A number of questions come to mind.
Is the BEF (big empty field) within radio range of the club field? This would trouble me, as it should you.
Is the BEF owner okay with the free use? Or are the users simply using it without permission or insurance coverage?
Are there neighbors at the BEF? How do they feel about the activity? Is the activity limited to the BEF, or is there overfly with houses involved?
In short, how is this use of the BEF affecting the club's use of the airport facility, and Local
PR for the club and the hobbyists; and what is the safety situation?
Not making any accusations, just wondering why you made no mention of these things. From your original post, it sounds like the glow flyers both want and don't want the electric flyers at the airport facility. I'm thinking there may be more to the story.
Good luck,
Dave Olson
ORIGINAL: Dezynco
Our local RC club is in a heated argument over Park Flyers and Electric flight. The problem is that the glow engine guys don't understand the attraction of electric aircraft, and the desire to fly them in the big empty field and not at the RC field. The local club has a very nice site at the local airport, and its just a couple of miles outside of town. However, as all of you know, the convience of just driving across town to the big empty field is great. There are several people doing this, and they're only flying small electric planes like foamies and GWS planes. The complaint of the Electric Guys is that the "Big" RC field is just too inconvient, and that they feel unwelcome - that they are just "in the way".
What are other clubs doing in this situation. It's about to cause a split in our club, which would cause the Electric flyers to form there own club. The local RC club has made the comment about the AMA insurance that needs to be applied to the "Big Field" where the electric flyers fly to cover the city against liability, but just how much risk is actually there, especially since these are slow flyers, and most of the flyers are AMA members.
Any opinions would be appreciated!