TEMAC for 2007; INFORMAL online member's meeting
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Discussion ENDS Dec. 12, 2006
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Hi guys
When I first started TEMAC a little over 3 years ago, I promised that we would have elections for a new executive, and our club would become a little more formal.
Several people have since suggested that we not change anything, and we continue running the club as is.
The executive/club consists of:
President - Michael Rogozinsky
Vice President - Jack Humphries
Treasurer - John Kusterin
Secretary - Robert Pike
Official Club Representitive and Senior Instructor - André Wedseltoft
We have about 50+ members per year; we have several hundred dollars in our bank account at the lowest; our biggest expenses are the land lease and grass care, the club is a legal entity as a non-profit organization, and a MAAC chartered club.
Generally, I do all of the paperwork upkeep, André does most of the training, and several members help out upgrading the club/field from time to time.
I hereby suggest the following:
If anyone wants to have elections for a new executive, please nominate someone to run; if someone wants to run for any position, please make it known here; if someone wants to have any major change in the club, let it be known here; if anyone has a major complaint about the club, please state so here, BEFORE December 12, 2006.
Otherwise, please state that you would like the club to continue as is for another year.
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ALSO ......
Please bring your membership renewal cheques ($80 for renewal, $110 for new membership) made out to TEMAC to the next Winter Workshop, Dec. 13, 2006, or mail them to:
TEMAC
165 Tycos Drive
Toronto, ON
M6B 1W6
Michael
I think It's OK as it is, especially with great membership we have.
Nestor[:)]
I'm a new member and haven't got a lot of experience here, but I'm enjoying the club the way it is right now and am not a great fan of the formal thing. I've belonged to organizations that went the "tighter ship" route and almost all deteriorated into a more restrictive type of atmosphere. Invariably, that's when the fun goes right out the window.
Eric
I like the "executive" (all nice guys! [:D]) and I think we have a great setup as is. I would like to see a couple of "improvements" however. [:)]
1. We REALLY have to do something about the condition of the field what with the holes etc. I know this has been discussed casually amoung ourselves since TEMAC's inception but maybe this season we should really get serious about it. [:)]
I know that the bigger planes generally have no problems taking off and landing but it would be nice to have the guys with the smaller planes have the opportunity to learn to ROG. Incidentally even the bigger planes can sometimes have a problem if they don't have sufficient elevator control surface area to hold the tail down on initial taxi run up. A great example are the bigger warbirds. I recall Simon breaking a couple of his props with his Spitfire and Andre breaking about three of his big props in a row on takeoff attempts with his big Heinkel one evening (due to noseovers) and those suckers can set you back 5 to 10 bucks a pop! (Don't ask me how I know! [:(!])
In any event taking off is a major part of the learning curve with flying and IF and when people decide to "move up" to bigger planes (that they can't hand launch) they will have already learned to take off from the ground (ROG) with their smaller models. On the other hand if they did not get that opportunity to learn these techniques, BEFORE they DO move up in size there is a MUCH greater chance of them potentially crashing on takeoff. (Again, don't ask me how I know! [:D]) Bigger planes = bigger expense = more to lose if you crash! [:0]
I've discussed this field condition at length on several different occasions with several members and there is always a general consensus among us that members wouldn't even mind paying something extra to have this done. I have also discussed this with the guy (the older gentleman, not the son) who cuts the grass and he told me about this big operation that the Toronto club had done (involving members volunteering to work) to get their field in the condition that it is in today. Maybe John and/or Nestor can chime in on this? [;)] In any event, I'm sure that members would not mind volunteering to do the same with our club. (I know I wouldn't) Or maybe we can have a landscaping company do an estimate as to how much it would cost? I dunno.
2. We should move the wind sock back to its original position (on the flightline as opposed to behind it) so that you can see the wind direction at a glance. As it is, it's a bit difficult to have to look back over your shoulder to see the wind direction when you're on "final", especially if you're a bit nervous about your landing for whatever reason! [:I] (maiden flight, emergency deadstick landing etc)
Other than those two things I think we have the best club! (But then I'm biased [;)]) I know for sure that we have the best bunch of guys that one could ask for to spend an awesome evening (or whenever) with flying!
Looking forward to flying with everyone again in the spring.
Thanks!
Colin.
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Three things are certain ... Death, Taxes and CRASHIN'! :)
Actually, considering that Colin is one of the guys who spends more time at TEMAC than just about anyone, I'd agree with his comments.
I think John Kusterin said he would probably move the windsock back, but pointed out that when closer to the trees, it is not as accurate.
As far as the smoothness of the field is concerned, we would all like to see an improvement. The main obstacles to this are:
1. To get a professional to do this is VERY expensive.
2. Even if we did spend the money, our lease is year to year, and it may not be a good long-term investment.
3. Ideas and suggestions are usually forwarded to me with the expectation that I will take action; problem is, I don't know what to do in this case.
It has been suggested, that the best way to improve the field, is not to "roll" or "flatten" it, but rather to buy earth/dirt, fill the holes, and plant grass in those spots. Even if we did a small section of the field, we would need a commitment from SEVERAL members to help.
