District XI - 2009/12
Mark Ewart sent in some pictures and information about the Float Fly at Scootney Lake sponsored by the Weaver Field RC Flyers of Othello, Washington. He was only able to attend one day but reported that there were 36 registered pilots on Saturday and approximately 60 airplanes on deck.
Event details
- Pilots came from: Washington, Idaho, and Oregon.
- Organizers: Cain Lopez and Jerry Dearing did an excellent job of putting this gathering together and making it happen.
- There is talk the club might hold the event twice a year. If you’re in favor of this prospect, be sure to let Cain and Jerry know because they need your input.
Cain and his family put on a nice dinner Saturday evening. SIG Mfg. put up a 1/4-scale J-3 Cub kit for the raffle, and Moses Lake Hobbies donated a $25 gift certificate. A big thank-you to those sponsors. Please support them with your business.
Community relations and flying sites
Sometimes we fail to realize the value of community relations and its impact on our hobby. This applies to all kinds of hobbies and activities. Most groups depend on community or government support. Many of us are involved in activities in addition to modeling, and you likely know the value of the support you receive from the community and, in some cases, local government.
Clubs that have programs in schools are good examples. We had such a program for many years and, because of that program, we were able to obtain a lease for a flying field on city property. It was a lease that has lasted for decades.
Our club flies off an unused portion of a local airport. We have strict regulations and we enforce those restrictions. We have been there for many years and have a very good relationship with the airport board, the community, and the other users of the airport property.
Several clubs have leases with the Bureau of Land Management and other government agencies; the list is long. Farragut State Park in northern Idaho is one great example of fliers working with government agencies. In this case, many said it couldn’t be done, but the local fliers kept working until they made it happen. This site set a precedent and there are now flying sites on other park lands in Idaho and Washington.
Land managers and property owners don’t owe you anything. If you can show them that you can be a good, responsible part of the community, you have taken the first step toward getting your foot in the door.
If we are going to keep this hobby/sport alive, we have to put forth some time and energy. To quote a good friend, “life is full of hitch hikers and drivers.” Which are you?
Until next time!
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
