Well what a month. It started on Sunday 2nd March with one of the biggest attendances at the working bee. I believe that there were 38 members there and obviously a lot was achieved. Quite a few members were involved in restoring the fence and it was difficult to know who was really in charge. At about the middle of the fence the top rail had quite a considerable “bump” in it. Many members took pleasure in telling Jim Fagan about this bump just in case he had not noticed it. Strangely enough by the next week end the “Bump” had been removed--- who does not believe in the fairies?

One of our members really likes the comforts of home when he comes to the field. Grant Clark was seen to be assembling his model in the pit area and he had laid out “carpet” of top of the grass before he put his model down. I wonder what will be the next comfort item he will bring to the field.

Dave Harper tried to do the impossible by landing his best glider on top of a tree. The only damage was to the wing and Dave tells me that he is building a new one, this time with spoilers.

Four members travelled to Maryborough to compete in yet another Pylon Racing event. I have not got the actual results however Don Barber tells me that he lapped all the other 14 competitors. Don made a point of telling me that he did not miss any pylons this time. Allan Taylor, who came first in the previous event, came last this time and Sven Smith was coming third until he missed a round. Andrew Holloway also competed but I have no news on his performance on the day. The next pylon racing day is the Queensland Championships to be held at Maryborough again on the Queens Birthday weekend in June.

While talking about events the S & B Electric day is coming up very soon, 3rd and 4th May. A Helli competition on Sunday 25th May and A Jet Demonstration day on Sunday 7th June. The field will be closed to general flying on those Sunday. Quite a number of members are going to Dalby soon (I am not sure of the date) to help them celebrate the opening of their new field.

We have news that the Travelling Museum based in Caloundra is 95% sure to come to our Air show on 26th and 27th July. Also we are pleased to report that George and Margaret Joyner are again going to put in a big effort into this year’s Air Show.

George is looking after the displays at two shopping centres and also coordinating the food sale for the Sunday of the air show. Margaret is again going to have a large input into the craft stall. Margaret has not enjoyed the best of health for the past 12months or so and considering this we are very thankful for Margaret’s effort. Last year the Craft stall took about $400.00 and was a bib winner with the woman folk that came to the event, (may be under duress)

1st Visitor flying an Imac Des Newman

2nd Gordon Bartels Mike O’Rielly

3rd Tim Mew Gordon Grant

4th Todd Black Warner Summerton

5th Greg Mew

6th David Turton

At the February Committee Meeting we discussed the possibility of someone getting lost or hurt when looking for their model in the scrub or mangroves that are on the perimeter of our field. This being the case we have purchased two second hand UHF hand held radios for the grand sum of $60.00. These radios are kept in the canteen and anyone venturing into the unknown looking for a model, please take a radio with you and assign the second radio to a committee member or if not available any other responsible person on the field at that time. Keep the radios “ON” all the time you are out of sight and contact the Base Radio at regular intervals. On your return from your safari, deposit both radios back in the canteen. If the canteen is closed give them to a committee member or if not available take them home and advice the Secretary, Treasurer or President of this situation.

Our club has had trouble times over the past months and at the last General Meeting a “No Confidence“ motion was moved against our President, Warren Dunell, which was carried.( See full details in the Minutes in other parts of this Airwaves.)

According to the constitution the Committee can fulfil casual variances of office bearers, however after due discussion at the meeting it was decided that the proper coarse of action would be to call for nominations for the position of President and have an election at the March general meeting.

In the meantime, our Vice President, Andrew Holloway, has resigned so we will also need nominations for the position of Vice President.

This being the case attached hereto is a Nomination Form for the position of President and for the position of Vice President. All nominations should be with the Secretary no later than Tuesday 25th March. For convenience nominations details can be sent by e-mail to secretary@prams.asn.au or by phone 3833 2015, however such nominations must be confirmed in writing on the prescribed form on the night of the meeting.

Well that is about all for now

Good flying and good fellowship

Gordon Grant

Pine Rivers Aeronautical Society Inc.

The Minutes of General Meeting

Held on 29th February 2008 at Lawnton Community Hall

Meeting Opened: 20.01 hrs

Present: As per attendance book

Chairman: Warren Dunell

Apologies: P. Sommerfeldt; Trevor Mills; A. Holloway; K. Turton

In Attendance: As per attendance book

Minutes of Previous General Meeting: Having been circulated were moved as correct.

Moved: D. Harper Seconded: R. Garrett Carried

Item 8~Container: Now on site, Roof over tractor quotes received.

(a) Motion from Committee: That the quotation from Easy Built Garages, in the amount of $3,000. To supply & fit a roof over the tractor area be accepted.

