Hi Folks,
   To start out this month, we have a safety issue that I must address, and you all need to help me with. Twice in the last month we have had someone who did not have the frequency pin turn on a transmitter, in one case destroying two aircraft, and in the other nearly destroying both aircraft. It has been mentioned (several times) that we need to impound transmitters, as required by the AMA and every other club that I know of. Therefore, I'm asking the members at large to let me know your thoughts on this subject, and your recommended solutions. Doyle Varbel is presently working on a new  impound table, which I expect will solve part of the problem; what else do you see?
   Now on to our article by Bob Karasiewicz on Instructors and Instructing.

   I joined my club in 1983 and soloed in late 1984. That’s about a year and a half. Pretty fast, huh? In 1984 I also joined the novice committee that was just formed.
   By late 1987 I was a semi-instructor. That is, I would bring the novice pilot through the middle stages of the learning curve. I did not feel confident to take up a new airplane and certainly not take up a new flier. That was left to the good instructors. Landings and takeoff instruction was also left to the better instructors. Gradually my skills improved and I became one of the people who were trusted to take that first flight on an airplane. My instructor skills also improved and I am proud to say that I have had a positive influence on many of my club’s fliers. A learned trust, if you will.
   Do you want to instruct? My suggestion is to re-read the above and emulate that experience. Also, talk to several instructors about your desire. They will tell you if you have the skills necessary.
   What happens when a newcomer comes to the field and there is no instructor? With only two years or experience, should you take this person up? Should you take up someone with no AMA card? You know the answer to these questions? I shouldn’t have to say it! Oh well, just in case NO, NO, a thousand times NO! There are a number of disasters we can Think of that might happen. It takes time and experience for an instructor to prepare and handle every possible one of them.    It has been recognized that we need more instructors, as it is not always possible for our current learned instructors to be at the field available for training at all convenient times. We realize the temptations modelers have to help fellow modelers.
   Build your skills, and work to be an instructor. Everyone will benefit.

Until next month, keep them flying!   Bill.

   The next meeting of the MMRCC is scheduled for April 1, 2004 at 7:00 P.M. The meeting will be held at the Northrop Grumman facility Personnel are required to sign-in and sign out for security purposes.

   Remember, Dues are now due. Please see Tom Fenn or mail to him with the current 2004 application.  Club by-laws say, that to remain a current member, dues must be paid by the end of March.

See you at the meeting.   Will