Flying in Orange County-OCMA Update

[madmax]

Hi Guys,

Just got back from tonite's OCMA board meeting, and here's the scoop. The board has two sites currently targeted that are directly adjacent to one another, both are located at Irvine Lake in Orange County. Both sites are outlined on the map below. Both sites have the same flying area that we had at the ETMCAS, and both are friendly to all types of aircraft -- yes, jets included but limited to seasonal fire restrictions (red flag). These sites are in a somewhat remote area of OC, and are very "wildernessy" compared to where we have been in the past. Contests and flyins are an option here as well.

Site #1 is our first choice. It is close to the lake, and is more accessible than number two. Another party is trying to lease site #1 for a greater sum of money, however their intentions for land use may be incompatible with the local environment. We currently have a lease proposal in hand for site #2, but are awaiting news from the local water board as to if they are going to grant them the lease. Bottom line is this - we will know very shortly which site we will be moving forward with.

Both sites will require small amounts of grading, and installaiton of a runway. Luckily OCMA is in a good cash position to make this all happen, and we have a great volunteer base to help get the project done.

This is all very exciting news, but it's important to understand that nothing is signed yet, and as of tonite we do not have a field. I did however want to give you all a heads up as to where we're at. Mad props as always to Bob, Warren, John, Jason, and Dan for all the hard efforts to find us a new site. More news to follow shortly.





Thanks!

Maxon Duncan
Secretary, OCMA

[JeeUm]

Very cool to see, gotta get you boys back in the air soon otherwise your thumbs will atrophy.

[FlyAlot]

This is cool!! Great news..

I was wondering if you guys get either one of these sites , are you going to go with asphalt or Kevlar for the runaway?? A major selling point to evironmentally conscious lessors is the easy removability of Kevlar....Just a thought....

Later, Dave

[Boulder]

Great news for you folks out there, I can't imagine not having a place to go flying.

Kudo's to the guys involved, good work!!

[Reza]

Max,

I can't wait man. This is awesome!! Are you telling me we're going to have a field nearby so we can see you and others more often This is great. I will spread the words around.
Dude you made my day, if everything goes good we will have a new field in 2-3 months. Thanks to eveyrone for their Hard Word. Bob, Warren, John, Jason, and Dan thank you all. Reza

[Reza]

By the way hopefully no Irvine police to kick us out for flying 3 minutes after 6 pm

[Vtailman777]

Great news...thanks to all for all the time and effort.....let me know if I can help....V.

[storklappe]

Hey Max,

Any news on the soon-to-be OCMA field? Can you give a staus? Is there a guess when there will be a runway etc.?

Driving all the way to Prado is getting old and once you get there the 400' ceiling is too low.

Thanks!

[madmax]

Stork -- YES! We have good news! A lease has been signed, and we're awaiting on a final biological survey of the ground. Standard issue procedure from IrvCo. We expect to be able to flag off the spot next week, and begin construction shortly thereafter. We're looking at bringing in special cut rubber mat for a runway, similar to what Baks uses. The site is definately NOT plug and play. fairly extensive grading will be necessary as the ground is very rocky.

Suffice to say, hopefully, we can have our grand re-opening June'ish. This is excellent news for us modelers in OC.

Thanks!

MD

[Reza]

This is a great news Max. So are we gonna see you at this field? Come on out for once in your life to Prado and let me know before hand when you will be able to do that. Let's huck a little Bro. You know I fly a lot better than couple of months ago, maybe we can blow some dust on the runway together Talk to you soon, Reza

[madmax]

Do ya think?!? Of course I'll be flying at the new joint and you'll be seeing way too much of me. I can't wait to help get it up and running.

[storklappe]

Thanks for the update.

P.S. I love your website!