I would suggest that we discuss this at a Winterworkshop meeting in January or February. I'll speak to Robert, and make sure mebers are notified before this meeting.
Michael
Great club, Great field, but could use more patio stones . . .[:D]
Ken
I know the Humber Valley RC club had the Parks department donating top-soil or compost on their field to level things up. Their club is built on top of a dump site.
Since we are a social club, may be we can get the same treat from the Parks department.
Michael, is there no way we can get more of a commitment from the leaser in leu of the same commitment from us? If we knew we had, say, a five year lease, minimum, we could justify the expense and work required to improved the field.
I don't think it would take TOO much work. It's really not that bad. It just needs a little finishing effort. Like final sanding [:)]
I'm more than willing to put in whatever labour is required.
Robert
Count me in for labour too. I'm a big boy, I can handle it! :)
Colin.
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Three things are certain ... Death, Taxes and CRASHIN'! :)
Michael, Do you want to make the December Winter Workshop, next week, an official TEMAC meeting (say, for half of the evening if required)? That way people could make the trip and renew their memberships if they haven't already done so.
BTW, the winter has already been too long. I was dreaming about flying both last night and the night before [:I]
Robert
Yeah, we can devote half (not more) of the meeting to discuss TEMAC.
We can talk about the upcoming year, and improving the field.
I plan on bringing at least 3 models for "Show and Tell". Everyone should try to bring something to show; seeing other people's planes is usually the most fun at the meetings.
Michael
QuoteOriginally posted by Michael
It has been suggested, that the best way to improve the field, is not to "roll" or "flatten" it, but rather to buy earth/dirt, fill the holes, and plant grass in those spots. Even if we did a small section of the field, we would need a commitment from SEVERAL members to help.
I agree fully with you Michael.The field needs to be levelled but not with "dirt". Our field is critically short of organic matter. Compost is our best material to level and improve the health of the lawn.
Rob is right. We should get a commitment from Lambert before we put more value into the field.
All municipalities have composting programs whereby they give it away in the spring and fall. If our members took the time to wait in line to get this(I believe the max. per person is a 4x8 triler full) It can be stockpiled and when we have eenough organize a rake and wheel barrow day to spread it. Although the entire field needs it I would suggest starting with an area of 20'x50'in the most common take off area. You might caution members that if there is a sale at Costco or Canadian tire on seed to avoid getting this. The grass seed I originally spread three years ago is a single species not a blend , that is short growing ,drought resistant, self spreading and grub resistant. Putting on a domestic blend will just screw up the field. Blends typically have a lot of filler of inferior "wild"grasses that grow about ten times taller than ours does ,meaning about three days after the field is cut you'll have tall clumps of grass to clog your gear.
My ramblings for what they're worth.
John
Here is a link to the city of Toronto free compost information:
http://www.toronto.ca/compost/leaf.htm
Pat MacKenzie
Count me in for labour too.
I'll be very happy to help and also contribute a load of compost.
However, I'd be very interested to know what it would cost to get it done professionally. (I know it's expensive, but I'd really like to know more specifically what that means ... John, can you shed some light?)
Also, maybe there's an option halfway between a full professional job and an all-volunteer effort... For example, perhaps it would be feasible to pay someone to deliver a really large load of compost to the field, and then ask the members to spend a day raking and levelling it. It seems to me that this would be a lot easier and faster than asking a whole bunch of volunteers to each contribute a few bushels of compost.
I also wonder whether we might be eligible for Trillium Grant funding for field improvement. I expect we would need a longer term commitment from the landlord to do this, but it might be worth looking into. As I have suggested this as a possibility in the past, I will commit to investigating it and get back to the group via this thread.
Best to all... I miss you guys!
Gordon Braun-Woodbury
"How on earth do I land this thing?"
I'm always up for a little manual labour. Count me in.
I agree with Gordon. It seems impractical to me to try to get trunk load by trunk load to the field. By the time we would have enough the summer would be over. I think the best thing would be to do as Gordon suggests. Get a delivery and spread it ourselves. That is assuming we need a lot to fill the holes.
Again, any expense and effort can only be justified if he have a reasonable chance of being there for a few years.
Robert
I've had a great time learning to fly this past year, at TEMAC. I like the way it's run, and I'm willing to lend some muscle to renovations.
Robert
I'm with Gordon on this one!
Colin.
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Three things are certain ... Death, Taxes and CRASHIN'! :)
QuoteOriginally posted by piker
I agree with Gordon. It seems impractical to me to try to get trunk load by trunk load to the field. By the time we would have enough the summer would be over. I think the best thing would be to do as Gordon suggests. Get a delivery and spread it ourselves. That is assuming we need a lot to fill the holes.
I believe Michael looked into a landscaper doing the field originally and I believe the quote was in the multi thousand dollars.As I'm sure you know if you've hired someone it's not the materials that cost the big bucks it's the fact someone comes out and uses his expertise. This is not Rocket Science. The field is generally pretty good . It's just those odd holes that get all the attention. I don't think I've ever seen anyone try to take off on the far side of the field. The only area we really have to worry about is the strip twenty feet out from the flight line. All the field needs is a pail of compost raked over in every bald spot ,loosened with a fork and some seeds spread. It's out of our hands then.