Moved: N. Tyler Seconded: D. Harper Carried

(b) Motion from Committee: That Warren Dunell be paid an amount up to $100.00 to supply

& weld brackets to roofing of the two span containers, to allow fitting of new tractor area roof.

Moved: N. Tyler Seconded: C. Lindner Carried

Item 9 Road Repairs: In progress by working bee, weather permitting

Item 10 – Generator has been repaired. Gordon Grant working on laminated instruction sheet.

Dozer Blade & Drag Leveller:- Leveller delivered, blade coming his Sunday morning.

Reinstatement of Fence where it was: In progress by working bee, weather permitting. A heated discussion ensued regarding this matter. Jim Fagan & James McAllen pointed out that Item 6 of the President’s Report was headed “Reinstatement of Fence at end of Pit area” as quoted in Airwaves when what it should read is “Reinstatement of Fence where it was”. Minute Secretary Neil Tyler stated the actual minutes of the meeting recorded “Reinstatement of Fence where it was”, this was endorsed by the Secretary and Treasurer, a copy of the minutes was handed to Jim Fagan and James McAllen. Motion that Airwaves be corrected.

Moved: D. Hollis Seconded: D. Harper Carried

Question was asked who authorised and carried out destruction of the installation of the fence that was carried out at last working bee. President said he removed two posts as the work performed was in his opinion not workmanlike. A number of speakers spoke on this matter. The question was put to the president as to his reasons for his actions, especially as he must have realised the fence removal and reinstatement was a highly contentious issue with club members. President reiterated the installation was not carried out properly. Jim Fagan tabled a quotation from Northside Chainwire Fencing Pty Ltd in the amount of $485.57 plus concrete to replace the fence. Gordon Grant pointed out an amount of $130.00 has been spent on some fencing materials. Motion that the quotation from Northside Chainwire Fencing Pty Ltd be accepted. Amendment from James McAllen: That the fence line be extended to the new boundary fence. Amendment was incorporated in the motion by agreement of the mover and seconder.

Moved: Jim Fagan Seconded: Col Parry Carried

A motion of “no confidence in the President” was put to the meeting.

Moved: Col Parry Seconded: Chris Lindner

The President vacated the chair. Gordon Grant asked the members if they were agreeable for him to chair the meeting so this item can be discussed in the proper manner. There being no opposition the meeting agreed that Gordon Grant act as chairman. Gordon then called for three speakers for the motion and three speakers against the motion. The matter was handled in accordance with the club constitution & by-laws and the Rules of Meeting Procedure. After one speaker for and one against the motion, the chairperson called for a further speaker to speak for the motion however no one offered to speak in the affirmative. The Chairperson then asked if there was anyone who wanted to speak against the motion. Again nobody offered to speak against the motion. This being the case the Chairperson asked for the motion to be read again and on the conclusion of this reading the motion was put to a vote with the following results

The matter of the appointment of a new president was discussed. Neil Tyler stated the constitution & by-laws stated that the Committee had the power to appoint. It was agreed that Gordon Grant act as interim chairman.

Nominations:

Col Parry -  Moved: Chris Lindner Seconded: James McAllen

Jim Fagan  - Moved: Col Parry Seconded: Gordon Thompson

It was pointed out that the Vice President was not present and that absent members may wish to nominate for the position. Jim Fagan moved the above motions be put aside for the time being and the position be advertised in Airwaves and the appointment be by vote at the March General Meeting and a mail out.

Moved: Jim Fagan Seconded: James McAllen Carried

Interim Chairman: The meeting requested Gordon Grant to be chairman for the continuation of the meeting.

3D Heli Area: See CFI Report: Secretary Peter read letter from lessors (Mr & Mrs Bray) stating that due to the horses, they were not prepared to lease PRAMS the area adjacent to the connection road between the gate and the club house.

(a) P. O. Box: Chairman Gordon said that the club should have a permanent address. Danny Hollis said this had been the practice in the past. It was agreed the club seek a post box at Strathpine post office.

(b) Deputy CFI: The chairman said that the committee had discussed the appointment of a deputy CFI for weekends when Kerry is at work. Deputy to report to CFI Kerry Turton. James McAllen nominated Fran Sutherland seconded Jim Fagan. Fran agreed to the appointment.

