Hear Ye!

The official newsletter of the :
Valley Forge Signal Seekers
Radio Controlled Model Airplane Club
August, 1999
No. 387

Prez Sez

By Walt Pierzchala

Some members of the Club have noted that a few of the aircraft flying at the field have not been sound checked. ALL flyers at our field must have their airplanes sound checked. If you change an engine or propellor, your airplane needs to be rechecked. All aircraft must display a sound check sticker somewhere on the plane.
Flying "In the Box"- the limit of the box, to your left while on the flight line, is the two large trees. At all times one must fly in front of these two trees. And you must not overfly Rt. 252 on your right. If you are not familar with "The Box" check the bulletin board, a new drawing demonstrates the authorized flying area.
For forty years we have been permitted to fly in this beautiful Park. Please follow the rules, stay "in the box" and fly safely. Our future depends on it!

From the Editor

Last month's meeting at the field was well attended and our speaker, Gene Gifford, delivered a really interesting talk. His extensive background as a former Navy pilot and airline Captain served to provide the group with airplane facts and humerous anecdotes. Thanks Gene for a great evening.
The flying field has turned into crunchy straw because of the drought and excessive heat. Patches of bare earth in the pits provide plenty of dust for engines to ingest. And it's hot even sitting under your umbrella. This being August, it means the flying season is more than half over. It's been an interesting season so far, as this is the first time I can remember the wind being so strong all through spring and summer. Good experience learning to fly in the wind but makes for dicey landings in a strong cross-wind.
September looks to be a busy month for the Club. The Pottstown AOPA Club would like to have us back at the Limerick Airport on Sunday, Sept. 12 for their Annual Breakfast Fly-In. And the Angel Flight organization at Wings Field in Blue Bell would like us to provide a static display on Saturday, Sept. 11. The last time we were there was 1996 and we had a good turnout. The question is "can we get enough members to attend and display a model at both events or does the Club pick one to attend"? I think it would be a good idea if you let a BOG representative know what you think we should do.

Club Dates

Tuesday, August 10........Meeting at the Field at 7 PM.
Guest Speaker will be a Park Administrator. Bring a chair and enjoy the evening.

Saturday, September 11. Antique Airplane and Car Show, Wings Field. Benefit for Angel Flight.

Sunday, September 12....Breakfast Fly-In, Limerick Airport, 8 AM - 1 PM Sponsored by Pottstown AOPA Club.

Austin Gutman 1918 - 1999

Shortly after VFSS was started Austin became a member and brought to the Club his expertise of electronics and model airplane construction when the art of radio control was evolving into the hobby we enjoy today.
Austin served as President, Secretary, and Treasurer of the Club and and had been active in instructing and planning other Club activities.
His flying was a symphony of body language and humming in synch with the attitude of his airplane. When he was not on the flight line it was a delight to sit and enjoy his interesting conversation and good humor. He was a brilliant man and he could talk intelligently on many subjects.
Austin Gutman was a true gentleman and a great friend and one of the nicest men we ever had in our Club.
Thank you Austin, for many great memories. We will miss you.

Joe Weizer

MonoKote vs Ultrakote
By Ian Maclaughlin

Monokote plusses - High tensile strength, good where the covering adds significantly to strength and stiffness. Very glossy finish. Adheres tenaciously to structure and itself. Trim doesn't loosen or allow fuel to creep under it.
Ultrakote plusses - A bit easier to apply, especially around compound curves. Has a more subdued gloss or sheen. Looks better after post flight cleanings which leaves scratches in MK. Due to lower gloss, hides imperfections in surface prep better.
For adding a different color trim over Monokote, use MK trim applied after spraying the base with Windex. Sqeegee the Windex out and there should be no bubbles.

Space Shuttle Landing
By Ara Tidwell

WOW, from Austin, Texas is all I can say. Completely different than anyone could imagine. Ten times brighter than any airliner landing light and far faster. Silent too! Looked like a fireball racing across the sky! Over 1500 miles to its landing site in Florida, it will land there and come to a stop in only 15 minutes!
That much kinetic energy and no power!! That is one fast glider. It left a plasma trail that stayed bright for several minutes after it disappeared over the horizon.
(CNN carried this night landing live and gave the pilot's view through the "heads up" display).

ORDER FORM

40th Anniversary Club Shirts

All cotton white short sleeve, collared shirts with the Club logo embroidered over the left breast and "40th Anniversary" on the left sleeve.

These shirts will be available for orders at our next meeting on August 10th They are $15 each for S, M, L, XL sizes. $1.50 extra for XXL and $2.50 extra for XXXL sizes.

All monies will be required at time of order. NO EXCEPTIONS

NAME..................................................................PHONE ( )....................

SHIRT SIZE.................. QUANTITY..................... TOTAL $..................

If you cannot make the meeting, Dennis Dibonaventura will take orders the following Saturday (Aug. 14) at the field but that will be the cut-off date. Shirts will be available approximately 6 - 8 weeks after ordering.

BOG Review

A meeting was held Thursday, July 22 at the field. The following items were discussed:

1.) When on the flight line, announce to other flyers your intentions, such as take-off, landing, deadstick, etc.
2.) Ammended Sound Rules - a condensed version of this Policy is posted on the bulletin board. The BOG will discuss and vote at the August meeting on the proposed new version of the Sound Rules.
3.) Prizes for the September Fun-Fly - BOG has voted to spend $150 for gift certificates. Individuals in charge of the FunFly will determine events to be held and the awarding of the prizes.
4.) The September Fun-Fly will be held on Saturday, Sept. 25 and will be known as the "Austin Gutman Memorial Fun-Fly"
5.) Next Spring's Fun-Fly will be a Memorial Fun-Fly, honoring all our deceased Club members.
6.) The event which brought the Park Superintendent to the field was discussed. The flyer was a was a Day Pass holder. Appropiate action to be taken as to sound and flying in the box.
7.) According to Club Bylaws, 22 members comprise the Board of Governors. Nominations for 11 new members will take place at the August meeting. BOG elections to be held at the October General Meeting. Officers of the Club will be elected at the October BOG Meeting.

Jim Holder 1932 - 1999

Jim was a Club member for several years and became an Instructor this year. He was an easy-going person who always had a handshake and greeting for his fellow Club members. He loved this hobby and could be seen several days a week flying his airplane or instructing a new member.
Jim was a 1955 graduate of the U.S, Naval Academy. He made the Navy his career, achieving the rank of Captain in the Supply Corps.
Originally from Arkansas, Jim had the humor and charm of a real gentleman and was well liked by all who met and knew him.
He will be missed.

Feedback or comments to: Al Campana , HearYe editor
Michael Myers, Webmaster

Read another Hear Ye! | Back to Valley Forge Signal Seeker's Page | Back to Radio Control Airplanes