MAAW Blog

New Website Location

2009-12-29T09:45:00.002-05:00

Please note- the MAAW web site can now be found under the domain name www.maawrc.com.

We have changed the site's administrator and webmeister, and the new domain name allows for more timely and effective use of the site.

During January we will be updating the site further- stay tuned.

The Officers and Directors wish everyone a healthy and happy New Year.

Fred P.

Snow And The Runway

2009-12-21T14:32:00.003-05:00

Gentlemen-

For those of you braving the elements and the recent snowfall, a reminder. Please do NOT use ANY melting agent of any kind on the runway. The lifespan of the relatively new black top sealant applied recently will be shortened dramatically by any application of these materials.

In addition, if you're really ambitious and want to shovel the snow off the runway, use a PLASTIC shovel ONLY so as to not harm the surface. The best suggestion is to use skis or hand launch. Try not to walk on the actual runway surface, to make takeoffs and landings possible on virgin snow without sinking into a footprint.

Many thanks- Fred P.

2010 Membership Renewals

2009-12-17T20:39:00.001-05:00

It's that time of year again- the AMA is, as usual, slightly behind in processing new 2010 memberships, so either go online and do the honors, or send your check into them ASAP.

Remember- you cannot renew for 2010 without your 2010 AMA card, AND a new or renewal application form (signed) as well. There is a misconception in certain circles that all you have to do is give me your dues, show me a current AMA card and you're set to go.

Fill out either a 2010 Renewal form (preferably) or a new 2010 Membership Application form from the web site and send same to me together with check or money order, AND a copy of your 2010 AMA card. If you can't download from the site e-mail me and I will send one to you in a different format.

Beat the January and February AMA rush- remember, your last chance to renew without paying the $25 Initiation Fee all over again is SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21st 2010- the last day of the WRAM Show.

December Meeting And Holiday Party

2009-11-23T16:04:00.002-05:00

The December 2009 regular meeting- along with the annual Holiday Party- will be held on WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16TH at the Solaris Sports Club in Yorktown.

Please note the CHANGE IN DATE AND VENUE from the normal Tuesday scheduling at the Church in Valhalla. If anyone needs a ride to the Club from the Church, let one of the Officers or Directors know.

Mike G. has once again graciously offered the facilities for the meeting and holiday bash, which will also include indoor flying, until closing time. See you there!- Fred P.

ATTENTION - 2009 NO FLYING/FIELD CLOSED DATES & ADDITIONAL IMPORTANT INFO

2009-03-19T21:21:00.005-04:00

This information is repeated here from the web site, in case you missed it. The field will be closed for flight operations on the following dates. No exceptions- do not visit the field on these dates unless we advise a change in status for the particular day/days on the web site or blog.

Sunday, June 14th
> Hispanic Festival #1
Saturday & Sunday, June 20th/21st
> (Fathers' Day Weekend) > Clearwater Festival
Sunday, August 9th
> Hispanic Festival #2
Saturday & Sunday, August 22nd/23rd
> Reggae Festival
Sunday, September 13th
> IronMan Competition
Saturday & Sunday, October 17th-18th
> Thunderbird Games (Boy Scouts) > NOTE- FLYING ALLOWED AFTER 1 PM
Sunday, October 25th
> Suicide Prevention Walk > NOTE- FLYING ALLOWED AFTER 1 PM.

IMPORTANT ADDITIONAL INFORMATION-

From May 1st through July 3rd, and again from October 1st through November 13th, commuter parking for the Metro-North train station will relocate- in part- to the main lot of the park and the area next to the field, due to construction and renovation. This will affect mainly those who are flying weekdays during that period, but regardless, BE MINDFUL OF OTHER VEHICLES AND PATRONS NEAR THE FIELD, and make allowances for the possible lack of parking spaces, depending on how early you arrive to fly- thanks. Fred P.

Frequency Pins

2009-08-08T23:01:00.004-04:00

Gentlemen-

A reminder... and a strong one at that... to make sure you have a 2009 frequency pin on the board when you fly. Doesn't matter if you're flying 2.4 or not, or how many people are flying. If you have an aircraft in the air, your 2009 pin had better be on the board.

At the very minimum, you need one to ID yourself to all other flyers at all times. As modelers there's no excuse for not gluing a clothespin on the back of a piece of liteply or plastic so you can put your sticker on it.

