ETAM Tailwind
March, April, 2017
Vol.10, Number 2
Presidents Corner
Winter work day
The new year is settling in with
some activity behind us and much
more on the boards. There was good
turn out for a work day and good
progress was made in clearing tree
grow from our flight area. We
worked until tired and resolved to
do the remainder during another effort.
Annual winter banquet
On Feb 24th, fifteen gathered at the Cotton Patch Café
to honor the life long modeling of Dr George Hilliard.
George has embraced many forms of modeling from
first being inspired to modeling at the age of four. His
primary interest has been free flight and contesting
around the nation but he has a significant history in
both control line and RC as well. George brought and
showed one of his free flight planes built back in the
sixties and shared the concepts and mechanics of free
flight to those gathered to honor his aero modeling
journey. Stories of George’s happenings and mishaps
were recounted with both serious and humorous
notes from his many years of involvement in model
aviation. A good time was had by all. The event was
our third annual effort to get together with fellow
fliers and their wives to both honor a long time
modeler and enjoy a winter outing when flying is
often diminished.
Monthly meetings
Our last three meetings have taken place at the Dairy
Queen in White Oak due to inclement weather. We’ve
had good turn outs for the meetings and the effort to
get out has been greatly appreciated. Hopefully
weather will get better for a return to the field for the
first Sunday of the month meetings at 3 pm.
3rd Tuesday Lunch B-4 Flying
We are now into our third year of sharing a meal
before flying on the 3rd Tuesday of the month. This
event is hosted by our fossil flyers but of course all are
welcome. We meet on even numbered months at that
Butcher Shop and on odd numbered months at the
Whataburger at the intersection of the Loop and
Cotton St, not far from the field. Time is straight up
twelve o’clock noon, with the bunch making their way
to the field for flying following the meal. If the
weather is inclement, the meal is postponed two days
till Thursday.
Static Display Outing
We’ve talked about it and if permissions are obtained,
a static display is planned for March 18th at one of the
Walmart parking lots from 10am – 2pm. The effort
follows a desire to simply let the community know
that a model airplane community exists should they
be interested.
Work Day April 1, at 10am
A second work day is planned to clear the remaining
young tree growth from our flight area. The growth is
not an impediment yet, but the desire is to arrest it
before the trees become high enough to become a
hazard. Bring chain saws.
Spring Memorial Fun Fly
The date of our spring fun fly has been set for May
27th . Our spring fun fly was designated a couple of
years ago to be a memorial fun fly in honor of
modelers who have lost their wings or spread their
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ETAM Tailwind
wings depending on how one views it. Having it
coincide with the nations Memorial Day is fitting.
Club and AMA Membership renewal reminder
It is that time of the year to take note whether one
has remembered to renew both their AMA and East
Texas Aeromodelers memberships. AMA renewals can
be done online and local club renewal can be done by
contacting Bobby Bounds ph # 903-297-1650. As a
reminder to modelers, our flying field was obtained
by entering into an agreement with Gregg County that
remains. Our club must remain AMA affiliated and
fliers at the field shall have AMA membership so that
flight activity is covered by insurance. Your attention
to this is greatly appreciated. As a reminder, both
AMA and East Texas Aeromodelers offer Park Flyer
memberships. They are for owners of models
weighing 2.5 pounds or less and are half the cost of
traditional memberships.
Taking the helm again
Once again, I appreciate the support of the
membership and very much wish to first say that the
club thanks Bob Smith for his leadership last year. All
East Texas Aeromodelers activities under his tenure
went very well.A Job well done and again, many
thanks from all of us. We are a club that functions
with broad support and cooperation. In producing the
budget that is required of our constitution, I’m happy
to report that our financial condition is sound and no
dues changes or assessments are needed for the year.
There is concern that our membership is aging and
each visit by a younger pilot is refreshing.
Field changes
Club members no doubt have become accustomed to
the good care of the runway provided by Mike
Mansfield. We want to insure that Mike knows how
much his efforts are appreciated. Mike maintains the
field because he enjoys doing it and asks for only gas
expense, which greatly lightens to budget
requirement of the club. Mike, thank you from all of
us for all that you do…. your efforts are greatly
appreciated and remembered.
Flight Preferences
The charter for the East Texas Aeromodelers is very
clear in prescribing that it promotes and supports all
facets of aero modeling. We thus are a club that
welcomes all flight envelopes including traditional
fixed wing, rotary and mutl-rotor aircraft. As well, all
power schemes are welcome, which in the past has
included high start. We are even considering some
kite flying, given the winds that seem to have
increased in recent years.
Wishing all good and safe flying. And… while I’ve got
your ear bent, if you have friends that might like to
come out and simply enjoy the outing…. Invite them.
While the flying field is close by and very near to
Longview, it is somewhat remote and a peaceful place
with good views and a refuge from urban life.
Encourage your friends to bring a lawn chair and
enjoy some conversation with others who might enjoy
some chat about aircraft lore. Story telling is always
appreciated.
Club Meeting
April 2, 2017
3:00 Club Field
Eat B4 Fly- Mar. 21
_At Whataburger
Club Officers
President: Arlyn Stewart
Vice President: Bob Smith
Sec.-Treasurer: Bobby Bounds
Web Master: Don Davis
Safety Officer Mike Mansfield
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