Stop it now! I’m talking about the fixed wing patch. After a number of requests by members with big ones (models that is) we have added a twenty foot extension to the right hand end, with the hope that this will allow a longer run off when landing left to right. Of course this also allows for a longer take off run in both directions and should allow larger models to appear at the field on a more regular basis

The debate on the safety of the central pilot box position rumbles on, with concern from some quarters that models crossing in front of pilots could in extreme cases cause damage to life and limb should a model ground loop and hit another pilot.

As a compromise may I be bold enough to suggest the following:

Since the extension to the strip, the central box is now not as central as it was (i.e. 20ft further left of centre relative to the right hand end) and therefore when flying from LEFT to RIGHT there is plenty of runway to the right, A take off from in front of the box, as shown below in red, should not cause any difficulties. When flying from RIGHT to LEFT let’s use the right hand pilot box as usual. This means models do not have to cross in front of other pilots when taking off.

Additionally, as was evident at the Fun Day Fly-in during which we had very many more models than any normal flying day, please abide to the rule of only placing models past the white line painted on the runway (10m from the edge of the patch) therefore reducing the danger even further.

For crosswind situations either box may be used as long as ALL pilots use the same one.

As I said at the beginning this is only a suggestion but I believe a workable one. In due course we can trial this option and prove its effectiveness.

One additional benefit is that landing further into the field instead of trying to land on the first three feet will greatly reduce the number of landings that fall short of the field, and who hasn’t done that!