ORIGINAL: littlecrankshaf
ORIGINAL: F106A
They want people to join and pay dues, and not get to use the field for "free".
Hmmm... Could that be?????????
Actually it is the permit holders (about twenty) flying there that is really paying the city some serious cash. It is the club that resides there next to free!
ORIGINAL: JR
You seem to have left some information of consequence out of your post, or are unaware of it.
Not at all! Just was not trying to go there!!! But since you want to know more………………
Actually JR you have misinterpreted or miscalculated the actual circumstances. I have worked closely with the city and the club in all aspects as it relates to these issues.
Actually I wanted to know: What is your opinion of a club that desires to restrict otherwise qualified AMA members from participating in AMA sanctioned events? Or restricts members from having guests from the local area?
The above is the FACT that I wanted your opinion of.
ORIGINAL: JR
It also appears that the lease does include a clause that prohibits those within 50 miles from flying without membership or a permit.
Where did you get that information?
That is most certainly not the case!! Absolutely not!!!!
If you have made your interpretation from the club's website I can understand the mistake, since they do twist and construe any information to appear as they have a superior right to that park or that they are required some compliance that prohibits certain flying or flyers. The city does not and has not ever mandated any such restrictions...all restrictions, at hand here, are completely at the will of TMC.
ORIGINAL: JR
The club site also makes clear that club monies and labor are largely responsible for the current condition of the site.
Not exactly true....
No doubt the club has given considerable time and money to the upkeep and material asset improvements to the flying field...no argument there. But it is the voluntary position of the club to do so...not a requirement.
But…BIG BUT…with all that being said the city has given many times more to maintain and keep the site usable.
The city lease, which I know very well, does give TMC the right to construct and make improvements but only with the city's approvals. All improvements...even putting fertilizer out has to be approved by the city.
This field was in use by the general public as a flying field long before the TMC bunch showed up. The RECENT lease acquisition by TMC has with the city absolutely and emphatically RESERVES the right for public use to continue.
Key word RECENT!!
The TMC club was flying at the park without a lease for quite awhile before they decided to make a push for all the bananas. TMC previously had a lease but allowed it to expire and did not feel the need to renew since it did not convey much control and since the city allowed use by the public without charge… they did not feel the need to have a lease in place until RECENTLY.
The recent attempt or acquisition of lease almost completely backfired on them and as a result has set back model aviation considerably in Tyler Texas. Also, as a result of their actions, they feel the pressure of the entire area of enthusiasts desiring to fly at the only park available for such activities. They were much better off before they tried to dupe the city into giving them exclusive use right to the park but…oh well…
FACT…YES…Actually it was TMC that caused the city to review flying in city parks and ultimately pass ordinance to prohibit flying at city parks altogether except by permit or lease issued by the city for the park in question.
As a negotiating strategy of TMC the city was informed by TMC just how dangerous model aircraft are in hopes of showing the city how they and AMA is a panacea for such activities. The results were that the city almost outlawed model flying altogether in Tyler Texas for everyone including TMC but finally settled on the ordinance we NOW have.
Footnote: the city register shows Northfield Park as for model flying field only.
ORIGINAL: JR
It would appear that the club got caught in a catch 22 over the sanctioned events.
So very wrong!!!...Definitely the wrong interpretation and emphatically NOT true!!!
The position/policy is purely voluntary of TMC and not mandated by the city in any way, shape or form!!!
Once again I will ask...What is your opinion of a club that desires to restrict otherwise qualified AMA members from participating in AMA sanctioned events? Or restricts members from having guests from the local area?