GMA Changes & Updates

Transmitter ID
Effective February 1, 2006, all transmitters must display the channel number on which it is operating.  The display must be black numbers on a white background, with the numbers a minimum of one inch in height.  Transmitters operating on the new Spread Spectrum RC System must be identified with red letters "XX" on a white background.

The club policy of requiring an AMA card on the frequency board for a channel card removed will be strictly enforced.  Other ID may be permitted in case of a lost AMA card for a 30 day period pending replacement of the AMA card.

Voluntary Transmitter Impound
Effective February 1, 2006, a voluntary transmitter impound area is provided for use by those members who are sharing the same channel number.  When arriving at the frequency control board to obtain the channel control card and discover that your channel is in use by another member, it is Your Responsibility to make contact with other member(s) using that channel.  You and the other member(s) will determine if you desire to use the impound for your transmitters, and assure each other that neither of you will turn on your transmitter without being in possession of the control card.  If it is decided to use the Impound board, the channel control card is to be moved to the card holder on that control board so the person taking the card from that Impound Board can confirm that any other transmitter on that channel is in fact turned off.  A unique card will be placed on the regular frequency board to alert any other person desiring to use that channel that that channel is being controlled on the Impound Board.

2006 Contests & Events
The following dates have been tentatively approved for events for 2006.  After some fine tuning and obtaining appropriate confirmations and sanctions, there could be some minor changes.
Saturday - February 25 - Pre-Perry Swap Meet
Saturday & Sunday - April 8, 9 - Pattern Contest - Coordinator Mike Hester
Sunday - May 28 - GMA Family Day - Coordinator Rex Briant
Saturday & Sunday - June 3, 4  - Combat - Coordinators Lou Melancon & Frank Neubert
Saturday & Sunday - September 9, 10 - Warbirds - Coordinator Mike Kinsey
Friday - November 24 - Combat - Coordinator Frank Neubert

               Details will be announced as they are completed.

Helicopter Area
The water faucet and hose rack on the north end will be relocated to an area close to the shelter in the Spring.

Shelter Permit Finalized
Final approval is expected in early January.

Safety Officers
With the increased flying activity, an increase in safety officers seems to be warranted.  Ben Adams, Fred Glance and Dick Rivers have agreed to accept these duties.  After 90 days, the board will review this activity and determine if this expansion is to be continued.

Beginner Instructions
Rex Briant will be drafting guidelines to implement a program for beginners to RC flying.  Rex will be discussing his plans with current club instructors and will develop a procedure where a beginner will be required to prove his ability with what will probably be called a Check Airman.

Field Maintenance
We have been negotiating with (Dennis) the fellow that cuts the field for hay in an effort to assure we never again have to contend with those tall jungle weeds.  We have agreed to split the cost of converting the entire field to a bermuda grass.  This process will begin this year (2006) and should provide a growth of bermuda in 2007 which Dennis should be able to harvest.  The club's cost will range from $4000 to $6000 and we will be able to pay it in monthly payments after the asphalt runway is completely paid off.  The club does receive compensation from Dennis for his being allowed to grow and harvest the hay, either in cash or work.

Financial Standing
The GMA monthly expenses are averaging about $3000, which includes $1000 for the lease, $1000 payment for the asphalt runway and about $1000 for field maintenance, electricity, portable toilet, administrative items...  As of the end of 2005, we had a bank balance of $9680.11

Membership Closed
Since reaching the 200 member mark we have been keeping an eye on activity at the field trying to determine if we should stop accepting members.  With the increase in active flyers, it appears we have reached that point.  We have established a maximum dues paying members at 225.  We are currently at 232 now and will trim that number down through attrition.