Another year is coming to a close and we would like to thank all the members who have come out and made this year successful. We will go into 2006 with a tremendous training program, a greatly improved field and even some money in the bank. Great job everyone! So now it‘s time to think about where we are going to have our Christmas party, what we will be buying our wives for Christmas and what we will be flying next season. Last year our Christmas party was held at Bobby’s Pizza in North Branford. A good time was had by all, but suggestions are always welcome.

Also, there are still outstanding motions which need to be voted upon. One motion will require all pilots joining the club to pass the AMA Training Test. The other motion will make the safety officer an elected position and require all nominations, for any position, to be made a minimum of 30 days before voting.

Let’s take a closer look at the expectations of the AMA Training Program and Graduation Flight Test. All students, within the graduating class, will be required to attend their graduation ceremony. However, because students progress at different paces, a caveat has been established which will allow a student to be able to fly without instructor before graduation day. In order for this to occur, the students must be deemed as solo ready by two separate instructors and successfully complete the flight exam which must be witnessed by two instructors not part of their training.

In addition to the options available to the student, it will also be possible for an instructor to work with any student other than during scheduled training times. However, the instructor must comply with the curriculum of the AMA Training Program. Once the student is deemed solo ready, they will be subject to the same flight exam requirements as students participating in the program.

As you can see, we have much to discuss. Please attend the upcoming meeting so that we can put these issues to rest. 		   
Message from the prez…
Well the season is definitely changing and it's been getting a little chilly at the field, but there is still plenty of good flying. We've definitely have had some bumpy weather conditions lately, but the field has held up well. Chris P has informed me the cutting equipment has been secured and we will be ready to reclaim the field from the over growth.

Talking with our treasurer Joe Malec, our club funds are absolutely in the black. We have a very stable cash flow. This will allow us to pursue a second phase of the field reclaiming project. This second phase will be discussing adding rip rock at the bridge and re-graveling the whole road and parking lot.

Also Joe Malec's suggestion of another raffle, a winter raffle, is a wonderful suggestion. Through the efforts of Steve Ludwig and most recently Rob Malloy, the previous raffles have been tremendously successful to the club. Lets make it happen!

We will be voting in a newly elected position to the organization, Safety Officer. Ernie Vongher and Chris Petriccione have both been nominated for the position. Gentlemen , good luck to all! As well, Rob Samokar will officially be voted into the secretary's position ... in advanced, welcome aboard Rob!

Happy Landing … Mark, ECSF President

Treasurer‘s Report…
Joe Malec presented the E.C.S.F. Financial Report as of the end of the 3rd quarter. Anyone who missed the report and would like to see or get more information , can contact Joe directly.

Without going into detail, the budget for 2005 was based on 144 paid members. Deposits were made, due


mainly to the shirt and raffle sales. There were also several expenses that needed to be paid. These include picnics, mailings and general field maintenance (club work parties and lawn care). In addition, the allotment of the emergency fund was completed in this quarter. The results, E.C.S.F is on pace to complete the year with a positive balance excluding next years dues , which are now coming in for next year.

Upcoming Events…
November 5, 12, 19 & 26 - AMA Training 1:00 p.m. @ E.C.S.F. Field
November 12 - Perimeter Committee 10:00 a.m. @ ECSF Field (Rain Date - November 13)
November 16 - Meeting 7:00 p.m. @ Foxon Community Center.

Minutes…
Joe Malec opened the meeting and mentioned that no vote would be held once again because the requirements for a quorum were not met. A motion for old business was made, but no one had anything to bring up.

Joe turned the floor over to Bill David who brought in his Stuka, built from Nick Zirolli plans. The finished product weighed 21 lbs., was covered in brown paper and painted with latex house paint with a clear epoxy finish. The details, i.e. rivets, were made from drops of glue. The plane is powered by a SuperTigre 3250 swinging a 20x8 APC prop. Great job Bill!

At this point, the floor was opened for new business. Ernie once again congratulated Chris on his successful training program and what an excellent event AMA Training Class I graduation was. The final flight, which included a sequenced take-off, free flight and landing was extremely memorable, especially when all students taxied up to the flight line for a final pose. Thanks Ernie! Chris took this opportunity to once again talk about the success of the program and how well AMA Training Class II is progressing. Chris also mentioned that the field cleanup is quickly approaching. This is outlined in detail in the ‘Reclaiming Our Field…’ section of this newsletter. Please get involved with this effort in any way possible. Its success is dependant upon your participation. 		    There are currently two open board positions, Safety Officer and Secretary. Nominations for each position were made. Chris Petriccione and Ernie Vongher were nominated for Safety Office, Rob Samokar for Secretary. This will be voted on at the upcoming meeting, so please plan on attending. Also, a description of the duties of the Safety Officer, provided by the AMA, have been included.

From the Flight Line…
The training staff would like announce a schedule change effective with the end of Daylight Savings Time. The new hours of operation will be:

Saturdays @ 1:00 p.m.

Due to decreased daylight, and the change with Daylight Savings Time, the training staff can no longer offer Thursday training. Once the weather breaks in the Spring, and the daylight last long enough, Thursday training will resume.

AMA Training Class 2 if off to a good start. Our weather seems to be holding up and hopefully will continue through November. It’s good to see Chip has purchased a gas powered trainer, saving his electric for good weather flying. Congratulations Chip! This will help tremendously. Keep in mind, we are not against electric powered flight, but keeping consistency within the program will allow the same training techniques to be used on everyone.

