JULY '00 PRESIDENT's CORNER
By Ron Gibby

Boy, the big fire was too close for comfort! Fred Fisher, who was one of the first ones at our field after the Hanford wild fire was declared under control on June 29, 2000, immediately called to tell me that our field had survived the fire’s onslaught, although some of the grass was slightly singed. He also noted that we might consider introducing free flight in our club since the surrounding fields are now free of tall weeds and sagebrush. We should consider ourselves lucky when we contemplate what could have happened.

I am happy to announce that at our last club meeting the proposed change to the Club By-Laws was approved. The membership fee for junior members will now be 50% of that charged for a regular individual membership. In addition, the definition of a person eligible for a Junior membership now includes any full-time student 24 years old or younger with a permanent residency in the greater Tr-City area. Hopefully these changes will encourage young flyers to join our club and enjoy the benefits of flying at our field.

Remember that Friday, July 21, 2000 between 9:00 A.M. and 3:00 P.M. we will host our annual Fun Day for the Association of Retarded Citizens (ARC) at the ORV Park flying field. This is a big undertaking and it will take everyone’s best effort to make it a success. Please contact Bill Greger at 735-3877 to let him know that you are willing and able to help.

Thanks to Bill Greger who filled in for George Vargo as CD for the club Float Plane Fly-in held June 24/25, 2000 at the Richland Wye. George was on travel and unable to attend but he organized everything before leaving. A special thanks to George’s daughter, Mary, who barbequed some tasty hamburgers and hotdogs for all to enjoy. The weather was cooperative and everyone seemed to be having a good time. I totaled my Goldberg cub on the first day when the radio malfunctioned. An inspection of the receiver after the crash revealed the presence of two small worms in the location where the servos plug in. If that was the cause of the malfunction, I guess I can say that I crashed because of a computer bug or a worm virus.

Thanks to Dennis Cone for his efforts as CD of the club Pattern Contest held July 8/9, 2000. The wind tried to spoil the contest but the pattern fliers prevailed. Dennis noted that for some unknown reason the number of participants was down significantly from last year. Hey Dennis, maybe all our local talent is scaring everyone else away!

Thanks to Monte Stratton for updating the AMA Safety rules which are posted on the field bulletin board. I appreciate Monte for volunteering to keep the bulletin board current.

Congratulations to Ted Tanasse for successfully completing his solo flight!

For comments or questions about the club please contact me by phone at 946-5356 or by Email at president@tcrcm.org.

Until next month, happy flying!