CLUB FIELD IN JEPORDY! FAMILY OWNS LAND! BUILD FIELD???

[DoubleA]

I got a question I want to put out in to FG land and see if anyone will bite on this!! I was just recently notified that our field that we are currently flying on will be gated now! Our current field is struggling as it is and now if we loss the avalibility to the field to only people who have keys to get in we will for sure lose all interest in flying at this field by what few are still flying now!!

At this time the 95th Squadron has lost quite a few pilots due to their own decisions to step away from the hobby now! We have recently picked up a few new pilots and may have the possibility to grow!

Which brings me to the most recent occurance! I asked the President of the club, which his schedule seems to be strapped as well, if the VP was an open position for someone. I really would like to push the hobby to the next level! I talked to the VP the week before and he told me that he hoped that he had been kicked out of that position! So at this time I believe the President is going to check and see if that position is available which he said that I would be able to pick that position up!

Also, do understand that this club does alot of scale and laid back flying, I am an avid 3d flyer,when I fly I have heard some chatter from the peanut gallery, but they mean no harm. I also want you to know that the club is made up of retired older gentleman. Very few younger people have made it to the hobby around here but I hope I can make that change. I know it will NOT happen overnight but I have got to try something. I have gotten very serious into Foamies too, I hope flying some of these around in public places might stir alittle up!! I also told the president we need to hold an IMAC event, his reply was, we don't have judges around the area! We have some cash in the club fund. Not alot though.

Like I started talking about at the beginning, Our club field may be taken from us, my real questions would be

1. After knowing what you know now, What could a 30y/o do to try to help turn a club around! (I have asked this question before some said get a position in office, now if I had a position such as this what could I do to help this club!)

2. Would you think that it would be a smart move to go ahead and try to move somewhere else!!

3. The land that my family owns would be the best area around for a field, but if I allowed this to take place, and I took the time out to build a field, would that be a smart move!! (Liability, other people on the property) I am just wondering about the RED TAPE!!

4. If there is money in the club funds, what could we use some of it for to help generate some interest!

[LUCKY]

Hey DoubleA,

My suggestions is if you dont like the direction that it is going, time to go!

I think, what happens sometimes politics gets in the way of what this hobby is all about. It is next to impossible to make everybody happy, but there should should be some kind of middle ground.

If you want to make your own club I say go for it, we can never have enough flying fields.

I think the best way to get people out to the club is to have a fly free day, advertise in local papers stores, etc. Have trainers there to have people to fly on buddy boxes and keep that going as an all day thing. Also, check in to the TAG program that AMA has, which provides the club with a trainer ready to fly and an simulator.
Over all do what you feel is the best for you, without causing a feud!!

Chris

[DoubleA]

	Quote: Originally Posted by LUCKY
	Hey DoubleA, My suggestions is if you dont like the direction that it is going, time to go! I think, what happens sometimes politics gets in the way of what this hobby is all about. It is next to impossible to make everybody happy, but there should should be some kind of middle ground. If you want to make your own club I say go for it, we can never have enough flying fields. I think the best way to get people out to the club is to have a fly free day, advertise in local papers stores, etc. Have trainers there to have people to fly on buddy boxes and keep that going as an all day thing. Also, check in to the TAG program that AMA has, which provides the club with a trainer ready to fly and an simulator. Over all do what you feel is the best for you, without causing a feud!! Chris

I may have mislead this thread, I agree with what you say but I do want to make it known. I am not trying to leave the club. If we lose our field the people that do come will no longer get together for the fellowship! With the land I am wondering if I should build it to allow others to come!! Fly free day, I like that idea! I agree with the middle ground! I think it can be done this club just needs a facelift!

[LUCKY]

	Quote: Originally Posted by DoubleA
	I may have mislead this thread, I agree with what you say but I do want to make it known. I am not trying to leave the club. If we lose our field the people that do come will no longer get together for the fellowship! With the land I am wondering if I should build it to allow others to come!! Fly free day, I like that idea! I agree with the middle ground! I think it can be done this club just needs a facelift!

No, I don't think you mislead the thread, (If you build it they will come) Is does sucks when a clubs loose fields, but it's not how you fall, its how you get up after you bounce!! If the club looses the field and doesn't decide to persue(I know I spelled that wrong duh!) more land. The only thing you can do then is go some where else or start your own. Don't really know about all the liability stuff that goes with the land so I cant help ya there.

chris

[50%plane]

Alan, The AMA offers a lot of helpful resources for starting a club. However, it sounds like you just want to move locations. In that case, I believe all you need to do is build the field.


