 BMFA club affiliation No 0340
FLY SAFE - Fly Again
March 08
Next gathering at St Andrews Rugby Club, March 3 2008
I do hope you have all paid your BMFA insurance.
Mike is keen to get £30 off members, which must be paid before end June. I know what you lot are like - you will forget, do it NOW, thanks.
Don't forget Lads, check the website frequently for any breaking news and info, and please pass on info to make sure everyone knows.
Our Webmaster is always on the lookout for pictures and useful info to make the site appealing and worth browsers visiting. It is one of the clubs recruiting grounds and our face to the world. Many thanks Gez, sterling work.
The newsletter is back!!! No groaning there at the back. I am back at the rudder once more, having beaten off stiff opposition from the hoards of others wanting to put pen to paper (or was that just a wishful dream I had). As always, comments and ideas for articles will be gratefully received. I do have a little more freedom this time around to express opinion. I am not an elected officer of the club, I am just a volunteer wanting to try to hold interest in the club, and build a viable strong club. So if I do express forthright thoughts, they are not necessarily thoughts held by the `club'.
For the few who have not come across me before I am the chap you rarely see at the field as I spend most of the time in France. You may have seen some comments I sent to Gez about the French club I have joined. He has been kind enough to post them on the FFF website. So I am now a member of the BMFA, and the French equivalent the FFAM. An interesting note here. For the insurance provided by the FFAM it is necessary to have a doctors letter saying you are fit to participate in the sport. But interestingly enough there is no requirement for a test of mental faculties. I sometimes wonder where mine are when standing freezing to death flying or sitting for hours gluing planes back together. I know, if I flew better I would not have to glue them back together, but when trying and testing ones capabilities, mistakes happen!
If you have recently bought a new 2.4GHz transmitter from Futaba please note the following. Futaba have boobed!
This notification affects only owners of the Futaba TM-7 module and 6EX FASST systems. Problems first started to be reported just before Christmas and so it is unlikely that sets purchased earlier last year are affected although the benefit of undertaking a check can't be overstated.
Futaba are extremely confident that this is not a widespread problem, however, to give peace of mind that your system is not affected, they will be setting up test points at participating model shops throughout the country where you will be able to go to determine in seconds whether or not your transmitter is affected, at no charge.
Precautionary Measures and Information
1) As with all radio control equipment, they strongly suggest that you pre-flight your aircraft thoroughly prior to flying. When flying at a location with other FASST owners, particularly prior to all units having been checked, they suggest that prior to flying all pilots briefly activate their systems simultaneously to check for any interaction between units. If any interactions should occur, do NOT fly. Please return the unit to the Ripmax Futaba Service Centre immediately.
2) Each time that your transmitter is turned on, it is imperative that you allow the FASST system an adequate amount of time to thoroughly boot-up completely before shutting down the transmitter. The system requires at least five (5) seconds boot up time prior to turning off the power to the transmitter.
3) If the transmitter and receiver have lost their binding which required them to be re-linked, we recommend returning them to the Ripmax Futaba Service Centre for analysis. This is not expected behaviour and should be investigated accordingly".
Personally I like the 2.4GHz system. Besides being the only frequency legal in both countries (some 35MHz frequencies will be available by 2010 in France) it does alleviate the need for pegboards. Frequency control is, and always will be a safety concern. Only the other week a beautiful plane was accidentally `shot down'. The club here operates a pegboard system, and the person on the ground had the peg. Moral is -- check with everyone at the site to see who is sharing your frequency.
Now a return to a topic I have covered several times before. Club cohesion and viability. I fully accept that many members just use the field to have a solitary private fly, whilst others do use the site for a get together and a fly. However members use it, it has to be paid for and maintained. To that end there needs to be an active keen membership. You are very lucky to have Mike P who spends many hours a year sorting club matters, such as planning applications etc. Mostly, this is never thanked by the members. Think on - if he steps down who will do that job? We need new members, people who will give time to teach novices, and more advanced flyers to guide and advise those who wish to advance their flying skills.
