Monthly Archives: December 2014
2014 Event Director’s Report
Events in 2014 were varied and many. They were by-and-large successful and on average showed a slight profit at the end of the year. I was fortunate to be lucky enough to have almost all occur on the day planned, thank you weather gods.
I was most fortunate to have help from a large group of volunteers and voluntolds. This is what makes the club such a joy to work with. We never seem to run out of people who will step forward to help much of the time without being asked. Just see a job that needs doing and go ahead and do it.
- Dome Fly
- Our dome fly was well attended and we covered expenses. A great time was enjoyed by all and we had many new flyers who vowed to return. We plan another this year and we are looking to expand to three events in 2016. Check out the Forum under TEMAC Events.
- Scratch Building
- Our scratch building efforts continue to grow and this year we decided to build two models. We continued the class for the biplane “Skywriter”. This is turning out to be a more advanced build than was originally expected.
- Many members asked for a more beginner’s type of model. I picked a glider “RedEagle” designed by a Dutch man, Ton van Munsteren. We began build classes in the fall.
- Robert Pike designed a Piker Class racer and agreed to cut foam wings and run a build class for race pilots. This too was begun in the fall.
- While it may sound very ambitious to have three models as subjects of build classes I’m fortunate in being assisted by Frank van Beurden, Michael Rogozinsky and Robert Pike as expert advisors and build coaches.
- Float Flying Frenchman’s Bay
- With Robert as our “Pied Piper” and retriever float flying at Frenchman’s Bay grew in attendance and frequency. Many new models are being built such as Colin’s Solent and Michael’s Albatross. Checkout their build blogs on the TEMAC forum.
- For next year we are working on a schedule that would be more cooperative with family requirements and other conflicts. Like holding a float fly in conjunction with an event at Rogo Field so members can do both on the same day.
- Piker Class Team Racing
- We had another very successful season of Piker Class Team Pylon Racing. While the number of participants dropped from 2013 the racing was much closer and very exciting. Some new designs were flown with good results. Lots of experimentation going on.
- Robert has given classes in building his “Morphine” design and a number of new participants are scheduled to race in 2015. This will be our best year yet. The models are bettering 100mph on the straights.
- I did try to introduce an “all-star” day and provide an opportunity for teams with fewer points to catch up. It was in the form of a triathlon of skills but unfortunately I overestimated the pilot skills and the maneuverability of these models. The result was a dismal failure but a valuable lesson. I will work on this for 2015.
- EF-1
- EF-1 is gathering strength as we now have some 5 or 6 eligible models regularly flying.
- This group went to Georgetown and flew the regulation three pylon course.
- They had a great time and were hosted and welcomed by Ken Fluney and his buddies.
- I have pencilled in two events for 2015 in Georgetown.
- Combined Jets with Warbirds Day
- Not so well attended as in previous years. Weather may have been a factor as well as combining the two events. It was still a lot of fun for all who came. We are looking at ways to spice up this event, possibly going back to separate events.
- Tavares Pond Float Fly
- Again we were welcomed by the Tavares family to use their private pond. Many showed up and enjoyed wonderful conditions and hospitality.
- Robert was able to repay our debt by participating in a charity event hosted by the family. A select group of flyers did a demonstration that was very well received by the audience.
- We plan on three more events in 2015 if conditions allow.
- Kingston Electric Fun Fly
- There was a good TEMAC representation at the Fun Fly. They cleaned up on awards. Martin Irvine, the organiser is a long-time friend and visited our Fun Fly in August.
- It’s a great weekend and you should plan on it for 2015.
- Scratch Builder’s Fun Fly
- This was disappointing and not too well supported. Probably too optimistic on my part. I think that it was before its time.
- With the amount of scratch building happening it’s time will come.
- Annual Fun Fly
- The Annual Fun fly was a well-attended affair that provided lots of entertainment and socialising. This continues to be one of our best events and the pattern seems to work well. There are no plans to change it for the future.
- President’s BBQ
- This was a new event on our calendar and is a celebration of the end of student training. It is a way for the club to thank the students and instructors for all their time and efforts.
- We plan on keeping this as an annual event. The parents and guardians of students are also included.
- Skills Challenge
- Easily the most anticipated club event of the year. We added new skills such as a helicopter SAR event. Also new this year was a bombing event and a trickier Limbo Pole event.
- The response was terrific with everyone enjoying themselves whether participants or spectator. My volunteer judges performed magnificently despite bribes, taunts and other derisive comments.
- I have already got some diabolical plans for next year.
- We will be adding Glider specific challenges now that we are all building gliders.
- Pilot’s Meetings
- Pilot’s meetings continue to be well attended. The themes generate a lot of discussion and I’m always open to suggestions for topics you want to cover.
- If any of you know of such a facility closer to town let me know. I’m always looking for ways to improve our experience.
