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Minutes of last Meeting

CAAMA Club Meeting Notes
18 October 2011
Meeting was called to order by the president, Jack Felter, at Mylo’s Grill about 12:45 PM. Approximately 14 members were present, depending on who counted and when.
- Treasurer Dave Lacey reported we still had money in the club treasury and offered details, but none took the offer.
- Jack asked Marty Schindler to reserve the conference room at the Pimmit-Tysons Library for Jan 15 2012 for the annual CAAMA swap meet, collecto and social gathering. This date will not be in conflict with the Maxecuter indoor fun fly at the National Building Museum scheduled for 8 January.
- There was a general discussion regarding AMA headquarters efforts to increase the weight limit on approved models beyond the currently understood 55 pounds*. Included was discussion of the meetings between AMA and FAA regarding future restrictions on model aviation in general and how any of the changes that result would affect the types of model flying that CAAMA and the Maxecuters enjoy. These restrictions are of course related to control of model aircraft that potentially can be used as terror weapons.
Since any details regarding the AMA/FAA exchanges seem to be closely guarded, there is a basis for our concerns. As discussions among club members do not influence those that are directly involved in the decisions to be made, it was agreed that a letter should be prepared and sent to the AMA district Vice President, Bliss Teague, among others, voicing our anxieties. The letter should include a request that the discussion between AMA and FAA be made more public or at least provide an outline of the approach that AMA is taking in the meetings so that the membership would feel better informed on the situation if not at ease. Jim Coffin agreed to draft such a letter for review of the members.
- The next items related to the EUSFFC contest coming up in November. First, the entry price was set at $20 for all open entries with no added charge for extra events. This fee would offset the cost of award plaques ordered from the supplier that provided them for the Great Gathering of Grapes contest at Geneseo in September. These plaques are adaptable to any contest, so an initial order of 50 will be made. One plaque each will be given to the winners plus event placing labels. Leftover plaques would be available for future events.
- Jim Coffin suggested that a Spring contest be held before crops were in at Higgs Farm in Ingleside MD. This could be a joint effort with the Brainbusters that have been without a site for a contest for several years.
- Jack Felter offered to contact Jeff Greene regarding the availability of Byrd Field in Culpeper for test flying of power models.
Marty Schindler made a motion and the meeting was adjourned about 1:45 PM.
*In fact, the weight limits for what are categorized as “Large Model Aircraft” in AMA Document 520A (not in the AMA rules!) is 125 pounds for propeller driven aircraft and 100 pounds for turbine powered aircraft. In addition there is no limitation on the size of piston engines, though turbine engines are limited to 90 pounds thrust. It is not stated whether that is 90 pounds each or total if more than one engine.

Respectfully submitted, Jim Coffin, Sec'y

You probably have this already, but I just found it from SAMTalk:

http://www.homefly.com

It has some reference data on covering weights, small plastic gears, motors, LiPos, propellers, etc.

from Jim Coffin

	VICE PRESIDENT RALPH SMALLEY
	DAVE LACEY