noted:

  • John Hayes was flying his downlink telemetry/voice messaging variometer that was recently described by Gordy in RCSE. It appeared to work quite well and guided John into some of the early big lift.
  • Jim Tyrie had a new Kennedy Composites Ava, a new lightweight aircraft patterned after Mark Drela's Bubble Dancer, and with some interesting composite construction features. Flying weight of this 127" span machine was in the mid 30 ounce range and under today's condition, the plane flew very well.

CRRC attendees were Fritz Bien, Rick Walba, and myself.

Overall: a good day for flying, good folks to fly with, a good time for all.

Pete Young
The hot food was nice on a fairly cool day.
This photo of John was taken earlier in the year.