
From the desk of the Web Guy
October 19, 2003May 18, 2003
The may meeting was called to order with 18 members in attendance. Dr.Michael Lyon was voted in as our newest member and it was noted that Scott Ohrlein has not fulfilled the conditions of his acceptance last month and as such was struck from our membership list.
At long last, the club has been covered by Director's Insurance. This should remove at least one reason for people not to run for office in November.
Looks like the fly-in is on track and as long as the weather holds out, we should have another successful weekend. Don't forget to reserve your tickets for the pig roast Saturday evening, they are going fast and we only have 150 of them.
The executive has more of less shot down the idea of opening the fuel to the public. It was felt that the insurance needed and the liability would be too much as well as losing some members who joined just to get a fuel key.
A registered letter is being sent to the owner of a C-150 (non member) that is parked on club property informing him that if his parking fees are not paid up by the end of the month, his plane will be towed to the airport managed parking area.
I hope to see you all at our fly-in May31 and June 1.
April 13, 2003
The April meeting was called to order with 16 members and 3 guests in attendance. Scott Ohrlein was voted in as our newest member, welcome to the club, Scott. There was some discussion about opening up fuel sales to the public and raising dues, parking, etc to help pay the increased lease rates.
Steve Nevermont a Nanaimo FSS specialist gave a talk on the new FIS system that is taking over in this area.
We need prizes for the Poker Run, if you can help out, contact John Lamb 245-7105. At this time we still don't know for sure if the Flying Club or COPA Flight 91 will be hosting our fly-in. We should know about the insurance by the end of the week. Either way, the Poker Run, Pig Roast, and hangover breakfast will be taking place May 31 - June 1.
March 16, 2003
The March meeting was called to order with 14 members in attendance. Most of the meeting was taken up with a debate over the general lack of interest by club members in regards to the fly in. A motion was passed to the effect that if we had to put out the whole cost of special event insurance we would cancel the fly in this year. The motion was then amended to allow COPA Flight 91 to take over the fly in if the COPA insurance would cover the event.
We will be topping up our fuel tanks this week, so if you want to take advantage of our cheap fuel, do so now, the price will be going up after the top up.
There will be a fly out to the Port Alberni fly in on May 4th. Meet at the club 9am, anyone without wings that wants to go, show up and we will try and find you a seat.
Shortly, there will be a "buddy list" hanging in the club. This is for people that would like to tag along with someone who is going flying and wants company. So if you want to go for a ride with someone next time they go out, sign your name to the list.
Note from Joyce: - membership cards are in your slot at the club.
January 19, 2003
The January meeting started off today with 21 members and 1 guest in attendance.Before the meeting was over, our guest, Howard French, became our newest member. Welcome to the club, Howard.
The meeting was dominated by discussions about the 60% increase in our lease rate as determined by the airport commission and the fact that it is retroactive to April 2002. A letter is being sent to the airport commission requesting a meeting to discuss the increase.
Flying members will be happy to know that we topped up the fuel tanks before an increase in fuel prices could affect us. We still enjoy the lowest price around. However, because of the new lease rates, members can expect to pay more for membership, parking, and fuel in the near future.
Winner of the 'snoopy draw' was Art Gast.
A pot luck lunch was waiting at the end of our meeting and enjoyed by all. I think we should do this more often, it seems to attract more members to the meetings.
Don't forget, a new issue of AvGass Online is available on the first of every month. You can find a link to it on the main page of this web site. The URL is www.angelfire.com/bc3/nfconline
December 15, 2002
The December meeting was held today with 12 members present. Minutes from last meeting were read, Treasurers report was read and accepted.
There was a discussion concerning the request from Qualicum Flight Center for information regarding their renting room for a flying school. Hopefully all their concerns can be dealt with to everyones satisfaction as it would provide at least one rental aircraft to the flying club.
The Fly-In was discussed at length and it was decided to invite the Fraser Blues back again this year along with the "PigsRus" folks. Doug Sowden is looking into getting some entertainment from a local high school this year. Ticket sales will be limited to 150 maximum, don't be disappointed, get yours early.
Finally, it was decided that we will get directors insurance, Alex will get a few quotes and report back to the directors and the insurance will be acquired asap.
Gerry requests that anyone with an e-mail address, PLEASE, let him know your address and when there are any changes to that address.
The membership of the Nanaimo Flying Club wishes to offer our most sincere condolences to Gord Coyne for the loss of his father.
November 17, 2002
The November meeting and elections were held this morning with 18 members present. Treasurers report and committee reports were read. It was noted that the new furnace has been installed and is working fine. A work party to box in the furnace has been scheduled for Dec 15th following the December meeting.
If you have moved recently, please let Joyce know your new address so newsletters and statements can be mailed out.
There has been some concerns about Directors Insurance to protect the executive from lawsuits. Alex will look into costs and such. Doug pointed out that if the flying club were to associate itself with C.O.P.A. flight 91, the insurance would be automaticly applied.
Doug Steele informed the club that there is some interest by a local flying school to rent the upstairs. A letter will be sent to the flying school inviting them to talk to the executive about this matter.
Looks like our fly-in will be taking place again this year, if everyone that indicated they will help, does indeed help. If it looks like there is a lack of help the fly in will be canceled. Speaking of the fly-in.......donations are required. If every member contacted at least 1 company and requested a donation of cash or prize, we could cut our expenses considerably.
Instead of a Chrismas party this year, we will be having a post Christmas party on January 19th after the club meeting.
Elections were held today. Gerry Budlong held on to the big chair as President, V.P., Treasurer stay the same, our new secretary is Alex Galt, and 4 new directors are Frank Benvin, Gene Bellavance, Doug Sowden, and Dan LaRose. I (John Hubbard) am taking over the AvGass newsletter, hopefully with some help from John Owen.
June 28, 2002
Well our fly in is over for another year.
Due to 'lack of interest', increased costs, and outside meddling, our fly in almost did not happen this year. For a successful event we need volunteers that will commit themselves. Instead, we rely on the same 5 or 6 people to do everything. Organizing our annual fly in is a time consuming job at best, without man/woman power in the form of volunteers, it is an almost impossible task. The executive of the Nanaimo Flying Club did an admirable job this year, despite the obstacles placed in our path by one individual in a position of power at the airport. Club President Gerry Budlong worked tirelessly to meet the demand, and is to be commended on his perseverance. If it was not for Gerry's effort, the fly in would have been canceled.
Even with the fantastic weather, we did not sell all the tickets for our dinner and entertainment. Lack of support from our own club members is the only reason for this.
In the last year, Transport Canada, in their wisdom, lumped fly ins right along with airshows in the C.A.R.s This ridiculous bit of legislation cost us $3000.00 for one days insurance and may very well spell the end to organized fly ins in Canada.
On the bright side, everyone who attended the Saturday evening event was well fed, well entertained, and throughly enjoyed themselves. Unfortunately Elvis did not show up as planned. He had car trouble and could not make it. Floyd the Nerd', Grant Damsgaard, kept everyone in stitches for the entire time he was on stage. If anyone is interested in hiring this entertainer for your own event, his number is 250-595-9986.
Chevy Ray and the Fins supplied the music for the dance and kept everyone on their feet till long past my bedtime.
Lets make an effort as a club to buckle down and find a way to continue the tradition of our annual fly in. We can start by volunteering as much time as possible all year long. We can not continue to start our fly in preparations at the last minute. NOW is the time to start preparing for next years fly in.