Moved: James McAllen Seconded: Jim Fagan Carried

(c) AGM & August Meeting Procedure: Gordon Grant said the way the club had been conducting the August meeting by having the AGM first then followed by the August General meeting was incorrect as the August General meeting was the last duty of the outgoing committee. Gordon moved the procedure be: August General meeting first, followed by the Annual General Meeting. The members agreed to this proposal

(d) Changes to Constitution & Bylaws: Submissions from members required by (date). It was agreed the closing date for submissions be the 30th day of June 2008. It was moved a subcommittee be appointed to receive submissions and to conduct a review of the Constitution and By-laws and present its findings to the Annual General Meeting.

Constitution & By-laws Committee: Danny Hollis; Dave Harper; Gordon Grant

Moved: James McAllen Seconded: Neil Tyler Carried

(e) Grant for new Generator: Gordon Grant said the Executive meeting had discussed an application for a new generator. Jim Fagan who was at the meeting pointed out that the club had received a large grant for the wind generator & solar panels and an application for a fuel operated generator would not be advisable. The meeting agreed with this approach. Paul Hopley said he was investigating an “Auto Start/Switch Down “ procedure for the generator and this maybe able to be purchased through a grant.

(f) Wind Generator: Paul Hopley, John Rolf and Geoff Hunwick dismantled the wind generator and checked it all out and all is now ok. Paul installed bird barriers on the solar panels and gave them a good clean.

Moved: Gordon Grant Seconded: Neil Tyler Carried

4/02/08 Sid Bray New Heli Area

4/02/08 Royal Childrens Hospital Thank you for our donation

4/02/08 K. Fielding Payment of fees

22/02/08 M. Snabaitis State SFI Heli Instructor

22/02/08 M. Snabaitis State SFI Heli Instructor

22/02/08 Hervey Bay MAC 2008 Airshow 3-4 May

19/02/08 Dept of Fair Trading Annual Return query

27/02/08 Dawid Preller Jr Membership card

27/02/08 Dept. of Fair Trading Change of Secretary

27/02/08 Dept. of Fair Trading Response to letter of 19/2/08

29/01/08 G/ Thompson Membership Fees

26/02/08 J. Collie Membership Fees

21/02/08 M. Snabaitis State SFI Heli Instructor

26/02/08 P. Carr Membership Fees

New Members: Lachlan & Michael Somerfield; John Colley; G. Thompson; Adam Shaw; Paul Bland; Ken Tse

Moved: Peter Somerfield Seconded: Graham Ross Carried

Treasurer’s Report: Gordon Grant submitted his report and spoke to it. The club is in a good financial position

Moved: G. Grant Seconded: Rod Garrett Carried

Library & Airwaves: Dave Harper said he has procured some new DVDs and asked permission to subscribe to Models Magazine. It was agreed that the club subscribe for an annual membership for the magazine.

Moved: D. Harper Seconded: G. Thompson Carried

CFI Report: CFI Kerry was an apology. No report (See end of Airwaves for CFI report)

Field & Ground Maintenance: Bob Moore agreed to act as convenor and said there would be a working bee this coming Sunday the 2nd March 08, weather permitting to carry out a general cleanup. Members to bring shovels & wheelbarrows.

Moved: Bob Moore Seconded: Dave Harper Carried

Fuel Report: Dave Wherrett reported there was plenty of fuel. Members requested to bring correct money for purchase. Fuel prices published in Airwaves. Motion; That the club purchase 2 sections of shelving at a total cost not to exceed $100.00

Moved: Dave Wherrett Seconded: Danny Hollis Carried

Catering: Sales slow caused by poor weather

Moved: G. Ross Seconded: Dave Harper Carried

(a) Air show: Peter Tompkins reported he had contacted the helicopter owner regarding a static display and asked if CASA permission was required. Club members are of the opinion that as the helicopter would be static, no permit would be required. A permit to land and depart was all that was necessary. Peter reported that due to ill health, Maggie & George Joyner were not available to be catering convenors. Gordon Grant suggested he contact Wayne O’Hallaron, who is a chef to see if he would be agreeable to be convenor. Peter said John Knox has agreed to be promotions convenor, and he has arranged for 2 expresso coffee vans to be available. A donation from Ewan Hutchinson of a leather jacket similar to last years air show has been received as the prize for the major raffle. It was agreed a letter of thanks to the donors be sent. Peter said he was still required club members to volunteer to help on the day.

(b) Events: Nothing further to report at this stage

Moved: P. Tompkins Seconded: Danny Hollis Carried

01. Canteen: Electricity keeps on cutting out: Wind generator to be repaired. Neil Tyler to investigate gas operated refrigeration/freezers. Peter Tompkins reported he investigated if Club was subject to new food handling procedures as per Government Legislation: Club is not an official Licensed Reseller of Food and does not require a Food Safety Officer.

