Toronto Electric Model Aviation Club Forum

Toronto Electric Model Aviation Club (TEMAC) => General Discussion => Topic started by: Michael on May 28, 2021, 09:58:47 AM

Title: New runway 2021
Post by: Michael on May 28, 2021, 09:58:47 AM
Hi all

If you've been to the field, I'm sure you've seen the new material for the runway has been delivered. This is a stronger and better fabric than the older one.

We have been informed by the installers that work on the field will commence on June 3rd or 4th, and is expected to be finished by June 7.

I will confirm this when I know exactly. Of course, we will have to temporarily suspend flying during the installation.

Title: Re: New runway 2021
Post by: Andy Hoffer on June 03, 2021, 07:54:23 PM
Progress report as of 5:30 p.m., Thursday June 3 2021.

About 1/6 of the old runway surface has been removed; taxiways have not been removed yet.

Andy
Title: Re: New runway 2021
Post by: Michael on June 03, 2021, 08:46:50 PM
https://temac.ca/smf/index.php?topic=7990.0

Title: Re: New runway 2021
Post by: deltawing on June 03, 2021, 10:23:53 PM
Thank you Michael and whom have arranged this new runway happen.  ;)
I'm so excited to see the new tarpaulin rolls in Rogo, just couldn't wait to take off from it.

I would like to start a discussion on how to keep this new runway to last longer than the last one. I believe everyone's opinion are important. So please have you voice and suggestions heard.

I observed that for the first couple of years our runway was in almost perfect condition. And I always saw Graham and fellow pilots busy taping the openings and maintaining the runway in top conditions for all of us to enjoy. A late big THANK YOU here.

For two years after the snow melted and the seasonal rains in April/May I visited Rogo for my first flight of the year, the ground on the field was very soft and absolute muddy everywhere.  I'm sure my walking on the runway will left my shoe prints on the bare mud under the black tarpaulin.  My shoe prints got harden after sunny days and became many hidden bumps right on the runway.  I'm also sure that no one want to do that on purpose, but 10 steps on the runway by 10 pilots will make 200 bumps. For two years I was one of those pilots too.
In the recent years, without naming pilots I witnessed at least three EDF jets were bounced up to airborne condition due to the bumpy runway.  Unfortunately the jet didn't has enough air speed yet, so it stalled & crash to the ground.   :( >:(

Perhaps we should consider some "no flying days" after the heavy rains days. May be some kind of runway guidelines will keep our new runway last much longer for all members to enjoy!

What is your suggestion?
Title: Re: New runway 2021
Post by: Gregor77 on June 04, 2021, 08:42:09 AM
Maybe we post some signs not to walk on the runway when the ground is soft?  Just a suggestion.
Title: Re: New runway 2021
Post by: Michael on June 04, 2021, 09:54:23 AM
Posting signs is not a bad idea.

Also emailing the membership, and posting on the website.

Title: Re: New runway 2021
Post by: Crazyflyer on June 04, 2021, 09:55:32 AM
Or maybe we mandate snow shoes after it rains!!  ;D
We can make a custom completely flat set that will also flatten the ground as we use it!!  8)
Title: Re: New runway 2021
Post by: sihinch on June 04, 2021, 10:10:48 AM
Or put a plastic tape barrier around the runway in spring to try and keep people off it. Like a police incident scene.
Title: Re: New runway 2021
Post by: Michael on June 04, 2021, 10:39:08 AM
Pragmatically, we can't enforce any of these rules.

I will ask the membership to be careful after wet or damp weather (signs, email and website).

The last runway lasted 7 years, the new one is thicker and more robust.
Title: Re: New runway 2021
Post by: Michael on June 04, 2021, 03:44:55 PM
Work continues, and ready to 'roll'.

Title: Re: New runway 2021
Post by: Forenplayer on June 04, 2021, 09:03:47 PM
Looks like they may finish earlier than expected
Title: Re: New runway 2021
Post by: deltawing on June 04, 2021, 11:27:37 PM
Wow, just couldn't wait to take off from it.
Planning my flights again next Monday.

Michael, I think some sign and your email as reminder would help.
THANK YOU from all jet flyers.
Title: Re: New runway 2021
Post by: Andy Hoffer on June 05, 2021, 12:01:41 AM
I think @Crazyflyer has the right idea.  Someone inevitably has a bad landing and has to retrieve the aircraft from the runway, or tape slashes from prop strikes.  So either load-spreading runway footwear as suggested by Stephan, or a long pole with a hook on it to allow retrieval without damaging the soil foundation under the runway surface.  Load-spreading footwear would allow access for surface repairs.

