On Saturday, Matthew demonstrated his flying ability and has been cleared by Barry to fly solo.

Next step will be the 'A' Test.

Well done Matthew.

The 'Chopped Finger Club' admitted another member yesterday following his encounter with a spinning propellor.

Fortunately the wounds to his fingers did not envolve damage to the tendons.  The Club's first-aid kit was readily to hand (no pun intended) and after a visit to A & E and some treatment, the patient was discharged.

This kind of accident can happen so easily.  A momentary lapse of concentration can spoil your day at the Field. It dosen't matter whether you are working with a glow engine or an electric motor, they both are capable of inflicting very nasty injuries.  If you are assisting a pilot with his plane, try not to chat to him too much and let him concentrate on what he is doing.

Taildragger43

Ricky has left these shores (and our weather) to enjoy a few month's R & R  at 'Chez Rick's' in France.

He's sent this link to show us his adopted flying site at Azerables.

http://amcs23.pagesperso-orange.fr/le_terrain.html

Looks fabulous.

Ricky returns home in September.

MODEL RESTRAINTS

There is no doubting that model restraints are an essential bit of kit for those of us who fly I.C. and electric powered planes.

A club member has kindly manufactured a number of these splendid units which have been handed out on a gratis basis.

The material, not to mention the labour, dosen't come cheap.  Our benefactor has declined to accept any payment but did suggest that those of us in receipt of them, could donate £15 to Club funds.

That idea was readily supported by many and club funds have benefited accordingly.

If you would like a set, George will be happy to oblige.

Today Steve successfully maidened his beautiful 'Pilatus' PC-21.

The Pilatus has a 6-S battery in the power train and sports a smart retractable undercarriage with sprung oleos.

Upon executing a perfect landing (and after Steve's knees had ceased knocking) Steve thought he would up the flow of electrons and install an 8-S fuel tank.

Always nice to see a new bird at the field and especially one of such lovely lines as this PC-21.

Today a team of 'volunteers' turned up at the field to tackle the annual chore of weed-killing.  It would have been preferable to have achieved an earlier start in the year for this ritual but as the met office have assured us that there would be a settled period and no rain, the job was tackled today.

Double measures of the weeds dislike were duly mixed and applied, so hopefully we will see the results of our labours in a few day's time.

A very big thanks to Peter, Mike Bw, John, Colin L, Matthew, Steve & Barry.

Taildragger43

Welcome to Matthew who has applied for membership.

Matthew has been practising hard on a simulator before trying his hand at the 'real thing'.  He has taken to flying his .46-size trainer 'like a duck to water' impressing the old hands at the field with his competent handling of the model.

Matthew starts 'Uni' in September and hopes to tackle the 'A' Certificate before leaving for Scotland.  (Might have to take your passport Matthew!)

The North Down Model Railway Club's annual exhibition this year was held at Bangor Grammer School over the week end of the 12/13th April.

This was the first time the event was held at the new venue and resulted in record crowd attendences over the two days.

In addition to the many wonderful displays of model trains and track layouts, the Belfast Model Flying Club provided support with a static display of radio controlled aeroplanes and were on hand to give information and advice to those interested in getting involved in the sport.

Barry and George from the North Down Model Aircraft Club assisted Maurice Doyle (BMFC) at his stand and were on hand to answer visitors' questions on the subject of model aircraft flying.

A big attraction was the 'ReaL Flight Flying Simulator' which Maurice used to competently demonstrate how to fly and land a model aeroplane.  (Not bad for a pilot who normally has strings attached to his model!)

George watches as Maurice completes a perfect landing.

It was reported that this year's event was the most successful to-date.

(Thanks to Sam for the photos)

Taildragger43

The Northern Ireland Association of Aeromodellers now has its own forum, along with the usual mix of general modelling related topics, classifieds etc.  Each club has its own section.

In the clubs area, there is a general open forum for clubs to post flyin details, club info, general club activities, pictures etc., viewable to all.

www.niaeromodellers.org.uk/forum

There is also a private Members Only forum this is only available to your club members who will have to apply to join.

Each club can nominate someone who will have access to approve these members. (called a Group Leader).

Members Only forums are only viewable by members of that club so clubs can feel free to post private inner club matters, like meeting details, membership renewals, who is meant to cut grass etc.

Details how to register and how to make best use of the forum are listed under each topic.  Please read the Welcome topic when you first access the forum.

Each person joining the NIAA forum must be verified, this is planned to be fairly instant, but may take up to 24hrs.

You are also asked to join with your full name,  i.e. John Black not highflyer123.  You will also be asked for the name of your club.

The forum should provide a great means of letting everyone see what is going on in the area and a common meeting place and somewhere to get help if needed.

This year's Christmas 'Bash' at the 'Stables' was well attendend.  Seventeen revellers duly arrived to partake of the seasonal festivities.

Everyone agreed they had enjoyed excellent food, good company and good craic.

(Thank you to Matthew for the photos)