Ray, I really appreciate the words of encouragement. Looks like your history is just as varied as mine. Too few people actually realize what we go through in Public Safety. It is a tough world out here on the streets and many people have no idea the stresses that we encounter ona daily basis. I am fortunate that I can handle the stress fairly well. I guess that's why I was crazy enough to maiden in 15-20 mph crosswinds [sm=spinnyeyes.gif].

Onto my field. Our fields is 500 ft. x 150 ft. It is still a little rough around the edges (no pun intended). We just reoccupied this fireld last year after more than 10 years of being deserted. We still have a few small grass mounds to flatten out and we are in a constant battle with red ants (one that we never win). Our runway is situated in a north-south orientation. There are plans in the works to add a east-west runway this year. We are still expanding and currently have about 20 members. With our low yearly registration fee ($50.00/year) it is kinda tough to do some of the things that we want. Right now we have a small covered pit area about 20-30 ft. long and no tables as of yet. Like I said, we are still working on it. With my decent skills with lumber, I have offered my services to extend the pit area and throw some inexpensive tables together. I love to build (if you guys haven't noticed). Our club president is in construction and I know a few guys in construction too. We are going to try to acquire some empty spools from those big spools of wire/cable that are commonly used. The spools make excellant tables when they are turned up on their sides. Here is a link to my field: http://www.noerc.com/

As you can see we have a generous amount of airspace. The area is surrounded by tall weeds/grass/whatever. It makes it much easier on our planes when the "Oh *****" syndrome hits. I went deadstick with my Aresti 40 after I overshot the runway and it came down in the weeds with nothing but pollen on the wings. But on the outskirts of our flying area are trees. There is one particular area that is hoorible to fly near. When the winds hit these trees, it seems that all lift is lost due to the turbulence produced. I almost lost my US40 in it. Now I stay well away from that area. I should have listened to the others and stayed away, but crazy me wanted to find out for myself [&:]

Later guys.