02. Restoration of Pit area: Gordon Grant said Shepperton club has used a type of nylon covering over crusher dust, which seemed an excellent method of covering the pit area. However, the nylon products he had investigated proved unsuitable. Peter Tompkins said he had looked at Poly Roll, which came in 2-metre width at $9.50 per metre and 2.5 metre at $13.00 per metre with 8 years guarantee provided it was laid on a sand bed. It was agreed Peter obtain samples. Jim Fagan said the Recycle yard had some stuff, which could be suitable. It was suggested that the pits remain grassed and that areas be alternatively re-grassed, and maintained.

03. Honour Photos: James McAllen reported the matter was in hand.

04. Runway Drainage: Col Parry to report. Subject to working bee when weather permits. Road base or similar eg. gravel plus a backhoe are required.

05. Runway levelling & Repairs: Col Parry said the holes had been repaired and further work would be undertaken at next working bee. Levelling would be carried out when weather permits. Drainage Subject to working bee when weather permits. Committee want drainage & runway repaired for Air Show.

Mosquito spraying: Brian Bates said that the spraying contractors were not signalling when they had completed their work. Steve Lightower said he will contact them to see if they could arrange a suitable signal to be implemented.

Tee Shirts: Graham Tattersall reported that he would be ordering new Tee Shirts, club members requiring need to advise him on size etc as per Airwaves attachment.

U.H.F. mobile transmitter/Receivers: Fran Sutherland said she had noted people and sometimes juniors were going into the mangrove swamp searching for lost airplanes. A pair of UHF transmitter/Receivers were required so that these persons could keep in touch with members at the club house & vis-à-vis. Neil Tyler said he has a new pair which he may be able to donate to the club. He would follow up on this matter.

Closure: The meeting closed at 21.51 hours

FLYING HIGH

BY C.F.I.

This is my first “Flying High” for 8 or 9 years since I previously held the position of C.F.I.

First, welcome to Fran who was recently appointed to the position of assistant C.F.I.

I want to update the list of flying instructors. Any current instructors who want to have their name removed from the list or have their details updated please contact me via email at the address below.

I will be resurrecting the club championship trophy which has been awarded only twice in the last 20 years. I will be conducting a simple fun-fly type competition about 6 times before the end of the year. Points will accumulate and the club champion announced at the Christmas party with the presentation of the trophy. I also intend to lean on the club committee and local hobby retailers for a prize or two.

The competitions will be simple and non model threatening. All competitions will be handicapped with respect to type of model, years of flying experience etc. to ensure that all have a chance of winning. The field will not be closed to general flying. I will announce the rules at 10a.m. and the comp. should be finished by noon.

The first competition will be held on Sunday, 30 March, 2008.

HINT FOR THE MONTH. Do not tune your motor with glow power connected. Our motors do not have variable timing and fire before top dead centre based on the heat of the glow plug. The hotter the plug the further advanced is the timing. Leaving the glow power connected can cause incorrect tuning and also shortens plug life.

Any flyers who are recently solo and want to start practicing some of the more advanced flying with the safety of a buddy box please contact Fran or myself and we may be able to set up a club trainer.

My thanks to Dave Wherrett who has done a lot of work on maintenance of the club trainers.

KERRY TURTON

C.F.I.

cfi@prams.asn.au

We have four new gliding DVDs now in, also SEFF 2007 and Jet Technology 2007 DVDs. I’ve also ordered the subscription to Flying Models magazine from the USA – should be receiving the first issue shortly!

Sadly we still have some outstanding items, though most members make the effort to return items promptly, for which I thank you! Here is the current defaulters list….

 Items can be left in the Library Returns Box, on top of the instructors cupboard in the clubroom, if I’m not around, or could even be left with Therese in the canteen should she be there and the clubroom not open. Otherwise, give me a ring on 3261 1140 and we can arrange something else…meantime, the items you’re sitting on are not available to other club members….thank you.

Dave Harper.

I (print name)____________________________ a fully paid up Member of the

Society, nominate_______________________________ for the

position of President.

Signed____________________________VH No________________

Seconder: (Print name)______________________________________

Signed_____________________________VH No ________________

Nominee: I, (print name)__________________________ a fully paid

up member of the Society do accept the nomination for the position

of President if elected

Signed________________________VH No_________________

********************************************************************************************

I (print name)___________________________ a fully paid up Member of the

Society, nominate_______________________________ for the

position of Vice President.

Signed____________________________VH No________________

Seconder: (Print name)______________________________________

Signed_____________________________VH No ________________

Nominee: I, (print name)__________________________ a fully paid

up member of the Society do accept the nomination for the position

of Vice President if elected

Signed________________________VH No_________________