There needs to be a more vibrant club atmosphere. With my experiences here in France I see a club whose members attend meetings, and enjoy turning up to fly. Help and advice is always on hand especially to novice flyers. The good flyers, and there are some, are only too happy to pass on techie advice. Electric power setups are also popular, and there are always discussions going on about motors, batteries, and speed controllers. Again HELP is on hand, co-operation and the passing on of knowledge. FFF needs new members. Members need to welcome and nurture newcomers, experienced or not. Above all FFF needs to be a club people are proud to be a member of, a place where flyers want to be and with events they want to take part in.
That's my say - next issue will be more about flying topics.
As always FLY SAFE Stu'.
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 March 07
BMFA club affiliation No 0340
FLY SAFE - Fly Again
Next gathering at St Andrews Rugby Club, April 2 2007
I do hope you have all paid your BMFA insurance.
Aren't you the lucky ones, an extra newsletter. Not a whole lot of content but still worth a read. A report of the Extraordinary general meeting is overleaf.
I am having a yippee moment, but tinged with a little regret. This is my last page of drivel you will have to put up with. Miles Wood has kindly volunteered to pick up the mantle of news editor, so I hope you will give him plenty of support, and ideas of what you would like included in the news. He has also stepped up from deputy to full time Safety Officer. He has a wealth of flying experience behind him.
As most of you are aware I have been absent from the field of late, which was not an ideal situation for the safety officer so I am very glad Miles has agreed to take this role upon himself. The club as a whole has a very good safety record - please keep it that way and heed his advice. And keep your fingers out of the props, and definitely no buzzing of walkers on the footpath!
I must now give credit to Mike Pearson. He, on your behalf, has been working very hard:
Battling with the noise complaint, and Ruby council.
Liaising with the BMFA Keeping an eye on Coventry Airport
Relocating the strip. Sorting out the mower.
Getting you lot to pay your subs.
These jobs take an enormous amount of time, freely given by him. Those of you who do have some time to give the club, could do worse than offer to lend a hand, or just thank him for his efforts.
I may be handing on my club responsibilities but I will be remaining a member. I am continuing to fly but at the moment I am only on electric. This is because the moles in my field keep putting hills on my strip, and the grass is too long. I must complain to myself for not tending the strip. Does anyone have a remedy for moles?
Well, my time has now come to an end, and I now pass you on to your new editor, Miles.
Don't forget FLY SAFE - FLY AGAIN Stuart
I already fly a Cemark Pitts as you can see in the picture gallery on the web site. You can also see my new Ripmax Pitts. It is well worth taking a very close look at the Pitts as your fist large biplane. The Pitts special is a highly aerobatic biplane which was originally designed way back in 1943, and has been upgraded and improved over the years. It still remains a firm air show favourite, and it is worth noticing that the Pitts special has won more aerobatic contests than any other aircraft type. The ASMs Pitts is based on Mary Gaffney's N 5 machine and is predominantly yellow. You might not have heard of Mary Gaffney, but she was the 1972 women's world aerobatic champion. The artf kit is very easy to put together and is a lot of airplane for your money. I paid £179.00. You will need a 120 4 stroke for it and a flexi pipe to route the silencer to the bottom rear edge of the cowl. You will also need two high torque metal-geared servos, and three more in the fuselage. It only takes a couple of evenings to put together, and when you have, it is very impressive.
Now to the flying. The 4-stroke engine I used was an sc and not an os as recommended. There is nothing wrong with the sc, it cost me £100.00, and it works a treat. The take off is straight forward, a normal tail dragger. On the first flight it flew perfect. It had no vices. It looks most impressive in the air. The only thing I noticed was that it seems to crab a little when in a straight line. I have no idea why. I could fly all the same manoeuvres as I can with my cermark pitts except it won't knife edge. Landing is straightforward. It glides really well. The nice weather is coming hope to see you all on our new flying field, and look forward to seeing your new planes.
Fly safe, Miles
April 2007. Report on Extraordinary General Meeting
At the meeting on Monday 12th march, I realized that only half the members of the club turned up.
I was wondering if there is any reason for this. Are the meetings being held at an inconvenient time or place? Any suggestions on this matter would be greatly appreciated.
When disusing the move of the strip there were no complaints. One concern was raised about not having enough space to fly glider's using a winch it was agreed that special arrangements would need to be made to accommodate their needs.
If you have any concerns of your own please don't hesitate to speak to Mike Pearson.