- MAAC Annual Zone Meeting (AZM)
- This year the club hosted the AZM at the Whitchurch-Stouffville Museum and Community Centre. Normally this event has a turnout of 25 to 30 members. We had 67. I had planned on food for 40 but fortunately Graham, Gerald and Timi worked their own miracle of the “Loaves and Fishes” and we managed.
- We started with a swap meet. We had a working lunch with a slide presentation by Bill and Andre on the whole process for getting a Geotex runway.
- We then had a meeting which we hustled along as best we could and ended up with a BBQ at Rogo Field for any guest who wanted to try the runway. Many showed up and flew and many more came for the hot dogs.
- Congratulations to Michael Rogozinsky who became the new Deputy Zone Director.
- TEMAC Tickler
- The Tickler continues to be our main form of communication with the membership. As of today we have published 128 pages of pictures comments and information about upcoming events.
- We comment and report on all events within days and sometime hours and it is an important link for our members who are fortunate enough to enjoy warmer climes during the winter.
- I’m very grateful for all who send photographs. For any ordinary event I may have the choice of up to 200 shots and for our Fun Fly I had 742 photographs. Thank you all for helping make the Tickler so immediate and such a good vehicle for conveying the objectives and ethics of the club.
- The Tickler would be nothing without the help of Ben Feist and our wonderful website.
I would like to conclude by thanking the Board for its continued support both moral and physical. I would like to thank the membership for their ongoing support of all our events even if they sometimes cut into their flying time. Lastly to anyone who has volunteered in any capacity at any time, thank you. It shows your appreciation for our efforts and makes all the hard just so much fun. Check out our calendar on the website, it has all events noted.
Jack Higgins
Events coordinator, TEMAC
November 23, 2014.
Fun Safety Courtesy
2014 Treasurer’s Report
TEMAC remains in good financial condition as a result of continued prudent management of our finances by the Board, ensuring that we spend on the important things, but stay within our fiscal means. We have invested carefully in solid infrastructure improvements (e.g. driveway and parking lot upgrades) and field maintenance (seeding; grass cutting) to ensure a good facility which meets the needs of our growing club, with adequate funds remaining to cover our operating expenses and of course, food, prizes and awards for our fun fly events. In the spring Bill Quantock and crew successfully installed a Geotex stretched fabric runway which has been a great success, and we took possession of our very own Loo. We are pleased to see that the fee structure implemented last year has been successful and the Board has determined that no increase in membership dues is required for 2015. Full membership renewals remain at $80. The complete fee structure is available on the TEMAC website.
The revenue stream created by membership growth over the past few years has remained stable, with modest turnover in membership in 2014. TEMAC’s membership now stands at 130, including 2 life members, 20 junior members and 4 non-flying members, making TEMAC the largest club in the SE Zone of MAAC. Growth in the club has put significant additional demands on our field resources (parking, assembly tables, and airspace availability), but so far have not had to limit how many members we can accommodate at TEMAC.
Looking to 2015, we are submitting an application for a Trillium grant and will be again requested funding from the SE Zone of MAAC to allow us to make further improvements to our field, including the parking area and driveway at ROGO field. Given our positive cash situation over the year, we look forward to maintaining our facilities in good condition with modest improvements, and we are pleased to offer our members unlimited use of the Loo at no extra charge.
I can’t emphasize enough how extremely fortunate we continue to be having the very talented Ben Feist as our web designer and administrator. Ben has made our web site the vibrant communications and discussion vehicle that it is. This has allowed us to keep each other informed and share our collective experiences for the benefit of everyone. Thanks so much Ben.
