Both Fort Worth and Waco area counties have instituted 90 day burn bans recently.

I can't see anything in either the HOTMAC or Thunderbirds club rules about turbine operations during burn bans.


For fliers at either site, are we self-policing a no-fly rule or what is the local consensus of flying under a burn ban.

I normally don't fly, but I haven't seen a recent discussion on the topic.


Thanks

Paul

Oh my I wouldn't want to be that guy if you no what I mean.

As much as I would want to I agree with the self ban.

I cannot say for sure in Texas but I'm reasonably sure the situation would be handled the same way as it is here in Utah; at the very least, the person who started the fire would be charged for the Fire equipment and it 'ain't cheap.

He could also be criminally charged with a steep fine depending on whether or not anything untoward occurred as a result of the fire.

As a retired Firefighter I can tell you that Fire Departments and Citys, Counties or whoever the governing body is, have really just had it with the Public's disregard for fire restrictions.

I wouldn't fly jets with a no burn order in effect for the area.

I'm gonna do the best I can to nip this thread before it gets rolling and takes a hard left into the wall, with all the "what ifs" and "I don't thinks" and insurance gurus go way out in left field. First, I'm really surprised to see a forum post on this topic, if you have questions about what a club is doing, that's why we post our emails and phone numbers, we are easy to get ahold of, and are here to help and inform.


Paul, the reason you have not heard of any NO-FLY ban is because there is not one. I am the current Club VP, and assure you, Any self policing of such action will swiftly be dealt with by the club board of directors, and if needed taken to the club for a vote as is our standard operation.


This aint the first burn ban in Texas fellas, We get em every year. There is no specific criteria involving our hobby in regards to a burn ban, and that's the way we want to keep it. The Key is to stay safe, and be a responsible Modeler. At HOTMAC field we follow ALL AMA safety, and HOTMAC safety rules,, the purpose of this is to keep the pilots ,public , and environment as safe as possible, while enjoying our hobby

If you are a member of our club,or want to become one, you have a key to get you into the gate, that same key gets you into the clubhouse, where there are 3 H2o fire extinguishers, and a dolly. If you fly turbines at our field, as I regularly do, it is expected for you to get those extinguishers and place them at each of our 3 taxiways, so they will be there if needed. These are in addition to your personal extinguisher that should always be within an arms reach on EVERY startup. These are rules that apply at ALL times, summer or winter. This is expected of all members who fly turbines at the field. Since I have been into this section of the hobby, I have seen that the MAJORITY of turbine pilots are focused on safety practices, more so than other modelers, and this is how it should be at every field by every member. At HOTMAC we take safety very seriously, Although we have a safety officer, the matter of safety is a responsibility of every member. I was very lucky when getting into turbines, I fell into a fantastic group of turbine members, who helped show me the ropes with turbines, as well as teaching me safety rules for flying, watching over me and correcting me (still do every now and then) when I made an error, this is how it should be, and I encourage everyone to keep safety on top of the list.

Now in regards to our 33rd annual Southwest Jet Rally,, Sept 10-11-12, here in Waco at HOTMAC, anyone who wants to attend Please come out,, if you are concerned DONT BE!
The returning CD is Larry Garret, who has done this event a while now,, He is also the CHINA SPRING VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPT. AND RESCUE DIRECTOR. Larry always does an outstanding job to do everything possible to keep this event safe for all to enjoy. Every year we have a Firetruck with Firemen stationed at the field, WACO FIRE DEPT. we also have a fully equipped side by side Atv with fire suppression equipment on it, staged in the pitts ready for immediate action. We have our bases covered fellas, So Come out and enjoy the Event, it will be a great time, with some of the absolute Best Models in the country present, and some of the best People period..
Ill see ya there,
Ronnie Dean
Hotmac Club VP
682-239-9052

Ronnie

Now that is the way to take care of business, I believe we would come anyway just spend time at the jet rally even if we did not fly. Now that is an event to attend.. This is our vacation and we enjoy the event.

Clay and Debbie Sherrow

Well hello Clay, we are looking forward to seeing Debbie and yourself again this year, we are excited to have everyone here, always a great time with the whole Arizona crew, Even Terry,,

Paul:
I live in the San Antonio area and about four years ago when I started flying turbines I saw where the county in which our field is located has issued a burn ban. I was the Tri City Flyers Club president at the time and I decided to tackle the problem. I called and made an appoint with the county fire marshal to discuss the burn ban. I wanted to be prepared so I took one of my turbine planes, a turbine and an EDF plane for "show and tell". I met with the Fire Marshal, discussed who we were and what we do. After a few minutes he told me that the burn ban does not apply to model aircraft but rather to those property owners that want to burn trash or crops. If you have a burn ban in the Fort Worth/Dallas area I would suggest that one of your local club officers (preferably a turbine waiver holder) ask for a meeting with the fire marshal to get clarification. Incidentally, this is what the Austin guys at ARCA did and they were told what I was and that is that burn bans do not apply to model aircraft.

Ron: did not mean to continue the "burn ban" thread but thought our club experience might be helpful to some on these forums.

Sincerely,
Ed Valls

I had a Fire Marshall in Galveston county tell me the same thing a few years ago. Burn bans restrict intentional fires, not accidental fires. Her exact words were: "go enjoy your hobby Mr. Baker". The overflight area of the club where I was flying at the time was full of brush and small trees and very had to get around in. I ultimately decided not to fly due to the fear that I would not be able to get to a fire if I were to accidentally start one (crash) and there were homes a short distance down the road that would be in jeopardy.

If the area had been a little more clear of brush, I would have flown.

No worries Fellas, I had talked to Larry a couple years ago and found out the burn bans didnt affect us as modelers. I just wanted to make sure that our members and guests knew the field is open to them, and as always be safe. Ed, Thanks for sharing and letting us know your first hand experience, it helps to clarify and help with understanding. Everybody have fun, and if you can make our jet rally, please do, it is a great event, and we have a great time..