VOLUME

This years 3^rd Annual Fall Rotor Finale was once again a big success. This year’s event was a 3-day event, with 50 registered pilots.

Friday started out a little cloudy and wet, but even with that we had 28 pilots registered that day alone. Friday afternoon it cleared off and the flying began. Alan Szabo Jr. demonstrated his flying skills from the start. Alan has been flying helicopters since age 12 but has been raised in the R/C arena since he was a little tike.

Saturday brought sunshine and great weather and numerous spectators to watch all the activities in the sky. At one point I was told there were 86 cars in the parking lot and spectators lined north and south. The amount of the helicopters that were there exceeded the amount of pilots by far. There were about 100 helicopters visible and more in trailers.

Alan Szabo Jr. performed his XFC routine to music which Oooed and Ahhed the crowd. Alan fly’s very low to the ground, which makes his flying very unique and HEART stopping.

We had Table Rock Helicopters fly in a French made A-Star full-scale helicopter to everyone to see, and then he took off with Alan and gave him a ride. Alan was thrilled to death and when he landed he had a BIG smile on his face.

The pilot’s prizes were given away this earlier in the day, because of the rain. The pilots were anxious to pack up and leave because of the weather. So we wrapped everything up by noon and the pilots were on their way back home

The big winner of the Raptor 50 V2 went out to a local gentleman from Branson, he was very excited because this gave him the chance to begin flying helicopters. This is one of the reason’s why we like to do this raffle, because it gives others the opportunity to get started out in the great hobby of R/C aircraft.

Many, Many thanks to all the club members, Charlie, Sparky, Ray, and all those who were working at the concession stand. Thanks to Mark Copeland, Ron Hyde, Dan Copeland, Jeff Schmidt and others who gave us a hand with the raffle tickets and registration and DJ Copeland for the music.

Wade Stein from Stein Lighting of Branson provided the sound system. Many thanks go out to our sponsors, V-Blades here in Forsyth, MO and Zooms Heli’s out of California.

A big thanks to the Springfield crew for putting on a great event! Saturday's weather was great, as was the flying. I was glad to see so many friends, old and new. Put this one on your calendar for next year! -Ryan

Jon Thanks for another great event! This is one of my favorites. Friends, flying and fun! Thanks to all of my friends and everyone who attended! Without you it wouldn't have been nearly as fun!! Glad to be there and plan on it next year as well.

Alan thanks for coming out! Demos were phenomenal!! Extraordinary talent and professionalism were a pleasure to witness! Hope you can make it a regular event!

Regards, RS

4. Thanks it was a blast. Alan it was great to meet you, and great flying. shamoo, all the extra celebrations afterward have me wondering. did you take that clear plaid pill Sunday. (I WARNED YOU NOT TO TAKE THAT) and to think some people call it the little blue pill. huh lol Toby Viles

5 A BIG THANK YOU to Jon and his boss and to the WHOLE Blacksheep group out there!!!! WONDERFUL EVENT!!!!!
I had a blast and I really can't wait for next year!!! You need to get them to do away with a couple months this year Jon so it will get here sooner!!!

Again thank you to everyone and to Alan for coming out and hanging with us for a few days!! Was a pleasure!!!!
Bob... the guy with no steak and shake...

Big Thanks goes out to you Jon and your wife and all the Springfield gang! We had a GREAT time this weekend.
Best Regard from the Bootheel Gang

Last word that I received is that George has reserved the room at the Golden Corral for our Christmas party/meeting. It will be on Thursday, Dec. 09, 2004. We will need to get them a head count right after this month'’ meeting in case they need to set up a second section for us. We will talk more at the next meeting. Dan

Springfield RC Club, minutes of October meeting - Thursday, October 7, 2004. Ralph Todd, Secretary

The club met at the Library Center on South Campbell Street. There was a very good attendance, and the meeting was called to order at 7 PM by president Dan Curtis. The minutes, having been read by nearly all members present, were accepted without change. Kevin Murdock reported income and disbursements in his treasure's reports. This included the $560 spent on the new out house. He also showed the club a neat graph, indcating how the club's finances compared for the past four years. It was up and down a little, but stable. This report was accepted by those present.

Old Business:

Dan apologized for not printing details of new pilot requirements for solo flying, in the last newsletter. This new safety measure was intended to be discussed and implemented at this meeting. He said it will be printed in the next newsletter, and acted on in November.

There were very good reports concerning the successful Pattern contest last month. Our own club members earned several trophies, and guest competitors were very pleased with the operation.

Mike Howard said it would be a good idea to use tie downs on the new privy. Mike also asked for opinions about how far, and when to continue the new fence south of the gate at the field. The club voted to wait until next spring. Corner post will have to be set.

New business:

Mike Howard indicated that he would need $500 more annually, to continue the mowing job. OD Fine volunteered to seek out a few more competitive bids for the mowing job next year. Mike, realizing the magnitude of the job, thought bids would be a good idea. Some felt that it would be better to pay him more, since he is doing such a good job, and always has the field looking great, just prior to actives.

George Ashley reported that the cost of meals at our Christmas party could run from $10.00 to $25.00. Most felt that the higher figure was too much, especially considering couples. It was voted to have George check about having the party at the Golden Corral, as near to December 2nd as possible.

Doug Bennett and Mike Howard volunteered to purchase prizes for the Christmas party. Jon White made a motion that the club spend $700 for these prizes to be raffled. This was ratified by a vote.

Jon White gave a report on the upcoming Helicopter competition to be taking place at the field this week end. A record 63 entries are already confirmed, and Jon is hopeful on having 70 before the session is over. He said representatives of several top RC manufacturers will be present, as well as Allen Szabo and his daily exhibitions.

Dan Copeland, Sparkey Wessels, and Jon White volunteered to serve on the nominating committee. Candidates for club officers, and six board members will be sought out to be voted on during the next meeting.

Doug Bennett was thanked with an applause, by members for his making and donating new flight board frequency pins.

It was announced that models built by deceased member,Bob Cates, are for sale. Russ Rhodes is helping Mrs. Cates with the selling of them. At least one can be seen hanging at Sleeth Hobbies, and a listing of the rest will be on hand.

Kevin Murdock suggested that members pay next years dues in January. He said that since this is the way our landlord gets paid, it would be smart not to keep him waiting.

Meeting adjourned at 8:15 PM

Effective January 1, 2004, all dues are payable on a calendar year basis for those who were members in 2002. As was the case in 2003, the dues for the year are $75.00 for adults and $50 for juniors (students under 18). The dues apply no matter when you decide to pay your 2003 dues. As was the case last year, NEW members will pay a pro-rated amount based on what month they join the club for the first time.

NOTE: You must show proof that you have paid your AMA dues for 2004 in order to receive your 2004 Blacksheep member card. Either mail your dues with a copy of your AMA card or bring the card to the January meeting to show to the Treasurer.

You may mail your check payable to SPRINGFIELD R/C CLUB and a copy of your AMA card to: Kevin Murdock, Treasurer, 3448 E. Stanhope Terrace, Springfield, MO 65809

President: Dan Curtis- 887-2971	Vice President: George Ashley- 883-2621
Secretary: Ralph Todd- 859-3073	Treasurer: Kevin Murdock, 823-7865
Board of Directors: James White, Ron Cannell, Ray Niles, Lonnie Cort, Harrold Carrol, Charles Newton.
News Letter Editor: Russ Rhodes, 3164 S. Glenhaven, Springfield, Missouri 65804, rgr592f@smsu.edu
Web Site of Springfield RC Club: http://www.angelfire.com/mo2/blacksheeprc/index2.html