"PROP WASH" is the monthly newsletter of   
Newport News Park Radio-Control Club (NNPRCC).
Deadline for submitted news is the 7th of each month in the hands of
Editor Joe Lupton     Phone No 757-896-6396      
               e-mail at jluptonatp@cox.net
Meetings  
At 7 p.m., the third Monday each month at the Newport News Park/Lee Hall Reservoir camping area meeting building on Jefferson Ave.,  0.9 miles  North of Ft. Eustis Blvd. ( just past the lake).

        See you at the field!

jjjjjjjj

Owen Dwire, President of NNPRCC, opened the meeting at 7:04 pm. There were 24 members and 1 guest in attendance. Members signing the attendance record:

Gene Deitz, Federico A. Jones, Ed Silvers, Fred Murphy, Jeff Detloff, 

 Pete Dixon, Owen Dwire, Phil Greasley, Joe Lupton, Jerry Winkler, 

 Rachael Orris, Arnold Dorey, Ken Combs,  Larry Botsford,  Larry Baker,

Charles Masters,  Dave Fisk,  Zac Hesler, Bill Crahen, 

Jerry  Howie, Joe Mitchell, Marshall Tucker, Frank Orris,  Jay Taylor.

Owen mentioned that lists of the pilots who have qualified for various ratings were on display on the front table.

Approval of minutes from previous membership meetings:

Since the December meeting was the informal meeting held at the Christmas party, the minutes of the last two meetings held on 17 November and 6 December were presented and approved as published on the web and in the newsletter.

Recognition of new members/guests:

Zac Hesler was recognized as a new member from Philadelphia. He flew here 5-6 years ago and is currently flying a "Monarch" (Stick) aircraft.

Joe Mitchell, who had joined earlier, was also recognized. He has been flying electrics in the past and is now getting into fuel-powered aircraft. He has an "Avistar 40."

Treasurer’s Report:

Pete Dixon stated that there were 57 flying members who have signed up and paid dues for this year. Fund Balances are as follows:

Club Funds: $1,626.46 (Carryover from last year)

Grass Cutting: $1,230.00

Field Account: $2,480.00 (To be paid to City of Newport News)

Check balance: $3,800.00 (includes $1,230.00 in Grass Cutting Fund)

Parks Report:

Ranger Jeff Rice stated that he had talked with Jon Gamache (Chief Ranger) 2-3 days ago and discussed their budget. They have the hurricane problems behind them and expect to get funds soon from FEMA and should have more money then. The original intent was to build a pavilion (approx. 18x32 ft.) near the present gas grill location. A discussion followed concerning an alternative construction of a lean-to shelter (approx. 14x32 ft.) near the flight line. The proposed cost would be less than the original proposed pavilion. Joe Lupton will head up an investigation into the basic design, size, and goals for the new structure. Ranger Rice said that they might be able to get the structure built using their crew, particularly if the cost is low enough.

Ranger Rice also stated that the Porta-John was doing fine.

Ranger Rice stated that the combination on the gate lock needed to be changed. A discussion followed to determine what the new combination would become. A decision was made and the new combination will go into effect on February 1, 2004. Only those present at this meeting obtained the new combination. All others will have to get the new combination from either Owen Dwire or Pete Dixon. If you have not paid your dues for the year, you will not be given the new combination.

Field Maintenance:

Several truckloads of coarse sand and topsoil have been delivered to the site. This will be used to fill in the ruts left by the concrete truck when the new flying pads were poured and to fill low spots where a new helicopter flying area is to be located. Topsoil will then be spread over that and new grass seeds spread. This will provide a head start for the spring growing season.

Flight Training:

Federico Jones stated that he foresees an increase in flight training requirements for this year. He has put cards at the local hobby shops for prospective students to contact him as the single point of contact for flight training and class scheduling. This procedure should provide more control over the flight training process. Each student will maintain a signoff checklist for the instructor to sign as each training step is completed. Fred stated that an updated frequency chart should be left at the hobby shops that sell new radio systems. This will allow for proper frequency selection when purchasing or ordering a new radio system. Larry Humphries, who is a new pilot, soloed this past Wednesday. Joe Mitchell is to be the next student.

Field Safety:

Owen Dwire reported on the accident that occurred to Don Kohlman. He reminded everyone that airplanes are more than toys and to stay focused when starting or running the engines. Don’t allow yourself to be distracted. Statements were made that the First Aid Kit needs to be restocked. Ranger Rice said that he would be able to supply the needed materials if someone would send him an e-mail stating what is needed.

Hats/T-Shirt Club Orders:

Owen Dwire stated that hats are in for those who ordered them. New orders can be placed for T-Shirts for $15.00 with embroidered emblems either round or oval.

