Contest Preferences; Thanks for the feedback . . . need more

[Brian Massey]

As I somewhat suspected, a good pavement surface rates highest, but good smooth well manicured grass gets a high rating too. At Buchanan the grass surface is good (I've been told), at Clovis North, it's, well, ok.

I'm eyeballing a recently paved area at Madera airport, but haven't been able to get in to see the Airport Manager as yet. But this brings up another question . . . how far are partisipants willing to drive to get to a good contest flying site? I saw Moffett field and Castle mentioned; Moffett especially would require a drive between motels and a banquet site. Castle would too, to a lesser degree.

The setup at Clovis is very good in this regard, is everyone spoiled? Would most be OK with a bit more drive if the field was worth it?

I don't want to misslead, at this point we are still focused on getting Buchanan. But given the issues caused in the past when Buchanan pulled permission at the last minute, we just want to be prepared.

Thanks, every bit of feedback is welcome.

Brian

[Howard Rush]

Is it the place at the north side of the airport?  That looks great.  There's a Hampton Inn at the airport and probably other places to stay nearby.  It's 29 miles from the Clovis Sr. Center, so having the banquet there again is not out of the question.  Friday practice and hot dogs at the church would work, too.  Castle is a little farther up the road (closer for me), but Merced has plenty of hotels, and the airplane museum is a bonus.  

Moffett field is closer yet to my house, but the hotels there would cost an arm and a leg, and So Cal guys wouldn't even go to Gilroy.

[Brian Massey]

Hi Howard; yes, it's the North end of the airport. In the Google sat view it looks like it's under construction, but funds have dried up and they are not sure if or when they will add the new hangers.

If the Airport Mgr is receptive, I'll look for someplace else closer for the banquet. I'd like to see if someone would mind opening their hanger to us and have the banquet at the airport. (The airport office is much to small.) Hotel choices are good, one hotel just a block away, and many others only a few miles away. If the Airport Mgr is receptive, I might even ask if the club can come fly one day just to "check the wind conditions" 

All in all, not a bad site . . . but at this time, Buchanan is our focus . . . and of course, the airport may not be receptive.

Brian