Bob Says for Jan 2024
Gents:
2023 was another good year as we added several new members and activity in general was on par with previous years. Our Monday flying sessions generally had 5 to 10+ members and we are averaging 2 flying dates a month. Two sessions a month seems to be the sweet spot for decent attendance. So, we will continue to schedule 2 sessions a month and add dates on occasion based upon member interest. Let’s keep it going!
Bad weed conditions (due to fish breeding season and dam maintenance) shut down our boating/flight operations during July and August for a longer period than usual. However, things are back to normal and lake conditions for the last 4 sessions have been excellent.
AMA has re-submitted our FRIA application for Skimmers flight operations at Lake Poway.
Our first attempt was denied due to some public use/safety concerns that we have addressed in our second FRIA request. The first one was denied pretty quickly (less than two weeks), it’s been over a month since the last one was submitted. Status on FRIA web site is listed as submitted so maybe this one’s the charm.
Once again Ferdinand, Cutis and Arthur have been handling site setup/breakdown with myself as backup when required. Please continue to assist them with setup & breakdown of the site perimeter as required. This is greatly appreciated by the field safety and setup crew.
Special thanks to our web editor in chief Steve B. for all the work he does maintaining the Skimmer web site. If you have anything you would like to contribute to the newsletter, please contact Steve. Input is always appreciated.
1. I would like to ask all members to please take a moment to visit the club web site at www.powayskimmers.org and review the club and Lake Poway rules/guidelines that we all must follow when at the lake.
2. Please note that anything we operate on water or in the air must be buoyant even if swamped with water. While this is generally not a problem for our foam/wood models some of the fiberglass planes and/or boat may/will need some help with the addition of foam or internal floatation tanks. Again, all models should be buoyant enough to be retrieved from the lake even if swamped with water (it should not sink).
3. Please do not discard/trash batteries, fuel, or any toxic items at the lake. When fueling (non-battery) craft please be sure to capture overflow and spillage.
4. As stated in the club rules and by agreement with Poway we are granted access/use of the lake on listed Mondays and at stated times 1-4pm (after site setup). The club and its members are not permitted use of the lake for RC activities at any other time. Lake Poway Park staff has noted people using the lake for RC activities at other times (sometimes stating they are with the Skimmers). We have clarified/assured them that this usage of the lake is not authorized and/or associated with the club and its members. Members caught breaking our usage agreement with the city will have their membership revoked.
Lastly by club policy free advice (usually good, on any topic) is still available in the pit area without an appointment on a walk–by or sit-down basis. Warning, advice is often offered without prior request and not always within ear shot of the recipient.
Thanks to everyone’s efforts in keeping the Skimmers going!
Bob