Web Site:

Joe Lupton reported on the new web site with a new URL, http://newportnewsrc.org. He says that he can now change things on the web site in almost real time. Problems with space on the old web site prevented him from making updates. The new site is big enough. The newsletter will be added to the web site and everyone will need to have "Adobe Acrobat Reader" in order to read. It can be pulled down from the web site if anyone does not have it. Joe says that he will not author any of the documents for the site but will only input them. Joe discussed how the new site work presently and how it will work in the future. The Frequency Chart needs to be updated and sent to him to add to the web site. Everyone should update the frequencies they use and e-mail address. Jay Taylor is to receive member updates monthly from Pete Dixon. He will then send out the updates by the 10^th of the month.

Club Awards:

Owen Dwire presented an award to Phil Greasley for serving as "Model of the Year" Program Director.

AMA Rules Review:

Owen Dwire stated that he had received new AMA rules and that the NNPRCC rules mirror those of the AMA. New rules were discussed including a definition change for "UAVs." Insurance will not cover aircraft flying out of sight. You must have visual contact with an aircraft throughout the entire flight. If someone, such as Dave Hardy when he flies with his video hood, has an observer or someone on a "buddy box" with him, this would qualify as having the aircraft in visual contact. Discussion followed concerning some of our rules. Mentioned was "Calling out your intentions." When you are in the flight line, make sure everyone knows what you are going to do. Example: taxing out for take off, landing, etc.

Also discussed was proper wearing of your club badge. It must be displayed somewhere on the upper portion of your body. It can be worn on a cap, lanyard, or badge holder pinned to a shirt or jacket.

Field Maintenance Day:

There will be a "Field Maintenance Day" on Saturday, February 28 from 8a.m. to 12 noon. We need to fill in the ruts made by the concrete truck when the pads were poured and level some low spots. This needs to be done so that grass seed can be planted before the warm growing season starts. There will be a need for wheelbarrows, trailers and shovels, and of course workers. In case of rain, Saturday, March 6 will be the backup day. We need volunteers!

Frost Bite Fun Fly:

This is to be held on Saturday, March 13 at 10:00 a.m. Dave Fisk will be the CD. Dave, Owen, and Pete Dixon will cook chili. The Frost Bite will be the first event of the year and will have three events. They are:

Mystery time flight of 5-90 seconds. When time is called, you must land in the shortest time Shortest time wins.

Take off – 3 loops and land. Shortest time wins.

Tethered balloons, 10 ft., 20, ft. and 30 ft. You must cut the ribbons on the balloons and more points will be awarded for the lower balloons. The tether will be made of crepe paper so as to not hurt the aircraft. There will be a 3-minute time limit.

Senior Pattern Association (SPA) Contest:

This is to be held on Saturday, June 19. Jerry McGhee will be the CD.

The will be two classes of competition:

Novice: Much like the "A" pattern. Any plane can be used.

Sportsman: More challenging. Must use a SPA type aircraft or take a 10% reduction in score if another type aircraft is used.

Committee/Program volunteers:

Twelve Boy Scouts will be hosted on Sunday, April 25. They will be allowed to fly on the "Buddy Box". This will be a good opportunity to introduce model aviation to young people and may interest some of them to become RC flyers. Marshall Tucker and Owen Dwire have trainers that can be used. Gene Deitz and Dave Fisk also volunteered their time.

Model of the month:

Phil Greasley described the "Model of the Month" program for everyone, particularly for the newer members.

Federico Jones displayed his Lanier Giant Scale Stinger in the BIY "Build It Yourself" category.

Jay Taylor displayed his new Zen 120 Sport/Pattern aircraft from The World Models in the ARF "Almost Ready to Fly" category.

Phil Greasley displayed his VQ Model P51 WWII fighter in the ARF category.

Everyone voted for one model from each category. The winners were:

BIY – Federico Jones for his Giant Scale Stinger.

ARF – Jay Taylor for his Zen 120 Sport/Pattern aircraft.

Adjournment:

The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

Following the business meeting, Chief Flight Instructor Federico Jones held a short meeting with all current and prospective flight instructors. Training schedules and agendas were discussed.

Respectfully submitted,

Jay Taylor, Secretary

From the Editor:

    The newsletter is somewhat short this month. The only input was from our President and Secretary. If there is anything you would like to post, please get it to me. This can be a photo of your latest model, a how to article, or a crash post-mortum. This is your newsletter, so give me something to print. 

If you are reading this but did not get an Email notifying you that it is online, then either I don't have your current email address, or your email box was full and not accepting new posts to it. In either case, drop me a line with your current Email address, and I'll put you on my member list.

Don't forget the Swap Shop this Saturday at the York Town Middle school. See the link on the Events Calendar.

JL

         It is interesting to see who the hardy (some would say slightly demented) souls are who continued to fly in January despite the frigid temperatures.  If you would like to see who these intrepid individuals are check out our website www.newportnewsrc.org and look at the pilot logbook. 