Andy Hoffer
Secretary-Treasurer and Membership Director, TEMAC
TEMAC – Financial Statement – Jan 1 to Dec 8, 2014 | |||
Assets @ Dec 8, 2014: | |||
Adjusted Bank Balance (net of outstanding cheques) | 3469.78 | ||
Total Assets | 3469.78 | ||
Liabilities @ Dec 8, 2014 | |||
None | 0 | ||
Total Liabilities | 0 | ||
Net Assets @ Dec 8 2014 (Assets less Liabilities) | $ 3,469.78 | ||
Debits | Credits | ||
Revenues (Jan 1, 2014 – Dec 8, 2014): | |||
TEMAC Memberships | 5,565.00 | ||
New member contributions (initiation) and event ticket and auction sales (incl 24 x 2014 initiations @ $30) | 2,280.84 | ||
Dome Fly Revenues (Dec 28, 2014 fun fly) | 480.00 | ||
MAAC reimbursement for Zone Meeting Expenses | 797.54 | ||
Bank Interest | 0.19 | ||
Total Revenues | $9,203.57 | ||
Expenses (Jan 1 – Dec 8, 2014): | |||
Hardware, Stationery Supplies, Postage | 0.00 | ||
Grass Cutting (May 1 – Oct 19, 2014) | 2,520.00 | ||
Field Improvements (gravel, grass, pilot stations) | 2,511.35 | ||
Annual Fun Fly & Mini Fun Fly Expenses, Golf Dome Rental, Web Site, Charitable Donations, Appreciation Gifts, Volunteer T-Shirts | 1,939.84 | ||
Bank Charges | 12.00 | ||
Field Rental (for 2015) | 1,500.00 | ||
MAAC Expenses (Wings; Zone Meeting proxy mailout) | 830.79 | ||
Total Expenses | $ 9,313.98 | ||
Net Revenues (Loss) (Jan 1 – Dec 8, 2014) | ($110.41) |
Budget for 2015 | Remarks | 2015 Budget |
Revenues: | ||
Memberships | 100 x $80 | 8,000.00 |
Initiation Fees | 15 x $30 | 450.00 |
Dome Fly | 30 x $20 | 600.00 |
Annual Fun Fly | 30 x $5 | 150.00 |
Annual Fun Fly raffle | 30 x $5 | 150.00 |
Annual Fun Fly auction | 200.00 | |
Jets / Warbirds Day Mini Fun Fly | 30 x $5 | 150.00 |
Scratch Build Fun Fly | ||
Skills Challenge Mini Fun Fly – food | 30 x $5 | 150.00 |
Skills Challenge Mini Fun Fly – 50/50 Draw | 75.00 | |
Total Revenues | 9,925.00 | |
Expenses: | ||
Field Rental (Lease) | 1,500.00 | |
Grass Cutting | 5 x $450 + 3 x $90 | 2,500.00 |
Field Maintenance (gravel, seeding, rolling, Loo, pump outs) | 1,000.00 | |
Field Improvements (new tables) | 1,000.00 | |
Dome Fly | 452.00 | |
Annual Fun Fly; Mini Fun Fly Events (food, prizes, awards, volunteer T-shirts) | 1,800.00 | |
Office (stationery, postage) | 250.00 | |
MAAC Expenses (wings, proxy mailout) | 500.00 | |
Contingency | 1,000.00 | |
Total Expenses | 10,002.00 | |
Gain (Loss) | (77.00) |
2014 Vice President’s Report
I am really happy to step into the role so expertly managed by Bill Quantock up until late this season. Bill worked endlessly in bringing about major improvements to our field and ensuring it remained a safe and happy “backyard” for us all to enjoy. Thanks a million, Bill! You have done us proud!!
Field Maintenance and Improvements
Here’s what was done this year:
- Spring clean up
- Grass over seeding- 75 kgs both in spring and fall
- Geotex runway and taxiway installation
- Portable toilet provision
- Cut the southwest area grass to allow for multiuse including overflow parking
- Weekly grass cutting from May through October
- Fall clean up
Your enthusiastic recommendations for next year are much appreciated. While every idea was reviewed by our board, we must consider and prioritize each from a budgetary (best bang for the buck) and safety perspective. So unfortunately, some decision-making was necessary and not all ideas can be accommodated, for now:
Safety & Security
Being around LiPo’s and spinning propellers does demand a degree of respect. I am always impressed at the willingness of everyone to assist each other as a “safety-buddy” when focus may momentarily be interrupted. Review of potential safety issues and procedures is an ongoing process.
Training
The amazing team of volunteer instructors ran another highly popular program this year under the leadership of our CFI and interim CFI, Mike Hazelton & Frank van Beurden. Despite sometimes challenging weather, I do not think a single Wednesday evening was skipped during the entire season which took off on 22nd May and landed with a President’s BBQ on 17th September. The roster of instructors deserves our applause with an extra clap for Frank who was awarded special recognition at our annual fun fly.
Bill Quantock Greg Hazelton Nick Dang
Frank van Beurden Michael Rogozinsky Ron Brott
Greg Cadez Mike Hazelton, CFI Simon Hinchcliffe
2015 Objectives
Here are some of the things we are planning to do:
Spring clean up Wind sock relocation
Field road sign relocation Table repair and upgrade
Runway and grass maintenance The “Loo” maintenance
Parking lot fence repair/replacement Develop a register of students
Add gravel to parking lot and laneway Review of safety & training
Grass over seeding Fall clean up
Our gratitude goes to all volunteers for continuing to make our “backyard” so special.
Respectfully,
Graham McNicol
Vice-President, TEMAC
2014 President’s Report
We have a truly great club. And your Board, Jack, Graham, Andy, Greg and Michael (our advisor) really do care for our club, and literally put “heart & soul” in to making it so much fun. They are a pleasure to collaborate with, and really make my role very simple. However, when it comes to writing my annual report, they make my task very difficult – because really they do all the hard work. Hence, their reports contain the real stories of progress, and the fun we’ve had this year.
So what can I say?