Good luck with it! I've always enjoyed stopping by the 95'th on my way from VA.
Chris

[Propstriker]

Our club was on a fantastic piece of land and over 80 members strong several years ago. Once the property got sold, we lost most of the members and sadly was down to less than 12. It took 14 months to find, negotiate and sign a lease agreement, than another year to prepare the site. Since March of 2007, less than one year, we are now back to 33 members and growing with our first event at the end of April!!

We are a chartered club and AMA takes care of the liability to the landowner, as I'm sure they would do even if you owned the property, so that's not an issue. We stress Courtesy, common sense and communication and so far have a great bunch of pilots that like to hang out there. Being still small...it seems to be working out great.....but like I mentioned....it is Growing!!

On the other hand, there is a small privately owned field pretty close by that has members leaving....it has never been chartered and the landowner/pilot makes the rules as he goes. The place is run by the "dictator" who can decide to change things with no opposition at any time he pleases. He also charges 100 bux a year to spend as he chooses.

You're asking about a small amount of money that the club has...if it's a chartered club, I would think they would help decide on how it's spent to generate interest. Would you be willing to allow the club to retain its charter if moved to your land? Stay Democratic? Or would it be run by your rules because its your land? You could also present it to them that the funds could be used to prepare a new site to move the club.

Sounds like there are challenges ahead for you....I was amazed how people help out with spare time and personal funds when there is an energetic motivated person getting a new flying site built!

[BR289]

Good Luck with whatever you decide to do.

[DoubleA]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Propstriker
	Our club was on a fantastic piece of land and over 80 members strong several years ago. Once the property got sold, we lost most of the members and sadly was down to less than 12. It took 14 months to find, negotiate and sign a lease agreement, than another year to prepare the site. Since March of 2007, less than one year, we are now back to 33 members and growing with our first event at the end of April!! We are a chartered club and AMA takes care of the liability to the landowner, as I'm sure they would do even if you owned the property, so that's not an issue. We stress Courtesy, common sense and communication and so far have a great bunch of pilots that like to hang out there. Being still small...it seems to be working out great.....but like I mentioned....it is Growing!! On the other hand, there is a small privately owned field pretty close by that has members leaving....it has never been chartered and the landowner/pilot makes the rules as he goes. The place is run by the "dictator" who can decide to change things with no opposition at any time he pleases. He also charges 100 bux a year to spend as he chooses. You're asking about a small amount of money that the club has...if it's a chartered club, I would think they would help decide on how it's spent to generate interest. Would you be willing to allow the club to retain its charter if moved to your land? Stay Democratic? Or would it be run by your rules because its your land? You could also present it to them that the funds could be used to prepare a new site to move the club. Sounds like there are challenges ahead for you....I was amazed how people help out with spare time and personal funds when there is an energetic motivated person getting a new flying site built!

I understand where you are going with that, I am the kinda type that will allow anyone to do just about anything. I would NOT charge anyone to fly at this field I would just ask them to be courteous to other and the land they are standing on!! heck I would be excited just to see them show up!!

I really was trying to get the point across if this was put on the land for the remaining time that I am alive, I then would have to make the decision of moving the field. Or allowing the field to continue on the families land! I no that is aling ways off but that was more of a concern of mine!!

[BillJ]

Why is the field being gated ?? And who is that controls the keys ? And what triggered this change ?

[DoubleA]

	Quote: Originally Posted by BillJ
	Why is the field being gated ?? And who is that controls the keys ? And what triggered this change ?

Good question, the field is currently owned by a paper mill called Kapstone! I have been told by our president that the field will still be ours but it will be gated!!(this is stated by a white collar in the mill). To answer why the change noone is sure! I am unsure who at kapstone made this decision to gate the field but it is going to happen!! Who will have the keys is still a question now! Our field as I stated before is already struggling! By putting this gate up it is sure to put a serious set of brakes on any foward movement!! If not cause the field to shut down completely!!

[BillJ]

Sounds like you need to get some answers....

If Kapstone wants to gate its property...Hey, Not much you can do about that...

ACCESS...If Kapstone is willing to still have your club on its property then it COULD be said that only members of your club will have the access to the field .. By combination or Key lock box .
This would provide that only people who have right to be there ( membership ,AMA or invitation)...... are allowed (I am assuming you are an AMA Chartered club)

This doesn't really hinder the club as much as it may help you to control use on your facility.
What if some guy who's never flown shows up with his trainer..No AMA and NO knowledge of your club
Takes it thru his buddies car who came to watch or worse hits his buddy... Now who's paying the tab when the lawyers get ahold of that ??? The land owners are not going to be thrilled ...nor is your club..

I'd say call the AMA and get their People to help you to get an arrangement with the Co. for the field..
They've got alot of knowledge in this area..