The club has now obtained it's own lawn mower which will be kept at the farm but unfortunately only a few member's will have access to it. If you wish to be one of those people I advise you volunteer. So no griping at the length of the grass - its in your hands!
At the meeting I handed out a questionnaire which 25 people filled in so I could try and get an idea of the type of planes they were interested in, there ages, and experience.
After talking to a new member who has only been flying for a couple of months he asked me if there is anyone in the club who would help him fly his plane. I realized that there isn't anyone in the club actually doing this job so I volunteered to help. Would any members be willing to help train any new members that join? I know that he is not the only new member looking for help. I know this is a sore point to you regular members but we all have to start somewhere.
To those of you, who are not aware I am Miles Wood and I have volunteered to write the newsletters, and take over the role of full time safety officer so please bare with me while I find my feet.
FLY Safe, fly again and enjoy. Miles
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 March 06
BMFA club affiliation No 0340
FLY SAFE - Fly Again
Next gathering at St Andrews Rugby Club March 6th - Don't forget the meeting is now on the first MONDAY of the month.
The BMFA subscriptions were due on 1st Jan. If you have not sent them off yet, do it now. - Club rules -YOU MUST NOT FLY without BMFA membership.
Don't forget I have changed my e-mail address, have you updated your contacts?
If not you will find my new one at the bottom over the page .
It was heartening to see such a good turnout for the February meeting. The more members that turn up makes the chat all the more lively. If you have plans or a model to bring along then all the better. Some of us were chatting about ornithopters and for those of you with Internet access have a look here www.ornithopters.org. There is a mass of info and even an explanation of how these strange contrivances fly.
We do welcome one new member, David, who brings with him much experience and an examiners ticket. So dust off your BMFA book, and get swatting for you're A & B certificates - you know it makes sense.
Our esteemed treasurer attended bringing with him some bad news. The grass cutting contractors have increased the price. They have not messed about with a 3% rise, they have gone for a whopping 50%. This means that the club needs more members desperately. You all need to keep your eye open for prospective customers and get them signed up. If not Mike has estimated the membership fees will have to rise to somewhere around £60. That is still good value for money at just a little over £1 a week, and still cheaper than other clubs in the area. So come on lads get your lassoes out and haul in some new members.
Wet field - Please bear in mind the sogginess of the field, don't leave tyre tracks - if in doubt, park near the gate.
The sheep are doing great work on the strip and the surface is improving. I would still strongly recommend big wide wheels, and as low a landing speed as possible. When you are not flying, and to help keep you warm and give you some much needed exercise, do have a wander about and squish down a bumpy bit or two.
The long awaited interview with an esteemed modeller continues with the final part. An Obituary not to a person, but to his model flying, due to ill health. Report on a conversation. The chronological order, and some of the dates of this may not be accurate, but I have not `put spin on it'.
Part Three
When asked about the most significant changes to modelling he has seen during his time with the hobby, this is his list;
Motors, and Radio gear - so reliable, light, and relatively cheap.
The Futaba 148 servo - He flew futaba so bias there. But for sheer value and reliability it is hard to beat.
Epoxy glue - quick, and strong.
Solarfilm - Colour, strength and easy.
Plastic props - certainly more robust than wood.
And his all time best kit. Best because of its lack of vices and all round performance - The Acro Wot.
During the last few years his health has worsened and sadly he flew less and less, and now he has hung up his Tx. May I express the clubs gratitude for his work on its behalf over the years. He has found great speakers for the meetings in the past and contributed to the newsletters as well as many other tasks to help the club. Personally I thank him for a lovely afternoon chat about modelling, and the numerous times I have learned from his words of wisdom over the years. The Fennis Fields Flyers thank Mr Charles Aitkinhead.
 Many thanks to Mike Downs for this picture of his latest electric device. I have seen it fly and on full chat it dont half go. It is running on LiPo's and near vertical climbs are a breeze. It is said to have few vices, and it did look to be very stable at low or high speed. A real joy to watch flying.
The following is a recommended link. They carry a wealth of aviation publications (books and magazines) and RC guides, as well as other modelling topics such as railway. If you are contemplating a foray into a scale model you should go or give them a ring.
MIDLAND COUNTIES PUBLICATIONS - open to visitors from 9.00am to 5.00pm from Monday to Friday, and 9.00am to 12.45pm on Saturdays.