  The New Year marks the time to renew your membership with the NNPRCC.  As of 1 Feb there will be a new combination lock on the gate to the field.  The combination to the lock will be provided with your 2004 membership cards.  I would like to remind everyone that it is required to display your card somewhere on your upper torso when flying at our field.

  During our January meeting we agreed to an ambitious event schedule for 2004.  We will be firming up the dates for these events over the next several weeks.  I would like to thank all those who volunteered to be event directors.  Without people stepping forward to volunteer we simply wouldn’t be able to do these types of activities.  I challenge each of us to find it within ourselves to donate a couple hours of our time this year in lending a hand at one or more of these activities.   Please contact the individual directors and let them know you are willing to help. 

 We are planning on a field maintenance day for 28 February.  The weather backup day for this event will be 6 March.  If you can possibly break away from your job and other domestic duties, I would greatly appreciate you showing up at the field on the 28^th (we’ll start about 0900) armed with garden implements (to include wheel barrows if you have one).  If gardening isn’t your style, there will be general sprucing up chores as well. 

  The weather is about to break.  Dust off your planes and check them over carefully.  Be sure your batteries are ready and your new fuel in good supply.  Our March 20^th (note the change in date) Fun Fly will kick off the 2004 flying season.

        See you at the field!

jjjjjjjj

Owen Dwire, President of NNPRCC, opened the meeting at 7:04 pm. There were 24 members and 1 guest in attendance. Members signing the attendance record:

Gene Deitz, Federico A. Jones, Ed Silvers, Fred Murphy, Jeff Detloff, Pete Dixon, Owen Dwire, Phil Greasley, Joe Lupton, Jerry Winkler, Rachael Orris, Arnold Dorey, Ken Combs,  Larry Botsford,  Larry Baker,Charles Masters,  Dave Fisk,  Zac Hesler, Bill Crahen,  Jerry  Howie, Joe Mitchell, Marshall Tucker, Frank Orris,  Jay Taylor.

Owen mentioned that lists of the pilots who have qualified for various ratings were on display on the front table.

Approval of minutes from previous membership meetings:

Since the December meeting was the informal meeting held at the Christmas party, the minutes of the last two meetings held on 17 November and 6 December were presented and approved as published on the web and in the newsletter.

Recognition of new members/guests:

Zac Hesler was recognized as a new member from Philadelphia. He flew here 5-6 years ago and is currently flying a "Monarch" (Stick) aircraft.

Joe Mitchell, who had joined earlier, was also recognized. He has been flying electrics in the past and is now getting into fuel-powered aircraft. He has an "Avistar 40."

Treasurer’s Report:

Pete Dixon stated that there were 57 flying members who have signed up and paid dues for this year. Fund Balances are as follows:

Club Funds: $1,626.46 (Carryover from last year)

Grass Cutting: $1,230.00

Field Account: $2,480.00 (To be paid to City of Newport News)

Check balance: $3,800.00 (includes $1,230.00 in Grass Cutting Fund)

Parks Report:

Ranger Jeff Rice stated that he had talked with Jon Gamache (Chief Ranger) 2-3 days ago and discussed their budget. They have the hurricane problems behind them and expect to get funds soon from FEMA and should have more money then. The original intent was to build a pavilion (approx. 18x32 ft.) near the present gas grill location. A discussion followed concerning an alternative construction of a lean-to shelter (approx. 14x32 ft.) near the flight line. The proposed cost would be less than the original proposed pavilion. Joe Lupton will head up an investigation into the basic design, size, and goals for the new structure. Ranger Rice said that they might be able to get the structure built using their crew, particularly if the cost is low enough.

Ranger Rice also stated that the Porta-John was doing fine.

Ranger Rice stated that the combination on the gate lock needed to be changed. A discussion followed to determine what the new combination would become. A decision was made and the new combination will go into effect on February 1, 2004. Only those present at this meeting obtained the new combination. All others will have to get the new combination from either Owen Dwire or Pete Dixon. If you have not paid your dues for the year, you will not be given the new combination.

Field Maintenance:

Several truckloads of coarse sand and topsoil have been delivered to the site. This will be used to fill in the ruts left by the concrete truck when the new flying pads were poured and to fill low spots where a new helicopter flying area is to be located. Topsoil will then be spread over that and new grass seeds spread. This will provide a head start for the spring growing season.

Flight Training:

Federico Jones stated that he foresees an increase in flight training requirements for this year. He has put cards at the local hobby shops for prospective students to contact him as the single point of contact for flight training and class scheduling. This procedure should provide more control over the flight training process. Each student will maintain a signoff checklist for the instructor to sign as each training step is completed. Fred stated that an updated frequency chart should be left at the hobby shops that sell new radio systems. This will allow for proper frequency selection when purchasing or ordering a new radio system. Larry Humphries, who is a new pilot, soloed this past Wednesday. Joe Mitchell is to be the next student.

