EASTER TUESDAY SAW AN ENTHUSIASTIC TURNOUT OF PILOTS AND PLANES AT KIRKISTOWN

At one stage there were eighteen cars on site and we welcomed some visitors who were interested in seeing what we get up to.

One or two regulars were unable to make an appearance as they had been smitten with the 'bug', and for those who did manage to make it, there was plenty of coughing and sneezing to be heard in between between flights.

Other news

A new protocol for helicopter slots was inaugurated today which seemed to meet with the approval of all concerned.  In due course a sign will be positioned at the pilots' box indicating that a heli slot is active.  This will be trialled for three months before being written into the club rule.

Mark, the 'B-Flyer' was signed off by a club instructor to fly solo so we're all very pleased about that.

The club B-B-Q was fired up which added to the atmosphere on the day.  Incidentally, it is available to be used on any flying day, so don't hesitate to bring along your goodies and cook them for  yourself.

A happy group enjoying the Easter sunshine

Taildragger

The 'Chopped Finger Club' admitted a new member today.

Blood was drawn and skin was torn by a spinning propellor whilst the pilot, (who wishes to remain anonymous) was adjusting the needle valve on his petrol engine.

'Steadyhand' was quick to grab the first-aid box and the wounds were treated in the, by now well practised fashion.

This appeared to be a case of flesh wounds but the casualty was advised to have them checked out, just in case there would be damage to the tendons.

So. Be careful; it could happen to you.

(I wonder who wears a Rolex?)

NDMAC WELCOMES A NEW FAMILY MEMBER

Today a new family member joined the Club

Jimmy is 11-years young and has be adopted by 'Capt' Jim Adair.

Jimmy is a Jack Russell cross, very affectionate, and can't wait  to see his new home in Kircubbin.

'Taildragger'

WEEDS - IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR

Given the recent spell of warm weather the weeds have decided to pop up and make their appearance noticable.  If not treated early, the thistles in particular can be hard to 'zap'.

So a very big thank you to the enthusiastic volunteers who responded to the 'Call' and showed up yesterday to tackle this annual chore.

The main runway and the area to the front of the shelter are finished.

This leaves the two lanes to be sprayed.  So, when next coming along to fly, please bring along your sprayer, if you have one.  Many hands make light work and all that.

Also,  we need to 'walk the walk'.  Stones and broken concrete bits are lying about on the runway.  Bring your bucket and we'll have it tidied up in no time!

We appreciate our wonderful flying site.  Let's maintain it to a high standard.

'Taildragger'

This Tuesday saw a good turn out of pilots at Kirkistown. 

By noon the wind had all but died away and with the appearance of the Sun, every one was in good spirits.  Good too to see Richard back flying again after his absence since November.

Richard has added an Align helicopter to the fleet and got in some useful practise during the afternoon session. 

To get back into the way of flying fixed-wing, Richard thought it would be prudent to take his first flight with a Trainer.  This went smoothly, and in due course he proceeded to execute a perfect landing.  Confidence building indeed.

Twelve enthusiastic pilots were in and out of the Pilots' Box during the course of the day.

Mark McM (aka 'The B-flyer') had quite a few flights  mentored by George and Steve.  His professional skills shone through as expected, so I guess it won't be long until he's up for the 'A'-Cert test.

'Steadyhand' brought along his latest build in the form of a new plan built gyrocopter.

These heavier-than-air machines can be fickle at the best of times and today was to prove no different.

Despite Steadyhand's best efforts, and given there was virtually no wind to spool up the baldes, the test flight ended about five meters from the 'chuck' point but without damage.

Next time George I'm sure!

Flying continued until after 4pm and twelve pilots returned home in the best of form.

Taildragger

VALENTINE'S DAY SPLASH-IN at L Cowey seemed to attract as many Yachts as 'Planes.

Upon viewing these photos, a member's wife commented.  'That Bill is a dash handsome fella.  You should make him the Club Pin-up'

(For her protection and safety, I will not reveal her name.  Ed)

A big thank you to Sam 'the Sailor' for sending these photos

Tuesday saw a large turnout of Pilots and Planes and several maiden flights completed satisfactorily.

At one stage there were fourteen cars in the car park, something of a record for a weekday in February.

John W brought along his new Sedona which the 'Prof' checked over and test flew without incident.

Ken assembled his, straight off the production line, HobbyKing Stick and, after all the usual checks were completed, Stewart launched it skywards, powered by an ASP .91 2-stroke.  (Proper job!)  The motor was a perfect match for this model.  It sounded great and was very solid in the air.  A good next step up from a Trainer.

'Sparky' (M Bw) had no less that two new models along for maidening.  Peter the 'Prof' checked out the Sbach 342 (traditional materials in the build) and it flew convincingly powered by a Hacker electric motor (tut!)

Ed: A proper motor in this Sbach would have been a DLE20

Next in line from Sparky's squadron was a e-Flite Carbon Yak 54 for a maiden.   Stewart commented, 'it flew very well albeit an electrically motivated model!'  Yes.  Really.  It did Mike.

Just out ouf curiosity Mike, how many planes now reside in your Hangar?  I hear they are working overtime at the HK factory!

Bill M then produced a new Hype for a test flight.  After tuning a fickle Weston engine to peak revs, the maiden was completed without issue and Bill went home a very 'happy bunny'.

Good too to see 'young' Eric along after his recent break from the sport.  Eric advises that he's almost decided on his next model and hopes to 'get going' soon.  I think he let it slip that it would be powered by electrons!

It's not just the lights in San Francisco that will go out.  With all this charging it may well be the lights on the Ards penninsula!

A great day's flying for young and old and with wind speeds in the zero to 5 mph range,  what more could you wish for?

'Taildragger'

A very big welcome to Mark who has recently applied for membership.

As a commercial pilot, Mark has plenty of experiance flying Dash 8 turboprops but is relatively new to the sport of RC Flying.

Today saw Mark have a maiden flight with his newly constructed WOT4 powered by an OS .40.  Mark completed several 'figures of 8' in the blustry conditions and placed the model back on the tarmac with a degree of precision that only  his years of flying the 'big stuff' had taught him how to do.

Mark is from Newtownards, and is married with two daughters.

Welcome 'aboard!

The good news is that our wooly 'friends' have departed.

Now for the clean-up.

Your committee turned out in force this Saturday and tackled the job of cleaning inside and around the shelter.

A big thank you to Mike Bw and Ronnie who joined the work party and assisted some older members of the committee with their endeavours!

Thirsty work calls for re-hydration.    George has a drink from the Butt      (Or maybe he is priming the siphon?)

Next time you visit the flying site you will enjoy your lunch in the near sterile  environment of the Departure Lounge.

So, it's a goodbye from them &

 Lads

'Taildragger'

The weather forecast for Saturday was showing a 'nice day', but wind speeds of 22 mph.

Six of the Club's intrepid pilots arrived on site to hone their skills in the windy conditions. (20-mph plus.)  A lovely day
with temperatures of 16-degs;  unusual for the time of year.

First aloft was Michael who made it look 'easy'.  Quickly followed by Dennis who made it look 'exciting'.  Then George and Stewart had a 'turn'. (no medical attention required!)   But full credit on the day was given to Ronnie, who, with George as his mentor, flew his petrol fuelled trainer in a most competent manner, completing several good circuits and landings unaided and without incident.

Bill too, had several sorties with his .46-sized Stick and remarked that he too, 'much enjoyed the day'.

So....... don't let a 'blow' make you say no!