Having recently begun using Spread Spectrum equipment, I now have four "2.4" pins in various strategic places (van glove compartment, both flight boxes, transmitter case, etc. etc.) so that I don't "forget" to bring one when I'm flying 2.4. They took a grand total of 15 minutes to put together.

A word to the wise is sufficient, I hope. If you plan to disregard same, be prepared to have an Officer or Director have you stop flying until you produce a 2009 pin with your name on it.

Hope everyone is getting a lot of flying in.

Fred P.

Info And Updates- IV > July 28th 2009

2009-06-17T12:12:00.008-04:00

For all new members, please remember to follow flight and field rules, and remember that courtesy is contagious...
________________________

1) (Redux) Make sure your 2009 pin is on the board...
Fly with a spotter...
Observe Fly/No-Fly zones...
Coordinate your flying with other pilots...
Make sure your equipment- especially batteries- is up to snuff.

2) (Redux) We have had occasion to recheck our contract language with the County, and effective immediately, flying hours are from 10 AM to Dusk (as defined by Park Rangers) regardless of the day of the week, or what you are flying (electric or I/C).

3) (Redux) The club will continue to allow 27m frequency use, in park flyer size (as defined by the AMA) equipment only. Current and projected use by club members was determined not to be a safety issue.

4 (Redux) Members reminded that any guest is their COMPLETE responsibility, and the member will be taken to task for any unacceptable behavior on the part of their guest.

5) (Redux) Size guidelines for electric planes flying at the field to conform to FAI specs. The original plan was to "match" power setups (battery-ESC-motor-prop) to an equivalent .90 size glow offering at a max of 2000 watts. Arnie Wile and Jay Bergman got together and offered this very workable alternative, and further info will be available before the next meeting. Thanks, guys!

6) (Redux) Reminder to mark your calendars- this year's Swap Shop is on and scheduled for Saturday, November 14th. We need as many volunteers as we can muster, due to a sizeable expansion of the space available to us, and additional events such as Indoor Flying and a Raffle. Save the date!

Mystery Flyers

2009-05-22T14:25:00.003-04:00

Now that the flying season is upon us, we are seeing an uptick in sightings of the "Mystery Flyer". I'm referring to the unrecognized individual who shows up at the field (unescorted) and tries to fly, who is NOT a MAAW member, and who- to make matters worse- is not an AMA member either. The worst of all possible scenarios! What do you do if you're at the field, and you spot a Mystery Flyer?

First off, all MAAW members are ambassadors for the club, and as such should present themselves to the "MF" in a friendly manner and inquire, point blank: "Are you a member of the MAAW?". If the individual says that he is not, then advise him that only MAAW members are authorized to fly at our field, per AMA and County regulations. Educate him about the MAAW, and invite him to join as soon as possible (assuming he can meet all of our membership criteria) if he wants to fly at our field.

If the individual is cooperative, and you want to take on the responsibility, you can opt to make him your guest for the day- ASSUMING THEY HAVE A VALID AMA CARD. Absolutely no exceptions to this point. Please note- at this point, you then become responsible for his actions, both in the air and on the ground. THINK TWICE before taking this step! An unknown entity may be a major problem both for you and club if you do.

If the person is uncooperative or abusive, do not turn into a "MAAW Policeman". Make a mental note of the individual (if a license plate is in evidence, take it down) and immediately contact the Park Office at the bottom of the hill. The number is posted inside the shed. Advise the Supervisor on duty that you're reporting an unauthorized individual on the premises, who is causing a disturbance. They will take it from there. Report the incident to a MAAW Officer or Director as soon as possible.

Every member should investigate ("challenge") all persons attempting to trespass onto the field and/or fly who are not recognizable as MAAW members, and who refuse to identify themselves and their purpose for being on the field, etc. If you don't feel up to the task by yourself, ask another MAAW member to accompany you in checking the individual out. Protect yourself, your fellow pilots and the club at all times.

If you have any questions on the above contact me, and we can discuss further. With other clubs closing down, and a general lack of places to fly, now more than ever our field is a magnet for this kind of problem- keep your guard up! Thanks- Fred P.

Add Your Two Cents, Etc.

2008-04-28T20:17:00.000-04:00

If you want to use this blog, I will periodically put in a new "generic" post (such as this one) which will allow you to then click on "comments" and put your info, announcement, etc. for universal consumption. Sorry, only I can actually generate an actual posting- everyone else can generate a comment (under either a Google account, Open URL/ID, or Anonymously). Thanks!- Fred P,