Field Safety:

Owen Dwire reported on the accident that occurred to Don Kohlman. He reminded everyone that airplanes are more than toys and to stay focused when starting or running the engines. Don’t allow yourself to be distracted. Statements were made that the First Aid Kit needs to be restocked. Ranger Rice said that he would be able to supply the needed materials if someone would send him an e-mail stating what is needed.

Hats/T-Shirt Club Orders:

Owen Dwire stated that hats are in for those who ordered them. New orders can be placed for T-Shirts for $15.00 with embroidered emblems either round or oval.

Web Site:

Joe Lupton reported on the new web site with a new URL, http://newportnewsrc.org. He says that he can now change things on the web site in almost real time. Problems with space on the old web site prevented him from making updates. The new site is big enough. The newsletter will be added to the web site and everyone will need to have "Adobe Acrobat Reader" in order to read. It can be pulled down from the web site if anyone does not have it. Joe says that he will not author any of the documents for the site but will only input them. Joe discussed how the new site work presently and how it will work in the future. The Frequency Chart needs to be updated and sent to him to add to the web site. Everyone should update the frequencies they use and e-mail address. Jay Taylor is to receive member updates monthly from Pete Dixon. He will then send out the updates by the 10^th of the month.

Club Awards:

Owen Dwire presented an award to Phil Greasley for serving as "Model of the Year" Program Director.

AMA Rules Review:

Owen Dwire stated that he had received new AMA rules and that the NNPRCC rules mirror those of the AMA. New rules were discussed including a definition change for "UAVs." Insurance will not cover aircraft flying out of sight. You must have visual contact with an aircraft throughout the entire flight. If someone, such as Dave Hardy when he flies with his video hood, has an observer or someone on a "buddy box" with him, this would qualify as having the aircraft in visual contact. Discussion followed concerning some of our rules. Mentioned was "Calling out your intentions." When you are in the flight line, make sure everyone knows what you are going to do. Example: taxing out for take off, landing, etc.

Also discussed was proper wearing of your club badge. It must be displayed somewhere on the upper portion of your body. It can be worn on a cap, lanyard, or badge holder pinned to a shirt or jacket.

Field Maintenance Day:

There will be a "Field Maintenance Day" on Saturday, February 28 from 8a.m. to 12 noon. We need to fill in the ruts made by the concrete truck when the pads were poured and level some low spots. This needs to be done so that grass seed can be planted before the warm growing season starts. There will be a need for wheelbarrows, trailers and shovels, and of course workers. In case of rain, Saturday, March 6 will be the backup day. We need volunteers!

Frost Bite Fun Fly:

This is to be held on Saturday, March 13 at 10:00 a.m. Dave Fisk will be the CD. Dave, Owen, and Pete Dixon will cook chili. The Frost Bite will be the first event of the year and will have three events. They are:

Mystery time flight of 5-90 seconds. When time is called, you must land in the shortest time Shortest time wins.

Take off – 3 loops and land. Shortest time wins.

Tethered balloons, 10 ft., 20, ft. and 30 ft. You must cut the ribbons on the balloons and more points will be awarded for the lower balloons. The tether will be made of crepe paper so as to not hurt the aircraft. There will be a 3-minute time limit.

Senior Pattern Association (SPA) Contest:

This is to be held on Saturday, June 19. Jerry McGhee will be the CD.

The will be two classes of competition:

Novice: Much like the "A" pattern. Any plane can be used.

Sportsman: More challenging. Must use a SPA type aircraft or take a 10% reduction in score if another type aircraft is used.

Committee/Program volunteers:

Twelve Boy Scouts will be hosted on Sunday, April 25. They will be allowed to fly on the "Buddy Box". This will be a good opportunity to introduce model aviation to young people and may interest some of them to become RC flyers. Marshall Tucker and Owen Dwire have trainers that can be used. Gene Deitz and Dave Fisk also volunteered their time.

Model of the month:

Phil Greasley described the "Model of the Month" program for everyone, particularly for the newer members.

Federico Jones displayed his Lanier Giant Scale Stinger in the BIY "Build It Yourself" category.

Jay Taylor displayed his new Zen 120 Sport/Pattern aircraft from The World Models in the ARF "Almost Ready to Fly" category.

Phil Greasley displayed his VQ Model P51 WWII fighter in the ARF category.

Everyone voted for one model from each category. The winners were:

BIY – Federico Jones for his Giant Scale Stinger.

ARF – Jay Taylor for his Zen 120 Sport/Pattern aircraft.

Adjournment:

The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

Following the business meeting, Chief Flight Instructor Federico Jones held a short meeting with all current and prospective flight instructors. Training schedules and agendas were discussed.

Respectfully submitted,

Jay Taylor, Secretary