What do you mean you don't want to bring a few trunk loads of compost? You've got that nice trailer or is it perhaps TOO nice ? Besides ,there are other members of the club that can bring compost as I said earlier.
As I've mentioned before and had it fall on deaf ears, there is a very large commercial composting company directly north of the field on Aurora side Rd. I know they sell and deliver truck loads of compost.
Something to think about since everyone wants to spend money.
BTW Richmond Hill has a fantastic field and they did it themselves and continue to maintain it annually.
John
QuoteOriginally posted by wollins
I'm with Gordon on this one!
Colin.
|What happened to "I'm a big boy and can handle it"?[;)]
This is not building the pyramids. Once the compost is at the field I see us spending the morning doing this and flying in the afternoon. Remember the whole field including the additional 100'depth our farmer ploughed under for his corn took me and Andre one day to do. That was when the field had foot deep ruts of rock hard clay and included picking up my machine in the morning and quitting around 2:30 because it started to rain. My daughter then helped me the next day spread the grass seed. About two hours.
John
Slo-poke said " ... The field is generally pretty good . It's just those odd holes that get all the attention. I don't think I've ever seen anyone try to take off on the far side of the field. The only area we really have to worry about is the strip twenty feet out from the flight line. All the field needs is a pail of compost raked over in every bald spot ,loosened with a fork and some seeds spread. It's out of our hands then. "
I agree with this. In fact it may only be a few hours work if about a dozen of us do the work, and limit ourselves to a take-off and landing strip, say about 50 feet wide by 200 feet long.
Michael
Whatever it takes, let's seriously "git er done"! :)
John ... my offer's still good. [;)] Whatever it takes, I'm up for it, whether it be "heavy stuff" or "some gentle rakeing". [:D]
"limit ourselves to a take-off and landing strip, say about 50 feet wide by 200 feet long."
Hmmm ... seeing as how I can hardly hit the ENTIRE field sometimes, maybe a bit wider? [:I]
Colin.
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Three things are certain ... Death, Taxes and CRASHIN'! :)
quote:
I don't think I've ever seen anyone try to take off on the far side of the field.
True, but the landings do damage too, and they take place everywhere.
quote:
All the field needs is a pail of compost raked over in every bald spot ,loosened with a fork and some seeds spread.
Agreed. We can do the work ourselves.
quote:
What do you mean you don't want to bring a few trunk loads of compost? You've got that nice trailer or is it perhaps TOO nice ?
I think it'll be difficult to get a bunch of people to drive to the field several time with compost instead of planes. It seem more appropriate to spend a few bucks to get a truck load delivered then spread ourselves. I offered my trailer for a load or two back in the summer but you said that amount wouldn't even make a dent. That's why I'm thinking a few trunks full won't either.
quote:
Something to think about since everyone wants to spend money.
I think what's needed is a balance of time and cost.
[/quote]BTW Richmond Hill has a fantastic field and they did it themselves and continue to maintain it annually.[/quote]
They had it professionally leveled with top soil and planted when the field was established and the sod farm people across the road maintain it, I believe.
Robert
quote:
Hmmm ... seeing as how I can hardly hit the ENTIRE field sometimes, maybe a bit wider? [:I]
Me too [:)]
Robert
Anybody have an idea how much it would cost to purchase an appropriate amount of compost and have it delivered, maybe in late March?
Also, it seems we are now talking about covering the whole field; I thought the intention was to fill the holes.
Michael
Michael,
Seeing that certain decisions were made and a conclusion was reached about the TEMAC topics at the winter workshop on Wednesday, maybe you could post them here so that members who were not able to make it out could be brought up to speed? [:)] Great meeting, by the way!
Colin.
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Three things are certain ... Death, Taxes and CRASHIN'! :)
We basically agreed to leave the executive in place as is, and keep running the club as is.
We agreed to smooth-out the field in early spring. It was mentioned that we could cut down a few more trees on the north side, but most members don't seem to mind them anymore.
It was also noted that we permission to fly in winter (Sat and Sun only) across the road behind the Christian Blind mission.
Michael
I'll update the TEMAC website this weekend!
If anyone has any photos of something they're building or have ready for the upcoming flying season, send me an email (with the image) and a description so I can post it on the TEMAC website.
Michael
Updated:
http://www.emfso.org/discussions/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=1209
Michael
Nice link. Takes us around in circles [:D]
That's funny!
Try this instead.
http://www3.sympatico.ca/m.rogozinsky/temac-news.htm
Michael
Hi Michael. Any info, ie. a/c size, motor used, esc, battery pack etc. on the heading photo, the Impact. Looks very nice.
Bigstik
The Impact uses a Plettenberg Extra 30-10 brushless motor on 10-series 5300 mah lipos, and spins a 21/14 prop. The plane weighs about 10½ pounds.
Michael