MAY, 2006

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.

GMA Events For 2006
     Sunday - May 28:  GMA Family Day - Rex Briant 
     Saturday & Sunday - June 3, 4:  Dixie Nats Combat - Lou Melancon
     Saturday & Sunday - September 9, 10:  GMA Warbirds - Mike Kinsey
     Friday - November 24 - GMA Combat - Lou Melancon, Frank Neubert

 

Arthur Neto with Ray Sweatt, flying Ray's (and J.D.'s) Profile 38.

Drink Machine
With three hits on the drink machine we have removed the changer so that the machine no longer takes money.  Instead we are using an honor system and ask that you pay for your drinks to either Mike Hopkins or Carroll Cannon.  If we can continue to make a small profit the machine will remain.

Repeat Some Of The New Rules
All transmitters must have their channel number conspicuously displayed.  For a refresher on the new rules, see http://www.gmarc.com/News/2006January

Field Grass Plan
After the recent mowing of the tall grass, the johnson grass should begin to grow.  When it begins to grow, a series of treatments with a pesticide will begin.  This process will probably continue through next year, and when that grass is controlled, the field will be put into bermuda grass.

Pattern Contest In April
Even with the threatening weather, the event brought out 20 participants.  Mike Hester and Lou Melancon did a great job in organizing and managing this event.  With the entry fee, the food and the donations,  the club realized a little over $700 profit.

Its always good to see family participation in this hobby.  In addition to some of the Father/Son and Father/Daughter teams, here we have a couple Husband/Wife teams.  Tom and Julia Hulsey on the left.  Jason and Heather Bailey on the right.


MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS
Since closing membership, a further review has been made and we have begun accepting new members for weekday flying.  These weekday members retain their spot on the waiting list.  If you care to review the full details for weekday membership you can check them from the membership applications available from the GMA web site.

MEMBERSHIP CARDS
We are in the process of issuing club membership cards to all members.  These cards contain your name, your AMA number and your membership expiration date.  We hope to have these new cards out to all members by the end of May.  You should begin using your club membership card on the frequency control board.

NORTH END PARKING
Occasionally it seems necessary to extend parking beyond the normal parking area.  Whenever necessary to park on the north end, please park no closer than the west end of that concrete slab.  This appears to provide ample area for helicopter maneuvering.

DRIVING ON RUNWAYS
The condition of our grass runway is continually being monitored and it is in an improvement stage.  There are still some signs that some folks do drive across the grass and the asphalt runways.

Cutting across the landing strip with a 4,000 lb. truck creates "ruts" on the grass strip which are across the landing pattern. These ruts also cause the mowers to bounce, resulting in a wavy, bumpy grass cutting and whoop-te-do's to go over when landing your nice new plane.....PLEASE go around!
 
The grass / landscape crew have been working to eliminate ruts, divots, holes, lowspots, onions, weeds, global warming, fire ants, gophers and ruts caused by 4,000 lb. trucks. 
 
If you find that you need to enter the field to retrieve a downed plane, PLEASE go around the runways and grass infields.   It would be best  to use the small service road on your left as you enter the GMA entrance. This service road will take you around the active flying area where you can proceed to enter the field at the north end.
 
P.S. even if you drive a 2,000 lb. Honda or Toyota please go around the runways!

JET RULES
It appears we will be seeing more members with jets in the near future.  Since there are certain requirements for jet flying, Mike Altis has agree to serve as club coordinator to assist other members if they have questions or assistance.

MICROWAVE OVER
Since our microwave oven was apparently damaged by that recent 220 volt power spikes, thanks to Per Kejser for donating our second oven.

GMA FAMILY DAY - SUNDAY MAY 28
Rex Briant
has put together what promises to be a spectacular event with both lunch and dinner being served, and with a fireworks show that night.  

Please help us in planning by letting us know your attendance plans at http://www.gmarc.com/headcount

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