4 Watling Drive, Hinckley, Leicestershire, LE10 3EY
Tel: 01455 233 747
Just before I sign off for this issue a quick reminder - We need more members - Do what you can lads and lasses, the more we have the lower the subs will be!
FLY Safe and enjoy - the better weather will be here soon. Stu
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 March 03
Ahoy There!
As you have no doubt heard on the grapevine, plans are afoot to turn our flying field into a marina. A few of the lads were approached on Tuesday 11th Feb' by the prospective buyer who told them of his plans and that we would have to go!
This, of course, put the wind up everyone and soon both Charles Aitkenhead and Mike Pearson were in touch with the farmer. He reassured them that planning permission was unlikely to be granted and that, if the plans were to go ahead, that he would find us an alternative site on his land.
Since then Mike has been to the planning office to find out precisely what the planning application is. Here follow his findings:
The rest of this story is in the printed newsletter only owing to its sensitive nature.
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 Across
4. Rearranged way to fly sideways. (3)
6. Aerial ballet in this aviation film. (5,6)
8. Hover vertically (fixed wing). (4,4)
10. Japan for stroke only manufacturer. (5)
11. Support has arrogant walk. (5)
12. Healthy eating for this tough material. (6,5)
14. Wing cross section. (8)
16. Landing aid in flat pack. (4)
17. Telescopic undercarriage strut. (4)
18. Combine two channels. (3)
19. Perfect landing. (7)
23. Aviation movie about R.J. Mitchell. (3,5,2,3,3)
25. Sign from Churchill is finless! (1,4)
26. Link between pushrod and horn. (6)
28. Fan jets have this. (4)
29. Flight of sharp instrument requires correction. (3,6)
31. Russian engine manufacturer. (1,1,1)
32. Speedy coupling. (4,4)
Down
1. Aviation movie featuring Grumman Duck. (7,3)
2. Type of aileron hinge. (5)
3. Four channel leaves little room at home. (4,5)
5. Aircraft with unpowered rotor. (8)
7. Top model flying club! (6,6)
9. Hesitation rolls. (5)
11. Asp mounts engine this way! (10)
13. Modelling material in a slab. (5)
15. Engine wrapper? (7)
20. Spent gas is tired out! (9)
21. Americanism for tailplane. (4)
22. Expired adhesive touches down. (4,5)
24. Sneak is a slippery customer. (5)
27. Resin in reposition xylophone. (5)
30. Wing part pokes fun. (3)
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Concours d'Elegance
There was a wonderful turnout for the February 4th event with eighteen models contesting the honours. Some fine craftsmanship was evident and it was nice to see that not everyone has given up on building their own.
The eventual winner was Ray Tilley with his superb Retlas Spitfire (again! :-)).
Second was Merrick Clarke with his interesting and beautifully built Sopwith Triplane. I came third with my CAP 21 (but no prize for third!).
In the ARTF category I'm damned if I can remember who came where, but I'm sure Wayne Giles won something with his Giles 202. (Hey, it was a busy night!)
March Meeting
The next club meeting will be held on March 4th at 7.45pm at the usual venue of the St. Andrews Rugby Club, Ash Lawn Road, Rugby.
The new proprietor of Model Craft in Spon Street, Coventry, will give a talk on advances made in electric flight development in America. Should be interesting.
He will also have news of the introduction of a low cost postal service for small items from his shop and details of discounts for Fennis club members. So, well worth the visit.
*
The April 1st meeting will be a Bring `n' Buy so start sorting out that stuff you've been meaning to flog and bring it along.
*
There are still some outstanding BMFA subs so if you're one of those who haven't yet paid please do so as soon as possible. Thanks. No insurance equals no fly!
Welcome!
Three new members have recently joined us so I'm sure you'll join me in extending a warm welcome to Duane Sutch, Steve Watkins and Chris Whitaker. Welcome guys!
Quote:
My father had been opposed to my flying from the first and had never flown himself. However, he had agreed to go up with me at the first opportunity, and one afternoon he climbed into the cockpit and we flew over the Redwood Falls together. From that day on I never heard a word against my flying and he never missed a chance to ride in the plane.
Charles Lindbergh,
'We,' 1928 G :-)
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