May 12th @ Bob Gizzie Field
**Membership Update**
We had three people join since last month’s meeting at the restaurant. Most of the people who were already here have signed up. We’re now up to **114 members**. One was a dual member from Lafayette, Indiana.
**Upcoming Flying / Training Nights**
Thursday nights are now dedicated training/fun-fly nights. Priority is helping newer or less experienced members. Knowledgeable pilots will be available to assist.
If it’s raining or winds are above 15 mph, it’s canceled. Weather info for the Spirit of St. Louis airport area will be shared.
Bring at least one new person (co-worker, neighbor, friend) to show them the hobby. Even just one person helps grow the club.
**Safety Note**
Steve R cut his wrist badly while hand launching his airplane. Nearest hospital/urgent care is at the top of Kisker Road and Hwy 94
**FRIA / Insurance Status**
Our FRIA is good for two more years. Paperwork has been submitted — we’re in good standing.
**Financial Report (Wayne)**
– The club kitty had about $7,000 but recent expenses (~$1,500) brought it down to around **$5,500**.
– Rent is due at the end of the month
– Another ~$15,000 debit expected soon.
– Overall, finances are stable for our current position.
A new PayPal account is being set up for the 501(c)(3) to lower fees. This will allow QR codes for easy payments at events (cash still accepted).
**Airspace / Altitude Discussion**
Nearby clubs (e.g., McDonnell or Boeing Club) have a 1,000 ft ceiling due to Lambert Airport patterns. Our field does **not** need to go to 1,000 ft — 400 ft is the standard and sufficient.
**Investment Oversight Committee**
A new committee is being formed: President, Treasurer, and three life members (Ralph Grant as chair). Decisions require consensus. Funds will be transferred and monitored transparently. Statements will go to a club email for the committee.
**Field Maintenance (Dave Brown)**
Thanks to Dave and others for major work on the field. Water ponding and freezing is causing issues in some areas. Mowing takes significant time and effort. Appreciation expressed for all the volunteer hours
Old 1989 Kubota tractor to be sold (estimated $5,000–$6,500 value). Board voted to approve the sale. Proceeds will help fund future equipment or be invested. Members present voted in support of the sale
**Dues Discussion**
Dues have not increased in roughly a decade. Proposal to raise standard membership by **$50** (to $200) for next year.
– Dual memberships (currently discounted) — may be phased out (grandfather current members).
– Associate (non-flying) members — possible small increase ($25)
– Youth still fly free.
– Life members (6 total) pay a large one-time fee and contribute significantly (time and $) otherwise.
Monthly subscription option may be explored (likely at a slight premium).
**Rationale:** Rising costs (especially $6,000 annual land lease and pending changes go landscaping services). Club runs lean but expenses are increasing. Comparable clubs charge more. Feedback requested via officers or email. No vote tonight — decision needed by late summer prior to renewal season
**Cadet / Youth Event – May 23**
CAP (Civil Air Patrol) cadet fly-in. ~30 cadets signed up.
– RTF airplane to be raffled.
– Club to offer free membership to the winner.
– Goal: Get names/addresses and encourage return visits with friends.
Strong encouragement for members to attend and talk with the kids — they are the future of the hobby.
**Pylon Races – May 16**
First race of the season with new hot rods. Dave Harrington is CD.
Volunteers needed for line judges and lap counters (~6 people). Canopies will be set up for judges.
**IRCHA Cup Regional Qualifier (June 11–14)**
Helicopter 3D event. Regional qualifier for the national competition. Big-name pilots attending.
Volunteers needed for parking, registration, etc. Mac making pulled pork, etc. for lunch.
**Events**
– July 25: Jet fly-in (non-competition)
– September 12: Fun Fly
**Kubota Tractor**
Old 1989 Kubota tractor to be sold (estimated $5,000–$6,500 value). Board voted to approve the sale. Proceeds will help fund future equipment or be invested.
**New Members / Guests at Meeting**
– Ryan Jones (recently retired from Boeing, flies EDF jets and scale warbirds).
– Rich (newer pilot, local, not yet a member).
**Other**
– Group 50mm Aero jet order being organized through Mark Twain Hobbies for pylon racing (club discount).
– Post-meeting gathering at Hotshots on 94 & Zumbehl.
**Adjournment**
Meeting ended after ~1 hour.
Note: Secretary recorded audio of the meeting then had AI transcribe it. Followed by some editing for clarity. The format has changed but the content remains.
