FLYING FIELD (HART FIELD) UPDATE

[biggles]

(Yes, get used to calling it that). For those that missed the update on Sunday, here is the latest.  I met with the Parks Manager (on Friday just gone) at Council and discussed getting material (roadbase and soil) on site asap, as well as finding out what they could do for us in terms of heavy equipment (grader, backhoe, bulldozer etc) .  He advised that he would make inquiries with the Roads Manager this week and get back to me.  He indicated that he is anxious to assist in improving the site now that the DA has been approved (potentially saving us thousands of dollars in material).  He also gave approval for commencement of the star picket and wire fence although we have to restrict its size to a slightly smaller area than originally planned (in other words the cross strip is out for the time being).

The fence will be our responsibility to pay for and erect as well as the gate to the facility (we will need one similar to the main council gate at Russell Street).  Ive estimated about 600 lineal metres of fencing will be required so if anyone can get a price or some quotes on the materials that would be helpful.  The fence and gate when erected will deter most miscreant trailbike/quad riders but no doubt we will get hit at some time in the future, so its not intended to end the threat of the strip being vandalised (nothing will do that) but at least it will be a deterrant and anyone caught inside the area can be charged with trespass and/or malicious damage.   At present the plan is to tackle the access road and parking area first, then fence the area and then work on levelling the strip, heli area and pits (its pointless doing the strip first without the fencing as it would just be an invitation to trailbikes and quads to tear it up.. and the access and parking areas have to be sorted first to accommodate truck and machinery movements for soil deliveries etc).  

Council have also indicated that they may be able to help out with some grass seed as well once the areas have been levelled (but again if we get the grant we may be able to afford to turf some areas).   This will of course all take time but if its any consolation the latest case scenario for work to commence by council is April/May (his words).  Hopefully by that time we will know how our grant application to Sport and Rec has gone and we may have a few more dollars in the kitty by then.  However we cant count on that and if you have any bright ideas in regard to sponsorship etc, now would be a good time to act on them as we may need it.  

Council have no problems with the erection of a large shade area (ive been looking at one thats 12m x 4m with a pitched roof @$5000.00 - if we get the grant then we get one to start with and then add another when more funds become available) as well as a permanent storage box/frequency board (about the size of electricity meter box but deeper) to be erected on two poles within the pits,  Secured with a lock system like the gate, it will open up to be a frequency board on the inside of the door and contain things required at the field, a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, Safety Officers (Air Boss) vest, visitors book, accident report forms, windsock etc.  

Other fencing is also good to go as far as Parks is concerned, such as delineating the pits, flight line and pilot boxes.  In brief I dont think we could have struck a more positive and helpful Parks Manager.  

Thats it for now.  I'll keep you posted on any developments as soon as I hear.    

[tannant2]

All's go!Good.Looking forward to the working bees.What type of turf is being considered?I think buffalo or cooch would be good ,both have good matting characteristics and need less mowing in summer months.
      What about erecting a shrine to the model aircraft Gods.As I tore the undercarriage off my Taylorcraft on Sunday ,I feel if there was a shrine at the field I could've made offerings before the flight { humbly of course ]and also had someone to abuse the hell afterwards [ respectfully of course ] .As my flying skills can't be a consideration then its the fault of the aircraft gods [ mongrels ].

[Newflyer1]

Star pickets ........... need to know how high the fence will be and work out how much you want to put in the ground you cant go to shallow or it will get pushed over .... try this guy horsleywholesale.com.au

[Spirit]

Hi guys,

Great news! We are currently negotiating prices on the fencing for the field. After a day on the phone, we are getting closer to having a secure flying field. Negotiations are still
underway to come up with the best deal for the club. We should know a final outcome on Monday or Tuesday, we’ll keep you all “posted”  (just had to add that on in)

Regards,
Brett

[park aviator]

this fencing sounds great guys  i think it will help in detering the uninvited guests even when we are there.

[Spirit]

Hi All,

Well just to keep everyone upto date on our field progress I'll post a few areas we are working on at the moment...

1. Fencing. I'm waiting to hear back from 3 people regarding what they can supply at what final costs and when... hopefully I'll get some info back today regarding this.
2. Working bee. We will need to have a working bee over a few weekends once we have all the fencing worked out. It's going to be a BIG job...
3. We are still waiting on council to slash the outer field, as all council mowers are doing overtime, we just have to wait.
4. Council has requested road base and soil for us and is waiting for a formal confirmation for the depot to when we will receive it.

We are trying to move ahead as fast as we can, but when we are working with so my people to bring this all together it takes a little time. Hopefully we don't hit any brick wall that holds up our progress.

We'll keep you upto date with our progress.

Regards,
Brett. B