PRESIDENTS JOTTINGS MARCH 2005

As stated in my jottings of February 2005 with regards to the possibility of future changes to the operation of the Northam Aero Club the Northam Council and The Shire of Northam called a meeting on the 12th. May 2005 of all interested parties and hanger owners, with a view of drawing up a brief for the commissioning of a consultant to review the future operation of the Northam Airfield and make necessary recommendations. It is proposed that the review will cover but not be limited to the following issues for consideration:-

- Future management structure of the Airfield, this will include clearly defining the management role of the Aero Club.
- Planning and future design for hangers and new taxiways.
- Capacity of the airfield to not only house aircraft but also the number of movements from the Airfield before l ocal amenity is impacted.
- The potential to develop the Ultra light operation. If there is an opportunity then it may be feasible for both councils to seek external funding through government to develop a purpose built site remote from the current Airfield to house Ultra lights.

This decision by the Council has been brought about by a representation to the Town of Northam and the Shire of Northam from parties interested in introducing the operation of Ultra light flying and alternative aircraft operations at the Northam Airfield.

The interested parties also included some members of the Aero Club Committee who see this to be the future for our Club, however this is not the general view being adopted by the remainder of the Aero Club Committee at this point in time.

This course of action has more or less put on hold the Aero Club plans for the proposed future hanger lease development and its review of future Aircraft operations until a final decision is reached and may delay any decisions made by members on their future involvement and operation at the Northam Airfield. This is an extremely important matter and members should consider how they personally see the future of the Northam Aero Club with regards to the introduction of Ultra lights and alternative aircraft operations.

Now on to less serious stuff I have just been reminded by our Club Captain that there is only one more competition day remaining for this year, this is to be held on the 12th. June and is a long distance average time trial so bring a back seat passenger for what should be a good sight seeing flight.

Whilst on the subject of flying days the Sunday Flyers outing to Narrogin is to be held on the 29th. May, weather permitting, both C.M.P. and P.G.L. will be going and instead of the normal B.B.Q. a Gourmet salad lunch is to be laid on.
The final flying seminar for the year will be held on the 19th. June 2005, it will consist of a Forced landing brief by Kevin followed by some airwork and a B.B.Q.

Lastly due to a hitch in last months Flyabout the photographs of the Sunday Flyers Rotto Run and some additional photos of the Club static display at the Cunderdin Air show went missing these have now been included in this month's magazine to be viewed in conjunction with the last months write up.

Don't forget the Northam Aero Club Annual dinner and presentation night is to be held on the 25th. June 2005 and the A.G.M. is to be held on the 22nd. July 2005.

Looking forward to seeing you at both of these functions.

DAVE ROSE



CLUB CAPTAIN'S REPORT

With the prospect of heavy rain, seventy knot winds and a right hand seat competition to boot I was not expecting many competitors to turn up for the competition in May. So it was with a great deal of delight that a greater number than normal pilots turned up and the weather as reported did not eventuate. With our instructor Kevin Lathbury sitting in the left hand seat and in perfect flying conditions six pilots flew in a two circuit right hand seat competition. Some of the competitors found the going hard of which I was one, however we all managed to get back in a reasonably in an undamaged aircraft with two pilots landing on the designated spot on the runway. The result of all this was Sion Miller coming first Errol Croft second and David Rose in third place. The next competition to be held on June 12th will be a timed flight to Claude then onto Grass Valley from there to the water tanks south of Northam and back to the strip. Pilots may bring a passenger who can admire the green fields and Northam townsite from the air.

Ray Howell
Club Captain



NAC welcomes new members:
Anne King, Sven Tetlow, Jim Polinelli, Michael Hervey & Gerald Dick

We hope you will enjoy the flying and friendship of the Club




The Northam Aero Club is having its Annual Presentation Dinner on the 25th June
At the Northam Aero Clubrooms 7.30pm
Predinner drinks at 7.00pm

RSVP Les Balantyne 08 9622 5303
A wonderful 3 course meal will be served along with Wine, Beer, and soft drinks, all for the price of $40 a person


FLYING & CLUB ACTIVITY PROGRAMME FOR 2005.

April
9th. Busy Bee
10th. Monthly Competition

May
14th. Busy Bee
15th. Monthly Competition
27th. Sunday Flyers (Destination T.B.A.).

June
11th. Busy Bee
12th. Monthly Competition
17th. Forced landing seminar
25th. Annual Dinner

July
22d. Annual General Meeting

The above programme may be modified from month to month so please check the latest Fly About for current details. For details on the monthly BusyBee's please check with Matt Bignell or how you may help the Club with this.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Notice is hereby given to the members that the Annual General Meeting of the
NORTHAM AERO CLUB
will be held on
Friday 22nd July 2005 at the NAC Club Rooms at 7.30pm

AGENDA ITEMS:
Election of Office Bearers

[Please bring supper for fellowship at the conclusion of the meeting]


NORTHAM AERO CLUB
HIRE RATES FOR C172 AIRCRAFT
1/1/2005

Dual Hire ---------- $190 hour
Private Hire ------- $140 hour
TIFs ----------------- $ 70 each

Block Hire for a minimum of 40 hours To be completed within a 12 month duration from the date of purchase:
*Dual Hire ------- $180 hour
*Private Hire ---- $130 hour
Instructor only
*Pilot provides own aircraft ---- $70 hour

Landing Fees & AirServices Charges:
*Where applicable - These are to be paid by the Pilot or Student Pilot
Hire of Life Jackets ---- $10 per jacket

We know you will understand that the above increases are due to rising costs in fuel and the maintenance necessary to keep our aircraft in the good standard expected of the Northam Aero Club


BAR ROSTER
May 28th & 29th Joy Flegetaub
June 4th & 5th Mike Bairstow
June 11th & 8th Matt Bignell
June 18th & 19th Brian Whittington
June 25th & 26th Dave Rose