The Problem Still Exists........

[Don Leitz]

I stopped by the field today to get in a couple of flights after work. I was alone at the field until I was preparing for my final flight. A pickup truck pulled up containing two men and a large dog. One man proceeded to unload a .40 size glow plane and support equipment while the other man restrained the dog with some effort, as it was growling and lunging towards me. These men had previously been described to me by Duane Melvin as having flown at the field while he there last week.

I politely informed them that the field was intended for use by electric or unpowered RC planes only, and asked if they would not fly there. Their response was that they would fly there until a policeman or park official made them leave. At that point, I felt that there was no point in continuing the conversation and packed up to leave. I did note as I was leaving that they were setting up to attempt a take-off from the access road, so perhaps their plane crashed on take-off or landing. ;-)

I am very concerned that these, and other glow plane flyers are continuing to use the park. I believe that their presence in the park puts our continued use of our field in jeopardy. It would only take a few people to complain about noise or inappropriate flying near other park users to force the park to consider not allowing any RC flying at the park – silent or otherwise. I believe that most people not involved with RC don’t make any distinction between glow and electric or unpowered RC planes, and once they have a bad experience with one type, they will tend to dislike them all.

IMO, I think that getting an agreement from the park that only silent flight be allowed and posting signs to that effect needs to be the VOA (and maybe CSS) club’s main priority at this time. I am willing to help in any way – making or buying signs, meeting with the park, etc.

Comments/suggestions appreciated – am I being overly concerned about this?

Don

P.S. Black Chevy S-10, Ohio plate BD92KU

[MTT]

I don't think at all that Don is overly concerned !

I don't know if they were the same folks, but I also observed people with IC power planes at the park a few times, at different parts of the park, which then also brings in the added threat of
double channel occupation, with the susequent risk of crashes and property or personell damage.

So far, the residential zone across the street only has had to put up with the "noise" generated by our electrics and sailplanes, i.e. no noise at all, and no reason to complain.

But with IC powerplanes around, this could quickly change.
I agree with Don, we have to take this up with the park administration.

Michael

[HeadEast]

There is a West Chester Township Trustee who flies planes & seems to have some pull with what goes on in the park.... His name is Dave Tacosik.... perhaps he would have some suggestions on how to proceed?

[tiggs]

I also agree that we can't be too concerned about this topic.

We have been discussing it for going on two years now with no resolution for one good reason: We have no power to enact or enforce rules in the park, and the park authorities have been unmoved by prior pleas.

In every meeting that we've had, either myself, Paul Siegel or others, we have always emphasized the need for transmitter safty by having everyone fly at the same place regardless of power source. We've asked for a sign, we've offerred to PAY for/ make a sign ourselves, with no success.

We've mentioned many times the benefit of quiet flight to good harmony with the neighbors, but they never seem to quite get it!

I fear that the classic is going to happen...a noise complaint from a rogue glow flyer in the park is going to hurt us badly. Emphasizing that channel conflicts can cause dangerous crashes can make RC seem just plain dangerous and poorly controlled to the uninitiated.

Our best bet is to continue to have a strong and positive presence at the park, via heavy useage and acticities such as next weekend's CSS fly-in.

Any other suggestions greatly apprecited.

Ted Buggs

[MTT]

Ted, I think we should adress the park administration again, but in writing, so that we later on have proof that we tried to resolve the issue, and that we would be willing to put up (pay for) the required signs, for example !

Correct me if I'm wrong, but so far all this was only on a verbal level ?
If there really should be noise complaints in the future, we must be able to prove that we made the park administration aware of the problem.

Also, I think it would be a good idea to approach the trustee HeadEast mentioned, he probably could tell us which would be the best way to proceed.


Michael

[pfsiegel]

The proper response to unauthorized I.C. flying at the VOA Park will be to call the West Chester Police for enforcement. (777-2231) HOWEVER, I tried this and they said they could not enforce the "Silent Flight Only" rule until they are informed of that rule by the people at the VOA! So, I have contacted Bill Zerkle via e-mail and asked him to authorize the Police to enforce the rule. I will let you all know when the rule has been authourized. Paul

[Don Leitz]

Thank you Paul. I think that most of us were unsure if this policy had been approved by the park or not. Good luck with the CSS event this weekend.

Don