PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
See President's Message No. 4 about All Club Operations.
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE NO. 2010 - 4: ALL CLUB OPERATIONS
Many of you have reported inquiries from other modelers on our conversion to all club operations. We can expect that interest to increase as we approach the 1 September deadline. Since Club Members will be the principal spokespersons for discussions with non-members, I thought I would share some typical conversations that have transpired on the subject:
Q: Marymoor is a public Park, how can the Club require membership to use these facilities?
A: The Club pays King County for the use of the field under a Special Use Agreement. The Club operates and maintains the facility under the terms of this agreement. We spend about $3000.00 each year from the club’s budget (the field is the largest single part of our budget-all of which is the members’ money) to operate and maintain the field and equipment. Club membership allows all users of the field to share in the operation and maintenance of the field and the facilities.
Q: Why will the public access days be discontinued after 1 September?
A: Public access to the field has been by mutual agreement between MAR/C and King County. The public was abusing the privilege of flying on non-Club days. People were repeatedly flying without an Open AMA membership and the associated liability insurance coverage, as required by our agreement with the County (AMA Park Pilot is not acceptable). Many persons exhibited little or no knowledge of the field flying rules or boundaries and no concern for the consequences of their actions. Complaints about over flights and/or noise continue to be received related to flying on public days. The Park does not have the resources to police flying on public days. Under the old agreement, MAR/C had no authority on public days. The situation was deteriorating, and there was concern that all R/C flying at Marymoor could be jeopardized.
Q: I didn’t know about the requirement to join the Club. I have all my stuff here today and I would like to fly!
A: If you have an AMA membership, you are welcome to fly today as a MAR/C Guest. Please post your AMA Card in the appropriate frequency slot and observe all rules and especially the flying area boundaries. You are welcome to join our club and share in supporting this first class R/C facility. Membership forms are available in the shelter. Have fun!
Q: If I join the Club, what will I be obligated to do?
A: The only mandatory things required to maintain your membership in good standing are to (1) Keep your Club dues current and (2) Understand and comply with the AMA Safety Code and the Field Operating Rules. Your participation in the many volunteer activities necessary to keep the Club and the Field up and running is welcomed and encouraged.
Q: Will the new rules, the 90dBA certification program and the change to an all club requirement take care of all of our problems?
A: No Way. Our philosophy for many years has been to remain “under the radar”: This means that we must try as hard as we can to avoid any accidents, public complaint or criticism that would focus attention on R/C flying at Marymoor. Our rules and procedures are designed to help us meet that objective. We must all remain alert to identify and correct any situation or action which would compromise that goal. Everyone needs to know the rules. We must all comply with the rules and insist that others do the same.
