MARCH '01 PRESIDENT's CORNER
By Gordon Anderson

Wow, is all I can say about the weather! What a change in the last few weeks. I have seen lots of familiar faces at the field plus several new students and members. With all the activity I thought it would be a good time to review a few points that I have been approached about and a few things that are covered in our rules, so I will review these as well:

1. Gates - We will continue to manage the gates as we have in the past. The first gate you come to (the outer gate) can be left open any time you are at the field; the last person to leave should lock the gate behind them. When you open the gate make sure you latch the lock on the chain, this will keep anyone from stealing our lock! Remember to always make sure the tumblers are on a random number or all zeros when you leave. The second gate (the inner gate) needs to be locked behind you on days and times that the park is closed. I have placed a sign with the park hours at this gate. This must also be lock on days that events are held. The sign will help by defining these dates, but I like to also look toward the motorcycle and off roader's area and if there are a bunch of rigs on the hilltop, I lock it behind me, it never hurts to lock it behind you if you are unsure.
2. Helicopters - This is an issue that has received lots of attention in the last few days. Here is what our rules state "Helicopter flying requires designated airtime by the Field Marshall or designated alternate. Fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters shall not be flown simultaneously." This rule could use some expansion and we should discuss this at our March meeting. One of the problems with this rule is we do not always have a Field Marshall at the field. I think we can find an arrangement that will work for everyone. Until we revise the rules lets try to abide by them, the Helicopter pilots should expect to receive airtime and both the fixed wing and Helicopter pilots should respect one another. The most important thing is safety! There has been discussion of using the East End of the field for hover practice, this is an idea we should discuss in the March meeting, and this may be a good step toward solving the problem. In the mean time, no Helicopter flying while fixed wing aircraft are flying and we will give Helicopter pilots a fair amount of airtime.
3. Students - Please call for an instructor unless you have already made arrangements at the field. I'm at the field most weekends and would be glad to help, it does get a bit busy and you should feel free to call and arrange with other instructors. This gives you exposure to different instructing techniques and may allow you more airtime. Do not worry about hurting an instructor's feelings. We encourage you to work with fellow instructors; you may find a style you like, that's great!

Remember that we are flying these expensive toys to have fun, so don't let these little problems slow us down. I like what Charles F. Kettering said; "Problems are the price of progress. Don't bring me anything but trouble. Good news weakens me."

I met with both George Kuklinski and Stan Johnson in late February. I wanted to introduce myself and see if we need to do anything differently or if they saw any problems with the way we are managing the field. Both Stan and George were very positive and I received good feedback about the TCRCM.

I did address the ticket issue with Stan. The city has a grant that provides money for the development of the park. The park usage report is used to help justify the budget. The city has been estimating the use but not very accurately. This new system will allow them to get a better count. There is no intent on charging us to use the field nor is there any plan on kicking us out if we do not use the field at a required level. Stan feels the field is well used.

See you at the field!

Gordon Anderson -- e-mail president@tcrcm.org