Just trying to get a real flying site.

[Paul Taylor]

Well we are going to try and form a club so we can maybe get a flying site from the town.
I do not think it will turn into a major club like the Glue dobbers or Piston Poppers or that Dallas wild bunch. But we will have one major rule "just have fun".

Right now we have a seven people that have voted yes. We will see what happens.
If you have any suggestions we will take them.
Wish us luck,
Paul 

[catdaddy]

Well we are going to try and form a club so we can maybe get a flying site from the town.
I do not think it will turn into a major club like the Glue dobbers or Piston Poppers or that Dallas wild bunch. But we will have one major rule "just have fun".

Right now we have a seven people that have voted yes. We will see what happens.
If you have any suggestions we will take them.
Wish us luck,
Paul 

Paul,
I think you guys have an excellent talent in making video's and I would use this to your advantage. Make sure when you address anykind of public authority about a CL park, that you submit a video that points out not only the fun that's had, but the saftey requirements that are established by the AMA. Try and show as many shots as you can of kids having fun and interacting with adults. Point out that your club is something that would enhance the community.

Something else I just thought of, it's a stretch, but if you could show a contest like the NATS, VSC, or Brodaks that shows there are a good number of people that attend these events then maybe you could tie that into something along the lines of... a facility would allow the club to have a contest once or twice a year that local hotels and resturaunts might benifit from. I would definetly compile a list of contests to show there are regional as well as national events.

[Roger Vizioli]

Paul,
When you make your "pitch" to the local authorities -

Emphasize that you will have AMA insurance, and the ($) amount, and that you will have to conform to their safety rules/ regulations to obtain this insurance.

State that - We fly on "(2) wire cables", not strings.

Roger V.

[Paul Taylor]

We are up to 9 and I am sure a few more will jump on board.

Here we GrOw.

Thanks Rick and Roger for the feed back. Video's sound like part of the plan.

Paul

[Steve Helmick]

My advise: Come up with PC club name. The Owl's Patoot Balsa Butchers won't be very good PR. Don't tie yourself to one town...it may take you out of the running for a field in another town. We were "The Seattle Skyraiders", but the city of Kent had a problem with providing a flying field for a Seattle club. Can't argue the point! The towns around here are very aware of R/C and have negative feelings about them, so be sure you make them fully aware that you are NOT R/C.

Just off the top of my head bone, how about the "Western Tennessee Controline Aero Club", or the "Clark County Controline Volunteers"?  Not as funny as "Polk & Eastside Roundyround VolunteerS" (PERVS), but much more PC!!!!  Steve

[Bill Heher]

I am sure you alrady are aware - but just in case - the AMA has material geared toward getting a flying site. It is probably R/C oriented, but there is sure to be some useful information in the packet. If nothing else it may give you some new ideas and angles to pursue. Remember - it's Our AMA also!  Good luck.

[Peter Ferguson]

When you go up in front of the city council always bring at least two members and have one lay back until last, you want to rebut all of the negative comments and get the last word. Bring a written proposal with an proposed agreement things like times of operation, who gets priority, contact info etc make multiple copies and leave them with them.

[Bill Adair]

Hi Pete, 

Paul,

When our Rams club was looking for a new R/C field many years ago, the story reported by our field committee, was that the AMA field plan was so expansive, and expensive to develop, that the city council where it was submitted rejected it immediately, and would hear no further proposals! 

It might be wise to approach city/county officials with a minimalist layout they can afford, with perhaps a single circle, and adequate parking. Hitting them with a plan that is impossible to fund, may end all negotiations on the spot.

Hope to see you at Delta Park, when you visit.

Bill

[Peter Ferguson]

Hi Bill, I wasn't advocating the AMA site plan necessarily only a plan in writing, something for them to look over and avoid disagreements over what you said. I was at Black Diamond City Council this week trying to get CL into their proposed park, with all of the arguments over R/C ( the neighbors claimed the bald eagles will die off and the beavers are afraid of float planes and children will drown in the lake retrieving their downed planes! ) I'm sure they don't remember what I proposed. I gave them 6 copies of my proposal. Its less than a long shot anyway . I hoping for the sympathy vote after they shoot R/C down.