MARCH '99 MEETING MINUTES
By Rick Magnuson

President Ron Gibby called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. There were 17 members present.

Two guests were also present: Erik Erichsen of HAMMER and Jim Kelly of Fluor Daniel Northwest. They gave a short introductory presentation on the Aerial Robotics competition which will be held this June 23 -25 with some competitors coming earlier for testing. Two videos were shown, describing the competition and last year’s event at the HAMMER facility. Since the competition uses RC aircraft frequencies, and their location is near our ORV flying site, our Club is concerned about safety. The competition staff and our Club will work together to insure safety at HAMMER and our ORV field with frequency control. Also, the event could use our assistance and support: 1) as a resource for parts and fuel. 2) act as "helping hands" for the competitors, and 3) fill-in dead time with demos. In April, the Club will inspect the HAMMER facility for suitability as a demo site. For more information, the web site is

http://www.avdil.gtri.gatech.edu/AUVS/IARCLaunchPoint.html

The February minutes were approved as published in The Leading Edge. Clee Childress gave the Treasurer’s report. The Club is in good financial shape and to-date has 63 paid members. There was a small expenditure, approved at the February meeting, for wind erosion control. Terry Hane has installed railroad ties and has had gravel spread to control the blowing sand.

There was a question of listing Club members on the Club’s web site. There will not be any listing on the web site, to insure member privacy.

Old Business

Erection of the ORV storage shed should began after Easter. The combination locks will change on the same day as the April issue of The Leading Edge is delivered.

New Business

The ORV privy will be pumped and serviced. It is used not only by the Club, but by others, mainly motorcyclists. The motorcyclists use it during events, when the ORV restrooms are closed during the cold part of the year, and when nature calls and they are in the vicinity. It was agreed that the current location is best. If the privy was inside the fence, others would most likely climb over causing damage. And there is some "goodwill" associated with our privy.

The motion was passed at the February meeting which required changes to the By-Laws. The changes were published in the March edition of The Leading Edge, or click here. A motion, made by Bob McDougall and seconded by John Hanson, passed to approve those changes. Briefly, new membership categories of Emeritus and Senior were added, and dues are waived for certain Club officers and appointees.

A motion made by Bill Bowen and seconded by Bill Greger. This motion allows free Club membership to students taking classes for credit that involves flying. The students must belong to AMA and the free membership ends upon completion of the class.

The meeting was adjourned.