I’m going to talk about 2 opposing concepts that I think relate to TEMAC: I’m going to talk about how much has changed in 2014, and also how much has stayed the same. And bear with me, but I’m going to try and explain why I believe that the way TEMAC manages these 2 concepts is at the heart of much of our success.
So what’s changed? You only have to read Jack & Graham’s reports to see how much we’ve done this year. It’s hard to imagine some times, that in the summer of 2013 we only had a grass runway! Just take a little time to think about all the woes of nose-overs, tiny wheels going nowhere and all our hand-launch planes! Compare that to the fun we now have trying to line up on our runway, touchdown with the perfect flare, and taxi back to the admiration and applause (OK, maybe that’s too much) of your buddies! And I don’t think anyone has really, truly seen any negative impact.
All the “field helpers” need to take credit and thanks for our 2 field clean-up events. Remember when getting up the drive in 2012 was almost impossible, and parking on the field was a complete gamble in spring? This new “tradition” that lots of you contribute to makes it possible for us all to have fun sooner in the year, and longer in to the season – I appreciate that! Our loo! Don’t forget the loo! I for one now feel much happier inviting friends and family to join us at the field due to our new addition.
Don’t forget to thank Bill too – Bill, who was on the Board for most of the year, did a wonderful job with all the field improvements. I would like to personally thank Bill for all his leadership and support during that time.
Speaking of new traditions, what about the President’s BBQ (perhaps more aptly named the CFI’s BBQ). What better way to just mingle, socialise and get to know our new members and new flyers than having a BBQ at the end of the season? It’s great to be able to say thanks to our instructors (who all volunteer their time) and to reflect on the fun we’ve had during the training season.
How about our new events and activities? How does Jack do it, to come up with new ideas and ways for us all to have fun together whilst enjoying model aircraft? Racing triathlons (read: carnage), EF1 demonstration races, scratch build classes and Fun Fly, visits from the press (remember that?) indoor flying, float flying at “our own” private pond and even just new events at the skills challenge. And we mustn’t forget the new look MAAC zone meeting that we hosted. I think that sets the bar very high for future meetings and, again, let’s hope it’s started a new way of doing things.
It takes great imagination and vision to keep up the pace of these organised events that we all enjoy, so please take the time to say thanks to Jack.
So what’s the same? What didn’t change? Well, all the things that aren’t broken!
Those summer Fun Fly events with the BBQs – who doesn’t love a hot dog or 2? We had a fabulous Annual Fun Fly this year, and the Skills Challenge is still a firm favourite. Mike, Frank and our Instructors were able to build on the success of the Flight Training program that Mike implemented in 2013, and the club welcomes many new pilots this year as a result of the comprehensive, safe and fun training system. We’re well into our 3rd season of the scratch build courses, allowing novices and experienced builders to both share in the job of creating their own models. Learning the tricks and knacks to build strong and (hopefully) great flying aircraft, and even race winning Piker class racers, is a phenomenal aspect of our club. Speaking of racing, it was a great pleasure to be part of the exciting and fun Piker Class Club series; the friendly competition and passion of participants is fantastic.
Our financial health is excellent, thanks to the excellent stewardship of Andy (and remember, no fee increase again for 2014!) and yet we’ve still been able to continue improving our field, and plan to do more in 2015.
Then there’s you. Every member of our club. Our community. I was talking with Les (my wife) about what I could say in this report and the recurring theme and single biggest thing that I love about TEMAC is our comradeship, our support of each other, the encouragement. And that doesn’t change.
Please pause and reflect on all the circumstances and ways in which the TEMAC community supports you. At the pilots meetings, over dinner and drinks, sharing a laugh and a joke, chatting about our next plane (Q: Do we always have a next plane lined up?); asking about the best glue to use, or how to bend torque rods. Reading the Tickler, perhaps when the weather is bad, or work is too busy; seeing all the happy laughing faces and antics at the field – it keeps us motivated. Bumping into each other at Pinnacle; finding out what we’re building or planning to use as an egg-drop at the skills challenge. Our on-line community, our superb website and forum: it keeps us all connected – through the winter nights, the lunch breaks, after a great day at the field – it’s literally “always there for you.” And of course the time at the field, whether it’s mock dog-fighting, helping maiden a new plane, sharing the walk of shame, or just admiring each other’s models – we have great fun together. We are TEMAC!
So, why talk about change and stability? Because I think that’s our winning formula. At TEMAC we keep the good, we build on firm foundations and strengthen the things that work. Yet we’re not afraid to try new things, to experiment, to accept change and stay fresh. It keeps our community and kinship strong, and allows us to have great times and great fun, sharing our love of model aviation. Please, continue to participate, to share and to get involved and we’ll all continue to see the rewards of our great club.
I wish you all, and your families, the very best health and every happiness as we leave 2014 and journey in to 2015.
Simon Hinchcliffe
President, TEMAC