Congratulations to Mikey Vasmatics who has logged many flight hours on his P51-D Mustang trainer and has subsequently shed the leading edge enhancers and speed brakes. Nice improvement Mikey! Some general observations from the Head Instructor regarding Hangar-9’s P51-D Mustang PTS; very stable and aerobatic and makes an excellent warbird trainer or possibly second aircraft.

On the topic of second planes, the characteristics to look for are a low or high wing configuration with a semi-symmetrical airfoil. This will give the best combination of speed, penetration, aerobatic ability and low speed control. Many


manufacturers today provide models, in either ARF or kit form, that will fulfill this need. A few to look at would be:

  • Sig’s 4 Star Series, either the 40,60 or 120. All fly well, land slow, are stable and aerobatic.
  • Hangar 9’s Funtana 60 or 90. This plane sets up mildly giving you what you need as a second plane, possibly a third with its aerobatic ability.
  • Great Plane’s Super Sportster 40 or 60.
The training staff has received positive feedback regarding the training program from many intermediate and advanced pilots. Some of these seasoned veterans even showed interest in participating in the course just to polish their skills. Never be in a hurry to let go of the basics, they are the foundation of the maneuvers we all want to perform.

AMA Training graduation doesn’t have to be the end. Interest has been shown in an intermediate and advanced course. Please mention this at the next meeting and your name will be added list for an upcoming class. We will need at least five participants to hold a class. If not, training will be handled on an individual basis.

Finally, thanks to all instructors that have come to the field and participated in our training program. We encourage all instructors to do so. Well, that’s it for now. See you on the flight line.

Chris Petriccione, ECSF Head Flight Instructor

Reclaiming Our Field…
This is what we’ve all been waiting for. The details of the tree removal and brush cleanup to improve our field. Some dates still need to be determined and will be made available on the web, in an upcoming newsletter or through email as appropriate. Because of the effort involved, this work project will be separated in several manageable tasks, taking place intermittently starting November 12 continuing through early spring. Please contact Chris to get involved with any, or all, committees for this project. 		   
November 12th (rain date November 13th). A committee will meet to set the perimeter of the area that will be getting cleared. This will allow the tree removal crew to come in and clear as much as they can, as quickly as possible. The current members are Chris Petriccione, Mark Castiglione, Ernie Vongher, Frank Cavaliere and Rob Samokar.

DATE TBD. A committee will meet, with the tree removal crew, and make sure that all marked trees are removed. Any issues or concerns which come up during the day, will be addressed by the committee. The current members are Chris Petriccione, Mark Castiglione and a Tree Removal Supervisor. The committee is looking for additional members/officers to get involved with this effort.

DATE TBD. Once the trees are dropped, they will need to be limbed and cut into manageable pieces. This will allow them to be moved and chipped at a later date. This crew, being led by Joe Ippi and Jim Shefcyk, is currently looking for members. Each participant will need a chainsaw, boots, gloves, safety glasses and any other safety equipment necessary.

DATE TBD. Once all trees have been limbed, they will need to be chipped. This committee, led by Rob Samokar and Chris Petriccione, is currently looking for members. Each participant will need boots, gloves and safety glasses.

DATE TBD. Now that the trees are out of our way, the underbrush needs to be cleared. We are looking into renting sickle-bar mowers or brush cutters. No committee has been formed yet. If interested, please contact Chris.

That’s all the information for now. As you can see, this is going to be a tremendous effort and will require a huge amount of club support. Every little bit helps, so please get involved. This is for the betterment of our club. Thanks.


Until next time ... Happy Landings!


Academy of Model Aeronatics
5161 East Memorial Drive
Muncie, Indiana 47302
(765) 287-1256 – Business
(765) 289-4248 – Fax
(800) 435-9262 – Membership Services
http://www.modelaircraft.org

SUGGESTIONS FOR DUTIES OF CLUB OFFICERS
Excerpt from the 2005 Club Charter Kit, pages11-12

Club bylaws should reflect officers’ duties and responsibilities.
Safety Coordinator
To promote increased safety awareness on the part of all members, improve the public perception of modeling as a safe and desirable sport, and provide a means by which important safety information can be shared between clubs, AMA chartered clubs will be required to establish the position of Safety Coordinator. This person will act as a communications liaison between the club and AMA Headquarters to ensure timely distribution of safety related material. The Club Safety Coordinator must have E-mail access. Note: The position of club Safety Coordinator was approved as a required position by motion of the Executive Council on February 7, 2004. Prior to this it was not a required position.

Recommended Duties:
1) Provide a communications link between AMA and clubs in matters related to safety
2) Act as a safety advisor and resource manager for the club and its members
3) Assist AMA in the establishment of a national safety program to reduce accidents/incidents
4) Develop, promote and encourage a climate of safety awareness within AMA clubs Safety Coordinator activities may include the following:
  • Inspect operational areas for proper signage and safety equipment as applicable.
  • Distribute AMA Accident/Incident Report Forms and assure they are properly used.
    
  • Conduct safety awareness training and related programs during club meetings.
  • Conduct, at least annually, a safety audit of club facilities, equipment, and grounds to ensure everything is in good working order and safe for normal use by members and the public.
  • Act as a liaison with the local EMS/Fire Department.
  • Establish a club emergency action plan to handle serious accidents/incidents.
  • Coordinate appropriate first aid training for members using qualified instructors.
  • Develop an appropriate communications plan to assist club officers and members.
  • Review emergency procedures (fire and rescue) with club members on an annual basis.
Note: This list is provided to illustrate the range of activities a Safety Coordinator could engage in. Authority to enforce the AMA Safety Code or any additional club safety rules should be contained in the club bylaws in accordance with your individual situation.