October, 2004

Newsletter
This newsletter is primarily intended for those members that do not have access to the Internet, who will be receiving a paper copy. If you receive a paper copy but do have Internet access and prefer to receive notice of the electronic copy, please let Earl know.

Synthesized Transmitters
GMA member John McWhorter provides this article from a British model publication:
Following the crash of an expensive gas turbine model helicopter, the investigation into the cause revealed that the synthesized transmitter being used was interfered with by a nearby mobile telephone. In this case it was a Multiplex transmitter but it is possible the same could occur with other synthesized transmitters. The transmitter manufacturer’s instructions were found to contain a warning that mobile telephones were not to be used within the vicinity of the transmitter and subsequent trials revealed that the incident was repeatable.

The Jet Age
Mike Altis continues to wow the folks with his BVM King Cat flying. The jet sound alone is enough to create some goose bumps. Louis Padgett is getting close to joining Mike with his jet.

GMA Sad Times
The GMA lost two great members recently with the deaths of Al Leo on January 12th and Jim Villhauer on January 22nd.

Field Maintenance
The immediate flying area grass has not required much maintenance due to the winter weather. We do have a new arrangement with a local farmer to keep the entire field surrounding the flight area mowed and cleaned off. Hopefully we’ve seen the last of those head high weeds.

Frequency Board
Mike Nemesh has acquired some new machinery and hopefully will have a new board ready soon.

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 2005 is:

Sun—Apr 10—Stik Event
Sat—May 14—Stik Event
Sat/Sun—May 28, 29—Combat
Sun—Jun 12—Stik Event
Sat—Jul 9—Stik Event
Sat—Jul 16—GMA Family Day
Sat/Sun—Aug 13, 14—3D Event
Sat/Sun—Sep 10, 11—Warbirds
Sun—Oct 9—Stik Event
Sat—Nov 12—Stik Event
Sat—Nov 26—Combat
Sun—Dec 11—Stik Event

The Stik Events are planned to start at 8:30 on those dates and should be completed so that open flying can resume around 11:00.

Lou Melancon is coordinating the two Combat events.
Mike Kinsey, Stan Erwin and Dave Hasler are coordinating Warbirds.
Jay Richardson is coordinating the 3D event.club Fund Raiser.

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

Internet Service Provider
If you ever need a new ISP, there’s one in Marietta that offers organizations an incentive for Fund Raising. At Z-Connect, any GMA member using their service, the GMA receives a commission of 10%. Z-Connect’s charge for unlimited access is $12.50/month. Http://www.zconn.net

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.

This Pilot Line extends left and right for 300 feet on each side of the center of the pilot stations.

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.

Always call out your intentions so that all other pilots are aware of surrounding activity...

LANDING
TAKING OFF
ON THE RUNWAY
I AIN'T GOT IT

And, even though there is no sign posted that states Do Not Taxi This Side Of Fence, for safety purposes, we should all restrain our aircraft while on the pit side of the safety fence.

50/50 Drawing
Congratulations to Stu Tarkington winning the GMA’s first 50/50 drawing which amounted to $450.00. The drawing was initially planned to run for a calendar year with the winner determined by the Mega Ball drawn on the last drawing date of the year. The rules have changed a bit this year.

Participation is still $20 for any GMA member and the session will run until there are 59 participants. After reaching that number, the next Mega Ball drawn for the Georgia lottery Mega Millions will determine the winner. This will create a winner of $590.00. A new session will then begin.

All membership renewal notices include a reminder of this drawing and an offer to participate.

Annual Cook-out - Fly-In
This event is planned for Saturday July 16th. Linda Carnes has volunteered to coordinate the event this year.

Quick Dogs & Burgers
Thanks to Ben Adams for that handy gas grill. It was decided to keep this one down near the center of the shelter for quick access to burn a couple of dogs or burgers.

Thanks to Mike Delaune for the microwave oven.

Thanks Chris Hinson
Chris had some friends down recently visiting from the Chicago area and invited them out to fly. Chris talked Mike Kinsey to doing his famous BBQing and invited the entire club out to participate on February 25th. Thanks Chris… and thanks Mike.

Hobby Shops
Atlanta Hobby has relocated just off Bethelview Road, just West of Hwy 9. Phone 678 513-4450
www.atlantahobby.com

Hobby Mart in Roswell
770 740-2915
770 740-2902

Hobby Town USA in Cumming