Andy
Title: Re: New runway 2021
Post by: Oscar on June 05, 2021, 11:22:35 AM
Quote from: Forenplayer on June 04, 2021, 09:03:47 PM
Looks like they may finish earlier than expected

Fingercrossed.

BTW, Thank you Alex for finding us this company to do this job.  It is not easy.  Both Dave and I plus other members has tried in the past without much success.  Kudo to you.
Title: Re: New runway 2021
Post by: deltawing on June 05, 2021, 11:24:17 AM
Guys, My point is the runway become so soft after heavy rainy days and it is not suitable to walk on.
I remembered that one year there was a big puddle on the north end. it was so big that I could have my RC boat on it. Since then I gave up flying right after rainy days.   

There are absolute no issue walking on the runway, but not when the soil under the black covering is very soft, that is after heavy rainy days.

IMO, Michael's proper signs and email/website are the better way for now.
Title: Re: New runway 2021
Post by: Forenplayer on June 05, 2021, 11:57:13 AM
My pleasure Oscar. Can't wait to try the new runway


quote author=Oscar link=topic=7980.msg54215#msg54215 date=1622906555]
Quote from: Forenplayer on June 04, 2021, 09:03:47 PM
Looks like they may finish earlier than expected

Fingercrossed.

BTW, Thank you Alex for finding us this company to do this job.  It is not easy.  Both Dave and I plus other members has tried in the past without much success.  Kudo to you.
[/quote]
Title: Re: New runway 2021
Post by: davidk on June 05, 2021, 03:17:34 PM
Coming along nicely.  North taxiway tilled.  South taxiway rolled.
Title: Re: New runway 2021
Post by: electroflyer on June 05, 2021, 04:44:22 PM
Looking good Dave!
Title: Re: New runway 2021
Post by: GuyOReilly on June 05, 2021, 05:49:27 PM
Fantastic!! Many thanks to the Club Executives for making this come true!
Title: Re: New runway 2021
Post by: Oscar on June 05, 2021, 06:24:18 PM
Quote from: davidk on June 05, 2021, 03:17:34 PM
Coming along nicely.  North taxiway tilled.  South taxiway rolled.

Looking good Dave.  Thank you for staying at the field reporting the progress.   :)
Title: Re: New runway 2021
Post by: Forenplayer on June 05, 2021, 07:06:01 PM
Quote from: Oscar on June 05, 2021, 06:24:18 PM
Quote from: davidk on June 05, 2021, 03:17:34 PM
Coming along nicely.  North taxiway tilled.  South taxiway rolled.

Looking good Dave.  Thank you for staying at the field reporting the progress.   :)
Title: Re: New runway 2021
Post by: davidk on June 06, 2021, 02:53:13 PM
Continued progress...
Title: Re: New runway 2021
Post by: Michael on June 06, 2021, 03:17:44 PM
Outstanding!
Title: Re: New runway 2021
Post by: Forenplayer on June 06, 2021, 05:30:42 PM
Quote from: Michael on June 06, 2021, 03:17:44 PM
Outstanding!
Title: Re: New runway 2021
Post by: davidk on June 06, 2021, 05:36:39 PM
It's soooo flat... no more depending on the bumps for a good launch.
Title: Re: New runway 2021
Post by: zhurui45 on June 06, 2021, 05:43:42 PM
Is the runway finished?
Title: Re: New runway 2021
Post by: Michael on June 06, 2021, 06:30:49 PM
The work will continue until late Monday.

The field and runway should be open for use starting Tuesday, June 8, 2021.
Title: Re: New runway 2021
Post by: sihinch on June 06, 2021, 07:11:28 PM
It's been said already, but thanks so much to the Exec! This is going to be epic!  ;D
Title: Re: New runway 2021
Post by: WilliamA on June 06, 2021, 09:20:26 PM
Thanks to the executive for making this happen.  Wonderful !!!!
Title: Re: New runway 2021
Post by: Andy Hoffer on June 07, 2021, 05:38:36 AM
Archaeology gives us wonderful insights into the past, the present and who we are.  One example is the remarkable artifact shown below.  It was unearthed during preparation of the soil base for the new TEMAC runway.  It has given me a profound new understanding of @Frank v B 's amazing good luck in successfully planting so many diverse aircraft at our field.  Who knew?!!  ;D

Wishing Frank the best of luck in launching his mini-DC3, mini-Pitts, mini-Bearcat and Guillows mini-B25 from the new runway!! 

