Persons Present
David Lloyd-Jones Chairman & Delegate/CCMAA
Derek Gilbert Secretary & Treasurer/Sale MFC
Steve Ogden PRO/PMAG
Keith Barker Webmaster/ Rochdale MAC
Roy Allam Achievement Sch Coord/FCMFA
John O'Donnell Timperley MF
Tom Anyon Fylde Coast MFA
Syd Bostock-Lawton Phoenix
Gerry Ferer Timperley MF
Jim Radcliffe Timperley &DMAC
Sue Reeves PMAG
K Davies Preston Helicopters
D Hobbs Preston Helicopters
Frank Fletcher RAF Shawbury MFC
10 voting
The meeting started at 8.11pm
Apologies for absence.
Wayne Howman and Mike Colling.
Correspondence.
None
Minutes of the previous meeting held on 9th October.
Corrections
Page 3 reference to "Phil Eccles" should be "Phil Leach"
The minutes were proposed by Rochdale and seconded by Fylde Coast and approved
F 9: A 0: Ab 1
Matters Arising.
DLJ noted that Shawbury is provisionally booked for 13 July, subject to confirmation
by the RAF.
SO asked if anything was needed for advertising Shawbury as it may be too late
for the magazines. DLJ said nothing needed at the moment.
SO confirmed that the code of practice for jets had been temporarily withdrawn,
main difficulty being a re-write on fail safe - engine cut or tick over.
J O'D asked if any decision had been taken on postal times for the Flight Challenge
and DLJ confirmed nothing agreed yet.
Officers' Reports.
The Chairman noted that Graham Lynn had been unwell and spent some time in hospital.
He also mentioned that there had been a number of comments passed around regarding
some Futaba 2.4ghz sets and the meeting discussed the topic at length. It would
appear that in addition to the test kits in model shops there was a possibility
that there would be a recall of the problem equipment which should solve any
difficulties. K Davies mentioned that he had heard of electrostatic problems
with Spectrum gear in Helis so perhaps there is still more to be done to prove
the reliability of 2.4ghz. S O confirmed that the Technical Council had withdrawn
the proposals re 2.4ghz.
In view of the increase in petrol prices the Chairman raised the possibility
of increasing the fuel allowance for travel to this area's meetings. It was
proposed by CCMAA and seconded by Phoenix that the allowance be increased to
20p per mile. The proposal was carried F 7: A 1: Ab 2.
KB noted that there was a Spring Fair at the sports center in Rochdale next
Sunday, but he had been told parking will be available for us.
RA noted that Lleyn MAC had said that they had E mailed the office several times
to alter the club details on the BMFA web site without success. KB confirmed
that the changes had now been made.
RA reported that the Silent Flight Achievement Scheme Coordinator had written
concerned with the lack of silent flight A and B certificates issued. RA wrote
to the area chief examiners and three replied. All confirmed that as there is
no need for the certificates, unlike fixed wing clubs who may insist on the
"A" before a pilot can fly without an instructor, silent flight flyers
show little interest.
Council Meetings.
Areas Council Meeting 2nd March
The Delegate reviewed the minutes in detail for the meeting, points of interest
discussed were:
The next issue of the BMFA News will contain an article covering some safety
issues and the proposed acronym.
Proposal to withdraw the "Heli hovering M" was accepted.
Not very clear just how successful the Midland area has been with E meetings,
but it seems they have gained more contact with the local clubs and it was suggested
they put something in the BMFA News explaining how it is working.
Northern Area asked if the "Toys" being sold by supermarkets on 40MHZ
are legal and if so can we use this frequency. Apparently it is legal for anything
including aircraft, but only if the power is less than 10 mw.
It was suggested all clubs put the field SAT NAV coordinates on the peg board
to assist telephoning for ambulances etc.
Full copies of the minutes are on both the area and the BMFA web sites.
Area Fly-ins
DLJ confirmed the Eddie Riding will go ahead despite no IMAC or other competition
flying being held at Woodvale this year. The Liverpool Club are arranging for
our tent and SO asked if we had ordered the tables. DLJ confirmed this was in
hand.
DLJ stated that there will be a new class for twins, the Nationals have also
have this new class, which may promote further interest.
Saleable Goods
The Treasurer stated that, whilst David Phipps was of a mind to make a generous
offer for the saleable goods stock, which the office currently sells, he was
still to advise the actual amount he would offer. It was noted that we could
use the older stock retained by the area as prizes and promotional gifts.
AOB
DLJ said that he would send a letter to Graham Lynn with the best wishes from
the area.
J O'D raised the comments by the BMFA PRO in the recent club bulletin where the PRO was asking for ideas on PR opportunities. There followed a discussion and the main suggestion being approaching a manufacturer of hatchback and estate cars suitable for carrying larger models be asked to exhibit them at the Nationals. This would follow with an article on model flying in the manufacturers magazine perhaps.
The meeting closed at 10.00pm.