June, 2004

Newsletter
This newsletter is primarily intended for those members that do not have access to the Internet.

Rat Race Results
There was a good turn-out for this event, 29 pilots, five who entered two airplanes, for a total of 24 entrants. GMA member David Crockett had the lead right up til the last. He was hanging on with a total of 207 pylons when Bill Johanson form South Carolina turned in a superb final round to complete his total scare to 219 pylons.

Mac Hodges with two entries, took 3rd and 5th, with David Grantham coming in 4th.

Mac and Dan Stevens stopped by on their way back from the Joe Nall event and they had their

B29, but Mac decided we didn’t have quite enough runway to fly it here.

Thanks to all the people that participated and helped in this great event.

Contests
In an effort to provide all GMA members ample flying time, and at the same time, offer some diversity for those that enjoy a bit of competition, the GMA board has developed a contest schedule that hopefully will achieve this goal. The schedule for 2004 is:

Sat Jan 3 - Pylon

Sat Mar 13 - Pylon

Sun May 16 - Rat Race

Sun May 30 - Annual Cook Out

Sat Jul 10 - Pylon

Sat/Sun Aug 21, 22 - 3D Fly-In

Sat Sep 11 - Warbird Fly-In

Sat Oct 9 - Pylon

Sat Dec 11 - Pylon

The Saturday Pylon events are planned for the afternoon, during the first 10 minutes of each hour. This should leave plenty of time for general flying on Saturday afternoons.

Dave Hasler and Mike Kinsey are coordinating the Warbird event.

Jay Richardson and Jeff Dean are coordinating the 3D Fly-In as a club Fund Raiser.

50/50 Drawing
When you receive your renewal notice, you’ll have an option to participate. At the end of the year, we will draw a name from all participants. That individual will split the total fund 50/50 with the club.

At this writing, there is about $700 in the 50/50 drawing fund. To enable the club board members to participate and to assure the integrity of the drawing, it is planned to use the Mega Ball drawn from the Georgia Lottery on December 31st as the winning number.

Since the Mega Ball drawing ranges from 1 to 59, it may be necessary to solicit participation from all members scheduled to renew for the remainder of 2004 in advance… and if there are more than 59 participants, a new drawing scheme will have to be devised.

Annual Cook-out - Fly-In
This event on May 30th was an outstanding even with Mike Kinsey heading up the kitchen detail and turning out some delicious BBQ. There were about 100 members & family in attendance. Stan conducted a raffle for an engine.

That was won by Mark Graham.

GMA Forum
On the Internet, the club has a forum, a message board type page where members can communicate with each other. If you have an opportunity to access the Internet, the forum can be accessed at http://www.gmarc.com/phpbb

Pit Area Shelter
The shelter is nearly complete. It is an outstanding addition to the site. Thanks to all members who had a hand in working on this project.

Under the center section of the shelter, there is a platform that will later be enclosed to house our drink machine, a refrigerator and perhaps a snack machine.

Field Safety
With the increased activity at the field, it is time to revisit the club safety rules and guidelines.

Since the GMA is an AMA sanctioned club, all flying at the field is limited to individuals who are members of the AMA. A valid current year AMA membership card must be displayed on the frequency board.

A Pilot Line has been established about 30 feet back from the near edge of the runway, with five pilot stations identified.

When there are two or more active flyers, all pilots must remain behind this pilot line, and all take-offs or hand launching is to be done in front of the pilot line... never behind a pilot.

Helicopter activity continues to be monitored to assure compatability with other type aircraft. Currently, it appears that helicopter flying either to the left or right of the pit area (100 feet out) is acceptable.

Whenever there are two or more aircraft in the air, hovering activity, with helicopter or 3D aircraft, over or near the runway should only be conducted with concurrence of all pilots in the air.

All parked aircraft and field equipment should be kept on the shelter side of the safety fence.

Do not taxi on the shelter side of the safety fence.

Asphalt Runway
When planning first started on our new site, it was envisioned that an asphalt runway would be installed. Some early estimates for an asphalt runway came in at about $40,000.

We solicited advance dues payment from members for a six year period to finance this runway. After receiving promises from members that would cover about half the cost of that runway, we were able to get the paving contractor to finance the balance over a two year period. With that, it was decided to proceed with construction. As you read this, hopefully you’re able to say that’s old news… the runway is already in.

Compensation for those that pay their membership for six years will be their seventh year free. There are still a few slots open if anyone else would care to get a free dues year. Contact Earl at 770 993-0228 if you’re interested.

Recognition Awards
About 30 members were present at the June 19th meeting. Stan and mike presented an overview of what has been accomplished since moving to Old Federal Road, the expenses and the plans for the future… including the plans for the asphalt runway, which was just consummated prior to the meeting.

Additionally, recognition plaques were presented to some members for the contributions, including labor, material and money. Those present that received an award were:

Mike Stephens
Mike Kinsey
Pedro Sanchez
Walt Mitchell