MRC Forum Presence

[Grossman56]

RE: MRC Forum Presence

AHHHH,social media eh?  So, what do we (and I mean we) have to do to organize a get together.  I'm heading for Wisconsin in May (25-29) for flight training with Dave Scott, but any other time and I'll be there (yes I will, you've got a friend)  Sorry, flahbacks.
Seriously, I think the time is right and we might just be one to something here.

Grossman6

[OV10]

RE: MRC Forum Presence

Hello Okie Bill,
Just a "chime in" of support regarding your thoughts about club participation being a universal problem and the reason for it. As the VP of our club, I see the same percentage(15%) of our members are the active flyers with the same reasons for the inactive flyers that you mentioned. When I first joined the club this lack of participation was a concern but no matter how much I tried to support and assist members into becoming better pilots with flight training classes or what ever they needed it has never grown. The more I look at it however, it seems more of like a lack of passion for the sport tied into society time restraints which is really sad. I miss the camaraderie but I would rather fly alone then sit at home and watch the world go by. My cancers made that point. My son has smartly put this into perspective for me with this comment - "Well Dad, at least you don't have to sit in a line waiting for your 10 min slot of airtime every hour".
Best Regards,

[Rocketeer]

RE: MRC Forum Presence

Greetings OV10,

Indeed my friend.

I have given it much thought as I can tell you have and additional to the lack of "get up and go" factor I believe that while many of our members love the build process and the attention to detail, I believe alot of their in-activity stems from the fact that they just can't overcome the stress and possibility/fear of the first flight.

As Pilot Ryan mentioned, he does a lot of maiden's at his club field and I'll figure many of them are for guys who just can't overcome the "pucker factor" associated with the maiden flight. Indeed there are so many variables associated with a new planes maiden. We've all been there.

I try to remind our "skiddish" members that while our planes are a labor of love, they are just a 'thing' and things can (mostly) be replaced. 
The funny thing is, for some, even after someone else has taken the time to set up/maiden/trimout thier plane for them until it is flying on rails, they still are hesitant to fly the plane and you hardly see them at the field.   Go Fugure!!!

By the way, Kudo's to your son and his words of wisdom.

Stay enthusiastic.......

Bill L.
in Okla.

[Hippie 64]

RE: MRC Forum Presence

Hey guys , you all know I do 98% of my flying at our local high school . We have two nice practice fields, one with a great running track around it . They are side by side and the grass is like a putting green . 
I am a AMA member and a club member. My problem is the closest field is a hour away,The school is five minutes . I wish I was with more experienced pilots because I could use the help sometimes. I've had to teach myself using a Sim and just taking my time . 


Bryan 

[Grossman56]

RE: MRC Forum Presence

I hear you there Bryan, I'm an AMA member as well and I did join a sort of local club, and went to one of their fields a few of times, but the nearest one is about 45 minutes away and many's the time when I've driven out there just to find the wind is too strong (Yes, it was, otherwise, I'd be flying!) I maidened P2 there, but I never did see anyone else flying there.
They had a field in Cody so I checked that one out, but the years have done a number on the runway (paved)  and there are cracks wide enough to rip your landing gear off.  So, a friend of ours kindly consented to let me use a small field she owns here in town.  So, I have my own club, Grossman's Flying Circus, and we have 100% turnout everytime I go flying!! The only guys I have contact with that are addicted to this hobby are the guys on this forum, would I like to get together??
YOU BET I WOULD!

Grossman56

[Capt. Crunch]

RE: MRC Forum Presence

The nearest club to me is 50 miles away and they haven't gotten together in years. So I fly one block from my house on a gravel road that leads to an alfalfa field that the city bought for a new addition to the town. Its a perfect area with the field and the city pond is right next to it. I have yet to find anyone around here that's into this hobby. A lot of people see me fly out there, and when I go up town, I usually have someone ask me..."Are you that guy that flies those planes?" Yep I'm THAT guy! Lol

Its nice to come on this forum and share this addiction with you all

Jeff

[Grossman56]

RE: MRC Forum Presence

I hear you Jeff, especially in the winter, at least I can hear about the other guys adventures in the air! 
One thing about flying alone, don't have to worry about anyone ramming you plane or wait for your turn for that matter

Grossman56

[ryramZ]

RE: MRC Forum Presence

Funny how winter changes things. Some of you have seen vids of ours shot at 3 or 4 different locations. One reason would be plane size. Before the runway small projects found them selves being filmed at an industrial park culdesac or a softball complex parking lot. Every where but the field is loaded with airplane magnets. Trees, poles, wires, elephants, well maybe not elephants but you get the idea. There definitely was never anyone flying at those places regardless of wind or time of year. We will visit those places still when the field is just to soft or nasty to pull up on. Flying in my hometown of Muncie, IN where the AMA is had me spoiled for a long time. The Sabre,Intruder, Eurofighter, F2G and some other jet videos were shot out there one weekend. That was awesome!

Our field now is less than 2 miles from my house. I'm never going to move! As far as getting together, anyone willing is welcome to come on and fly. The club will throw some events in the summer which is a great time as well. I can keep those interested informed of events and dates.

Grossman, speaking on turns. We allow 4 guys up at one time. Many of them fly pretty high up and are cool just cruising. I have to say that everyone really seems to be courteous and communicate well. I stay low and I say so. Likely no one else will be so that's where I stay. I'll only pull some rolls when in the pattern but when guys come down and the skies are clear, they're MINE...boowahahaha vertical manuevers coming right up. Up, get it? When guys are up wind dictates our pattern and everyone does pretty good sticking to it. We call out landings and take offs, also on the field and other things like that. What I like about good communication is the awareness it instills. Not only does a fellow call out his intentions, but many times he also gets an "it's all yours, I'm up and away" or something like that.

[Hippie 64]

RE: MRC Forum Presence

Hey Ryan , I'm sure I am not alone in saying how nice it is to see you and other MRC reps on here . I like the input and heads up on things that you guys bring . Thanks again for all the support you guys give and help us with in this great hobby we all really love !!





Bryan

[Rocketeer]

RE: MRC Forum Presence

Greetings Hippie,

Of course your not alone. 
That's why we're on page two of this post. 
Sorry buddy, I couldn't resist the zinger!  ;)

Hey, Ryan, I'll take a slot on that "I'll keep you informed" list please. 

Bill L.
In Okla.

[Hippie 64]

RE: MRC Forum Presence

LOL You evil Evil man !!!!


Bryan

[Grossman56]

RE: MRC Forum Presence

yep, me too, sounds like a great plan.  Hmm, now just how far a drive is that and how many planes can I pack?

Grossman56