rfw1953
Posts: 1346
Joined: 7/9/2002
From: Hampton Cove, AL, USA
Status: offline
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At the conclusion of the 2003 Big Bird event there were a few harsh post placed on RCU pertaining to the conflict that developed between 3-D and the more traditional scale flight styles. As a whole, members of RCRC elected to not respond to such thread comments. It was determined that nothing positive would be gained in doing so. Our President responded once as the voice of the membership. My name is Roger Woodward, and I am the assistant CD for the 2004 Big Bird Fly In event. Unfortunately this topic has come up again. Balancing the information being posted may help those wondering what this is all about.
The history behind this decision: Originally 3-D was welcome, and each year two or three pilots would visit our field and put on a wonderful flight exhibition. Spectators, guest and members were in awe. There was much applause, and usually these pilots were honored with the top awards in recognition for their building craftsmanship. Just as with jet aircraft, or aerobatic helicopters, we usually have two or three flight exhibitions, which include these and other aircraft. When flight exhibitions take place the flight line is empty (as a courtesy) to allow these pilots to showoff their stuff. The members enjoy seeing the exhibitions as well, so the sky is theirs. Whether 3-D, jets, helicopters or giant war birds, these flight exhibitions are usually the high point in the event. Historically they have been the exception during the event and not the main focus of the event.
For years the Big Bird event has been a social gathering of pilots and builders from across the country. This is the one time during the year when members and guest bring out their best. We have been fortunate to witness the work of these fine builders and to see them fly their airplanes. We have also made many new friends along the way as well. This environment has encouraged many to attend this event in the past.
Each year more 3-D pilots began attending and pretty soon what was once a flight exhibition, during the Big Bird event, now became a conflict between traditional scale pilots and a few 3-D pilots. Unfortunately, guest and members didn't want to fly while the 3-D pilots were in the air. We could go on and on as to the rational for this, but nothing would be gained in doing so. I was there and heard several of the discussions as they took place. Furthermore, a few of the scale pilots left the event early. I heard one highly respected builder say as he left frustrated, “if it were up to me I would close this field down”. He made this comment resulting from not being able to hear his own airplane due to the noise from multiple 3-D aircraft hovering near the runway.
Chuck Facemire has been the CD and field chairman for years. He has served on every position in the club and has been one of the strongest leaders/drivers behind the clubs development and evolution. No one puts more hours of hard work into the club/field than Chuck. To call Chuck lazy is an outrage. Yes he has been my friend for years and I don’t mind standing up for him. I am confident the majority of the membership would do so as well. In fact it did.
During the event and after several complaints made by members and guest, Chuck, the event CD, made the tough call to limit flight times between 3-D and traditional scale flying - one hour for 3-D, and one hour and thirty minutes for scale. Time allocations were based on the number of registered pilots flying 3-D and all others. This decision was not made in a vacuum. Chuck discussed the matter with the club President, BOD members and several general members. He held a pilots meeting the next morning and made the announcement to all pilots. A few of the 3-D pilots made a fuss over the decision. There were a few harsh words and that was it. None of the scale pilots objected.
After the event a meeting took place, which included BOD members and active club members. I attended this meeting. The subject of 3-D during the event was discussed openly and objectively. After the conclusion of several meetings on the topic and discussions with club members, Chuck approached the BOD to consider banning 3-D from future Big Bird events. The BOD supported Chuck’s recommendation and decided to put the matter before the membership for a vote. It was unanimous with no votes against. This was a club decision.
3-D has been an open topic of discussion among members for a while. There are many issues confronting our hobby, club and the AMA pertaining to 3-D and other issues. We have not banned 3-D from our club, we have banned 3-D from this event. Maybe one day we will sponsor an extreme aerobatic event, but it’s not on the schedule at this time. This will no doubt affect the attendance for this years event. Our hope is that maybe this one time during the year we can leave 3-D at home and bring an airplane and flying style that fits the event. We do this for the War Bird and Pattern events, so this shouldn’t be that hard to adjust to. Our desire is to encourage those with interest in Big Bird scale, aerobatic, jet aircraft, sport and war birds to attend. We feel confident this topic is not just an issue for RCRC, but one that is being discussed in other clubs as well.
Please respect the decision of our club and come join us this year for our annual Big Bird Fly In event.
Alabama Big Bird Fly In
9-10 July 2004, Huntsville Al.
www.rocketcityrc.com
Sincerely,
Roger F. Woodward
Assistant CD, 2004
Al. Big Bird Fly In
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Good Luck and Good Flying,
Roger
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HUNTSVILLE BIG BIRD MEET HAS BANNED 3d FLYING! - 
