District XI Report - 2003/06
Safety
SAFETY FIRST, last, and always! I strongly recommend that all clubs contact their emergency responders and their local 911 center with directions to the flying site. Include GPS information to aid in a faster response in case of emergency.
- Fields often do not have conventional addresses dispatchers expect; a caller requesting aid may be excited and give unclear directions.
- Provide GPS coordinates to aid medical helicopters or other responders.
- Take a map to your local aid or fire station as a backup.
There was a recent incident where injuries were life-threatening and response to the scene took more than twice as long as it should have because of lack of information.
Our club conducts an annual basic first aid refresher and several members have cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training. Let's face it, there are a lot of us who aren't getting any younger, and the life you save might be someone who owes you money.
Polar Bear Fun Fly
On New Year's Day the Benton County Radio Control Club (BCRC) hosted its annual Polar Bear Fun Fly. Associate Vice President (AVP) Mike Hazel sent the story and photos.
This was the club's 27th year for the event, and it was hosted by Bill Harburg. Conditions were cold and breezy, but that did not keep 40 pilots from registering. All types of aircraft were flown, including powered gliders and control-line aircraft.
Youth Aviation Program
Joe Ball sent pictures from last year's youth aviation program at the Yakima Valley Folk Life Festival. This year Joe and the Yakima Valley Aero Modelers helped 260 youngsters build and fly Delta Darts.
In the photos you will note a fixture to hold the wing and tail pieces in alignment as they are glued. Joe wanted to thank the members of the Yakima Valley Aero Modelers, the Tri Cities RC Modelers, and Mike's Aircraft Supply & Hobbies of Yakima for their support in this project.
These folks have done this for several years. I want to add my thanks to all involved as well.
Keep your airspeed up and don't forget the sunscreen!
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
