Flying Site Assistance - 2015/06
The Missouri Slope Model Aero Club
Flying Site Assistance by Tony Stillman, Flying Site Coordinator
Hi again! I just returned from the annual Toledo Show: R/C Model Expo, also known as the Weak Signals' Toledo Show. What a great event! I met many of you and learned of your club's activities and efforts toward finding and keeping flying sites. Thank you for sharing your stories. You can bet that your experiences will help others in their endeavors as well.
Speaking of that, here is a success story sent to me by Ted Stockert of the Missouri Slope Model Aero Club (MSMAC), in Bismarck, North Dakota. It shows how a club can partner with a parks department and create a great flying site that can even be shared with other groups.
At the September 14, 2014 Bismarck Parks and Recreation meeting, the MSMAC was presented the Organization Citation Award from the North Dakota Recreation and Park Association.
The club had gratis use of privately owned land from 1976 until 2004. In 2003, when members learned that the site's landowner had passed away and the estate would likely sell the property, they began negotiations with the Burleigh County Water Resource District and the Bismarck Parks and Recreation District for land near McDowell Dam. In 2004, work to prepare the landing strip began by removing rocks, leveling the surface, and seeding grass. With a grant from the Bismarck Parks and Recreation District, the club began work on a shelter.
In 2005, the parks and recreation department arranged for the Bismarck Forestry Division to plant 23 trees from the city nursery along the south and west edges of the property. Water for the trees was supplied by club members who transported it from nearby McDowell Dam in a 400-gallon tank on a trailer. The members watered the trees for several years until they could survive on their own.
The club moved its steel storage shed to the new field and began using the field to fly. Members also began planning additional improvements. Club members donated money and local businesses contributed funds and materials.
MSMAC recently extended its lease with Bismarck Parks and Recreation and the Burleigh County Water Resource District until 2025. The Water Resource Board of Managers has provided abundant support and shown enthusiasm for the club's efforts to improve the field. In recognition, a large sign inside the shelter lists all contributors.
Construction of the shelter included concrete pads with metal tables and electrical outlets. When the budget allowed, the club added a gravel road to the shelter.
An AXIS P5512 network camera with fiber-optic Internet access enables club members to view field activity from a computer. In addition, a Davis WeatherLink Vantage Vue allows members to check field weather conditions. It is connected to the worldwide WeatherLink network that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration taps into for its weather information.
MSMAC also allows other organizations, such as the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and the Amateur Radio Club, to use the shelter for their activities.
Site improvements and amenities
- Leased land near McDowell Dam (lease extended through 2025)
- Prepared landing strip: rock removal, leveling, and grass seeding
- Shelter with concrete pads, metal tables, and electrical outlets
- Gravel access road to the shelter
- Steel storage shed relocated to the new field
- 23 trees planted and hand-watered until established
- AXIS P5512 network camera with fiber-optic Internet access
- Davis WeatherLink Vantage Vue weather station (connected to WeatherLink/NOAA)
- Recognition sign listing contributors
Contact: Ted Stockert, Missouri Slope Model Aero Club (Bismarck, ND)
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