OPEN your own field
Back to square one....Anybody can come over and fly for Free.... Great Idea if you have the $$ for that.. But there are costs to mow and maintain..I'm not talking your Country Club RC Club...I'm talking you on your snapper every week mowing.....What happens if somebody wrecks at YOUR field and decides to sue the land owner..(That would be you/your family).. These planes are in the air with a radio signal between your control and their freedom to do as they will... Right back where the mill stands..Today

You want more people flying...Take more time to talk to people who stop at your field to watch..Go out the community and let people know about the hobby ,,,,Post a notice at your local GA Airport...There are LOTS of people who really "Always wanted to do that"....I try to keep a trainer in my trailer just so that if someone stops by thats interested..I'll take them up for a spin...

Hold an IMAC
Better get in touch with those guys....But you could hold a FUN-FLY...We've had informal hotdog cookouts and invited everyone we could think of...Lots of Trainers and Buddy boxes on hand...MORE importantly people there willing to share with others their passion... $100.00 in hot dogs can go along way in building local interest...

[DoubleA]

	Quote: Originally Posted by BillJ
	Sounds like you need to get some answers.... If Kapstone wants to gate its property...Hey, Not much you can do about that... ACCESS...If Kapstone is willing to still have your club on its property then it COULD be said that only members of your club will have the access to the field .. By combination or Key lock box . This would provide that only people who have right to be there ( membership ,AMA or invitation)...... are allowed (I am assuming you are an AMA Chartered club) This doesn't really hinder the club as much as it may help you to control use on your facility. What if some guy who's never flown shows up with his trainer..No AMA and NO knowledge of your club Takes it thru his buddies car who came to watch or worse hits his buddy... Now who's paying the tab when the lawyers get ahold of that ??? The land owners are not going to be thrilled ...nor is your club.. I'd say call the AMA and get their People to help you to get an arrangement with the Co. for the field.. They've got alot of knowledge in this area.. OPEN your own field Back to square one....Anybody can come over and fly for Free.... Great Idea if you have the $$ for that.. But there are costs to mow and maintain..I'm not talking your Country Club RC Club...I'm talking you on your snapper every week mowing.....What happens if somebody wrecks at YOUR field and decides to sue the land owner..(That would be you/your family).. These planes are in the air with a radio signal between your control and their freedom to do as they will... Right back where the mill stands..Today You want more people flying...Take more time to talk to people who stop at your field to watch..Go out the community and let people know about the hobby ,,,,Post a notice at your local GA Airport...There are LOTS of people who really "Always wanted to do that"....I try to keep a trainer in my trailer just so that if someone stops by thats interested..I'll take them up for a spin... Hold an IMAC Better get in touch with those guys....But you could hold a FUN-FLY...We've had informal hotdog cookouts and invited everyone we could think of...Lots of Trainers and Buddy boxes on hand...MORE importantly people there willing to share with others their passion... $100.00 in hot dogs can go along way in building local interest...

I agree again, I do realize the liabilities i also realize the work! I have access to a full scale landing strip nearby! That is on my families farm so that is not a very good way to go! I understand the work! I have never known anything to be easy I don't mind the work! I really would like to make this work for the possibility of new pilots! We are not a very big town by no means so we are trying to sift through the cracks to see if there are any possible interested pilots!!

[zoomer260]

	Quote: Originally Posted by DoubleA
	Good question, the field is currently owned by a paper mill called Kapstone! I have been told by our president that the field will still be ours but it will be gated!!(this is stated by a white collar in the mill). To answer why the change noone is sure! I am unsure who at kapstone made this decision to gate the field but it is going to happen!! Who will have the keys is still a question now! Our field as I stated before is already struggling! By putting this gate up it is sure to put a serious set of brakes on any foward movement!! If not cause the field to shut down completely!!

The first club I was a member of lost the greatest location ever for flying. The flight line faced north so the sun always at our backs except sunrise and sundown. The prevailing wind was down the field. A wartime ammo park the buildings surrounding were low if not half underground.

The NEW location was on Ga Power Co. land. It was gated as well, but ALL club members had access. They just couldn't leave it open for anyone to come and go as they pleased. I'm sure it was plain and simple a security issue for the adjoining plant and maybe liability issues as well.

What I am suggesting is that it's possible that access will not be a problem for club members. Lots of fields are gated to keep cars off the field. You know Saturdaynight partyers etc. The old cut a few doughnuts crowd. The gate itself can be a positive thing. Lack of access, well that could be a club killer.

[thewrap]

We are getting some problems at our field as well. But if I had the land to build a field of my own I would.

[zoomer260]

	Quote: Originally Posted by thewrap
	We are getting some problems at our field as well. But if I had the land to build a field of my own I would.

I would too ! In fact when I moved to KY I told my ole lady that when we got a mortgage I want 30 acres of pasture with it ! Didn't work out that way. Quarter acre in the city.