Sequim Aeronaut Newsletter for November 2023
This newsletter will also serve as the 21 November 23 meeting minutes.
As you all know our meetings have become very laidback gatherings. We took the advice/requests from a few members who found it impossible to attent meetings in the early afternoon. So we are at our second restaurant we've tried and all seem to be happy with the Dynasty Chinese Restaurant in Sequim. The proprietor treats us very well and always has the room prepared for us, is clean and quiet. We are never
In attendance were Linda Priddle, Paul Mousseau, Ed Hackett, Leonard Fischer, Grant Rigby and Terry Myers.
The first topic addressed was the election for 2024. The Officers elected for 2024.
Safety Officer - Marc Linder
Treasurer - Linda Priddle
Secretary - Paul Mousseau
Vice President - Ed Hackett
President - Terry Myers
Thank you and congratulations to those who stepped up to the plate after being nominated to fill these positions. I look forward to serving with you in the coming year. I am very hopeful that we can work together to re-establish a sound footing for our club to grow from. There has been much change in the last few years but I believe in these officials, that we have the opportunity to build our club into an organization that is fun to be a part of and that will fill a void that has been created in our lives the last few years. I look forward to hearing your suggestions and ideas for improving and growing our club.
The first topic was brought up by Linda and that was a total re-write of our club By Laws. Nothing was settled on this topic but she is right, they do need to be at least revised and updated. I may assign a group to convene and re-write the By-Laws or assign an individual the task. I don't know yet.
The second topic was the FRIA status of the flying site. We have been granted the authorization to fly our aircraft at the Sequim Valley Airport without equipping our aircraft with any type of remote ID module. This is a good deal as it saves each of us the expense of equipping our aircraft with one of these devices. I have applied for the FRIA status for another site that we may be granted permission to fly.
I have been searching for another flying field that meets the following requirements.
It must be bigger than the field at the Sequim airport.
It must not be surrounded by model aircraft (noise) sensitive neighbors. It must be conveniently located so we don't waste a lot of time and fuel just getting there.
It must be accessible and have adequate parking.
It must meet all (or much of the) AMA and FAA criteria for a flying site.
That is a tall order and I have been searching for such a site for quite some time. I've even gone so far as running out into a farmers field as he is cultivating a crop with a tractor, interrupting him to ask if we could fly model airplanes there. If you have ever read much on local social media for this area you know that most residents of this Sequim Prarie are caustic to drones or anything that makes noise. That rules out almost everything that is nearby. Well almost...I found a field that meets most of our needs. It's about 42 acres and is close to town. I meet the owners as they were packing up to head south (Texas) for the winter. I only was able to spend about an hour with them but in that time I was granted permission to fly there! They were uncomfortable with anyone else being there while they are out of town but at least I am able to gain their trust and confidence in the next few months. I've also made contact with the farmer who cultivates the hay growing there. I knew I could gain his approval because he is a retired helicopter Pilot with a military background like me. He has already stated he will work with us to find us the flattest and smoothest section for our runway. Working out compensation for crop loss does not seem to be important, expensive or a show-stopper with him so that is great. So in the meantime I am trying to make my presence be know and fly to evaluate each area for suitability before the next crop cycle.
So that about does it for this newsletter. I have more to share about these Remote ID modules so I'll try and find another place to put on this website.