Andy
Title: Re: New runway 2021
Post by: Oscar on June 07, 2021, 08:46:33 AM
Thank you the Executive for making this happen. 
Title: Re: New runway 2021
Post by: bweaver on June 07, 2021, 10:00:00 AM
Great!!!  Thanks, Bruce
Title: Re: New runway 2021
Post by: Michael on June 07, 2021, 06:43:52 PM
Rob, Glenn, Dave and I went to check out the runway. It is almost finished. We tested it out, and gave Dave the first takeoff for all the effort he put in. Glenn and I flew, and later in the day, someone else was spotted flying. There's still some work to do, so please do not fly if workers are there.

Everything should be ready by tomorrow.

Title: Re: New runway 2021
Post by: Michael on June 07, 2021, 09:46:48 PM
More spikes and taping tomorrow.
Title: Re: New runway 2021
Post by: davidk on June 10, 2021, 10:30:20 AM
Final spikes and taping this morning.
Title: Re: New runway 2021
Post by: Andy Hoffer on June 10, 2021, 12:04:38 PM
Quote from: davidk on June 10, 2021, 10:30:20 AM
Final spikes and taping this morning.

Great news Dave!  Should we consider keeping a roll of gorilla tape on site for prompt patching of prop strike tears or do you prefer that we leave that delightful task in your very capable hands?!  8)

Andy
Title: Re: New runway 2021
Post by: Michael on June 10, 2021, 04:53:48 PM
Runway is finished.
Title: Re: New runway 2021
Post by: sihinch on June 10, 2021, 05:11:03 PM
Thanks Michael, David and all the others involved in making this happen!  :)

Can we get lights now!?  ;D
Title: Re: New runway 2021
Post by: Oscar on June 10, 2021, 05:36:36 PM
Thank you Dave, Michael, Alex and all others who involve to make this happen. 

Can we get some mosquito repellent lights install on each stations?  ;D
Title: Re: New runway 2021
Post by: Forenplayer on June 11, 2021, 08:21:23 AM
Looks great feels great. This is gonna be a good summer!!
Title: Re: New runway 2021
Post by: davidk on June 11, 2021, 11:39:33 AM
A big thank you to Alex for finding Adrian and Mary at Acre Landscaping.  Alex found a few potentials and Adrian came through for us.  Cheers Alex!

Adrian and the Acre Landscaping team did a great job for their first runway... and they did it in record setting heat.

I'd advise flyers to walk the runway and take note of it's personality.  If anyone sees strands of Geotex on the runway or field, please pick them up.  If a strand is still attached to the runway try to cut it with scissors instead of pulling it or using a knife.

We'll be making adjustments as weather permits.

Happy take-offs and landings.
Title: Re: New runway 2021
Post by: davidk on June 11, 2021, 12:25:22 PM
Quote from: Oscar on June 10, 2021, 05:36:36 PM
Thank you Dave, Michael, Alex and all others who involve to make this happen. 

Can we get some mosquito repellent lights install on each stations?  ;D

I volunteer to stand beside you... socially distanced with a long fly swatter.  When I see a mossy land on you, I'll whack it.  No, No... no trouble at all.  My pleasure  :P
Title: Re: New runway 2021
Post by: deltawing on June 11, 2021, 01:53:14 PM
I was on the field Wednesday night, it was looking good already. THANK YOU Alex,
If anyone seeing stones on the grass, please do everyone a favor especially the grass cutting guy, please pick it up and throw it back to the corn/bean field. Lawn mower hate stones.
Title: Re: New runway 2021
Post by: Oscar on June 11, 2021, 05:28:01 PM
Quote from: davidk on June 11, 2021, 12:25:22 PM
Quote from: Oscar on June 10, 2021, 05:36:36 PM
Thank you Dave, Michael, Alex and all others who involve to make this happen. 

Can we get some mosquito repellent lights install on each stations?  ;D

I volunteer to stand beside you... socially distanced with a long fly swatter.  When I see a mossy land on you, I'll whack it.  No, No... no trouble at all.  My pleasure  :P

That will be a true spotter.  Oh, what a service!!  :D
I shall do the same.... when I can come out and fly...  :'(
Title: Re: New runway 2021
Post by: Michael on July 07, 2021, 09:42:33 PM
The transition from runway to grass at the south end of the runway is now relatively smooth. David and I (mostly David) have just finished the work necessary. Jets and planes with smaller wheels should have no difficulty if they run off the runway there.

Title: Re: New runway 2021
Post by: Andy Hoffer on July 08, 2021, 01:28:50 AM
Thanks so much @Michael and @davidk .

Also thanks to David for taping up the gaps in some of the runway seams this week.

The new runway is a pleasure to use.

Andy