The President's April 2012 Letter
Bill Roy, CMAC President
Our hobby continues to benefit from the latest advancements in technology. The 2.4 GHz radios have increased reliability and telemetry has allowed numerous types of information to be viewed on the transmitter, heard, down loaded or viewed on your iPhone, iPad or iPod in real time. Many of these features are available on main stream radios reasonably priced. A few years ago, advances in battery technologies brought electric performance up to the level of glow or gas powered models with recharge time down to 10 minutes. The combination of electric motor with current battery technology provides superior performance in helicopter over glow powered. The next emergence might be the new smaller gas powered engines that now fit 40 and 60 sized planes. Even with the rising price of gas the cost is still much lower than glow fuel with the added benefit of requiring smaller tanks for similar run times.
Spring’s here and there is some work that needs to be accomplished at Plymouth. The repairs we made last year on the washed out areas never had time to grow grass so the loose dirt has lots of tracks. We have had one work party to date but it will take a few work parties to get everything squared away.
Anyone interested in aerobatics can check out the IMAC web site at www.mini-iac.com. There is a Judging seminar on Saturday April 7, 2012 at the Trumbull Public Library. It’s an all day event and the cost is $15.00 which includes 2011-2012 Rule book insert, coffee, donuts and lunch.
A Basic IMAC Event will be held on Saturday April 28th hosted by the East Cost Swamp Flyers.
In June CMAC will be hosting an IMAC Event on June 1, 2, 3 Friday thru Sunday. As plans are finalized, we can start working on preparations.
During our April Meeting we will be having a silent auction
for three planes with the proceeds going to the club.
Next Membership Meeting
Our next membership meeting is April 20, 2012 and it’s also our 36th Annual Winter Build Contest. Spring is here so hopefully you’re getting your equipment dusted off, cleaned up, checking out you equipment, batteries so there are no unexpected surprises on your first flight. While you’re at it get something cleaned up for the Winter Build.
Is Your AMA Membership Current ???
Plymouth Field
We had our first work party of the year, and as usual the first one is always the most difficult. We accomplished a lot; we got the field raked out and most of the ruts filled in. Ran the chain link over the field then rolled it. Both of the over fly ends were trimmed. When we left, the area looked in good shape.
Winter Gate Rules
Winter Gate Rules went into effect on Columbus Day. This means that the First Gate will be locked closed when you come to the field and must remain closed and locked at all times. The Second Gate can be left open when we are flying.
Please make sure that our lock, the rangers lock and small pin is locked to the large pipe to prevent it from getting lost
The last member out MUST make sure the gate is locked closed.
Following the rules will prevent somebody from driving in and getting locked in.
Summer Gate Rules
Summer Gate rules will go into effect on the 3rd Saturday of April ( 21st ). This means that the First will normally be open when you come to the field. This means that the Second Gate MUST be kept locked at all times.
You can check out the web site for the Army Corps of Engineers Hancock Brook Lake at http://www.nae.usace.army.mil/recreati/hnk/hnkhome.htm and if you go to recreation you can select model airplane club and you can get to our web site. The current weather and wind is also available from their site.
Monroe Field
The Monroe Field will be available for flying thru the winter weather permitting. Hours are Monday thru Friday flying 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Saturday’s are for electrics only from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Remember to fly safely, don’t fly alone, follow the rules and have a good time.
Bill
36th Annual Winter Build Contest
Held during our regular meeting on Friday April 20th 2012
Be part of CMAC’s 36th Annual Contest
THIS YEAR'S CATEGORIES
• Best ARF
• Best Kit or Scratch Built
• Members Choice
AWARDS
• Best ARF $20 Gift Certificate
• Best Kit or Scratch Built $30 Gift Certificate
• Members Choice $40 Gift Certificate
Included in all categories are planes or helicopters
SILENT AUCTION
We will have a SILENT AUCTION for three planes donated by club member Ron Faanes to benefit the club treasury. Two .60 sized kit-built planes complete with servos, receivers and motors, and one new in the box electric.
You buy a ticket from Treasurer Andy Figlar for $ 5.00 for the glow planes, or $10.00 for the E-flite electric Fokker.
Winning tickets will be drawn after the model build contest is done.
• Specs: .60 sized Bud Nosen Aerobat with all servos and O.S. 60. Motor Low wing, Ch. 19 receiver, 68 inch wingspan, beautifully covered.
• Specs: .60 sized Kwik fly II, 66.5 inches, 8 lbs with motor all servos and receiver.
• Specs: E-FLITE FOKKER DVII electric ARF wing span 34 inches, wt. 7.2 ounces
This plane is still in the box, ARF, is a $10.00 ticket.
UPCOMING EVENTS
April 20, 2012, Friday 7:30 PM
CMAC General Membership Meeting
36th Annual Winter Build Contest
Margaret Egan Center
Devon, CT.
April 28, 2012, Saturday 8:30AM
Basic IMAC
East Coat Swamp Fliers
Info Erik at ehaakonsen@aol.com
May 12, 2013, Saturday 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
TILRCC Float Fly
Wolfe Park, Monroe, CT
June 2-3, 2012, Saturday-Sunday 8:00AM
IMAC Event
CMAC Plymouth Field
Info Erik at ehaakonsen@aol.com
June 15, 2012, Friday 7:30 PM
CMAC General Membership Meeting
Margaret Egan Center
Devon, CT
July 8, 2012, Sunday
Dawn Patrol
Ellington, CT
www.ncrcc.org
Always be sure to check for any last minute event changes
The regular Balsa Chips Newsletter will be sent out quarterly.
Any news, events or notices will be sent out as necessary in
the Balsa Bulletin.
E-mails will also be sent out prior to the meeting, events or
other activities.