Minutes of April 2015 Meeting

Bartons Point Model Flying Club – Minutes of April 2015 Meeting

The April 2015 club meeting took place on Tuesday, 7th at the Harps Inn, Minster attended by 22 members.
The meeting was chaired by Dave Cook.

Apologies for Absence – Vaughan Richardson, Adrian Knowles and Peter Bruce.

Minutes from the February 2015 meeting
Printed versions of the February minutes were provided for member’s last minute reading and were accepted as correct.

New Membership Applications

Membership applications were reviewed for Neville Stringer (husband of member Maretta) and Linda Smith (wife of member Trevor).  Both applicants were warmly welcomed into our club after a show-of-hands vote.  This now means more female members helping to enlarge our diverse membership further.

(Membership is given subject to payment).

Correspondence

Phil Fearn from the Medway Model Flying Club has informed us that they have been asked to support a model flying display at Brogdale Farm, near Faversham, post code ME13 8XZ on weekend of May 16 & 17th.  He has asked us to see if any of our members would also be interested in participating in either flying or static display.  Pilots do not need to be B certified but must be competent and safe flyers. Only small or medium sized fixed wing may be flown due to the size limitations of the field.  Helicopters of any size will be allowed. Static models especially scale would be great.  Anyone who thinks they can participate on any of the two days should contact him on 01795 476535 or email him at pfiwade@blueyonder.co.uk. Any help would be appreciated.  They will also be collecting for the KSS Air Ambulance during the show.

Matters Arising

Dave Cook updated the members on the improving condition of the field following the  levelling carried out in October.  Since the meeting the field has been rolled extensively thanks to many hours of work by Club members.  Adrian Knowles  managed to get use of two towing vehicles to pull the club rollers which performed superbly. Also thanks to Dave Redwood and Ray Hermitage along with the help of Peter Scanlan.  Pictures have been posted on the Blog. Our thanks to those involved.

Dave Cook explained the plans for this year’s Fly In Spectacular which this year will be held on the weekend of July 18^th and 19^th.

As usual, the event organiser Jan is looking for enthusiastic helpers and volunteers to cover the myriad of jobs up to and during the event. Thanks to those on the night who offered to help.

The farmer where we display the Fly in Spectacular sign has already booked out the space, As a result a vote was taken and showed in favour of getting some new signage, basically bright orange paper ,baton and some backing board. Any Sign writers out there? 

Dave Cook briefed the meeting on plans for the 2015 Club Scale Day.  This will be held on one of the Saturdays during August as and when good weather is anticipated. Please keep an eye on the Blog for information.

Any other business

Members agreed to invite Medway and Sittingbourne clubs to attend a separate Scale Day at Bartons Point. Please keep an eye on the Blog for information.

Dave reminded members that all models must be noise tested by one of the designated committee members before first-to-field flying or have been engine modified this is an SBC request.  A log is then produced for club records.  Please identify your model to a committee member on arrival at the field. Club members can borrow the Club noise testing kit to check their models prior.

Brian Hughes covered recommendations on the subject of receiver batteries on sub- 20Kg models.  There have been some instances of flyers not understanding voltage/charge characteristics on LiPo, NiMh and LiFe types of batteries on these mid-weight planes.  It is important to read the manufacturers recommendations on charging and charge ratings.  These types of batteries do not drop voltage gradually and will maintain nominal ‘good’ charge voltages right up to the last 10% to 20%, when it is essential to re-charge.  A good way to check for true level of charge is to check the voltage under load.  There are many battery checkers on the market that will place a small variable load on a battery while reading the voltage to give a truer charge level.  It is recommended that these be used habitually for receiver applications.

Nb.  Driving onto the field.

Can everyone make their turning circle at the end of the field as tight as possible.

Meeting closed at 20:50

Next meeting will be held on Monday 1^st of June, 2015 at 8:00 p.m. at the Harps Inn.

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