Volume 50, Issue 6
The R/C Flyer
Next Meeting – June 12th, 2025
MAY MINUTES
by Rex Beck
Meeting Location Gilruth Center, Mars Room
Members Present 12 (Walt & Bill not present)
President Fitz Walker called the meeting to order and made a motion to approve the April Minutes, which were approved unanimously.
Membership
Email from Walt Lueke reported 68 Members & 164 guests. Forty nine (49) renewals have been received to date. Bill Courtright requested Bruce Hilte be added to JSC Gate list.
Treasurer Report
Bill Courtright text’d JSC-Welby Balance of $7,431.53.
Mike Liable suggested we continue paying $115.00 for the Port-o-Can until we’re asked to depart from the site.
Safety Report
Joe Schmidt reported no flying safety problems, however the pipe studs and Cable tie-downs are still tripping hazards.
Old Business
Lisa Gurgos (JSC Event Coordinator) communicated that our Space Act Agreement with JSC would expire on May 7, without re-
newal. Furthermore, all alternate on-site locations have been rejected by the Director of Center Operations, and once the B14 Antenna Range is no longer accessible, the club would need to depart from the site.
Mike was to contact JSC and possibly ACMI too, to see if JSC would allow us continued access to fly, if we waive all claims against ACMI in relation to their rented property.
With our remaining future at the field looking bleak, Charlie offered to take pictures of our equipment that could be donated to members, or other flying clubs in the area.
Attendees scheduled a “Last Club Fly-In” for Sunday, April 27, where a final group picture will be taken of attending pilots.
New Business
The April 27th Club fly was a total success with 17 members showing up. Fitz maidened his F-16 Turbine, putting on a spectacular show for all to enjoy.
Since the club has failed to acquire an alternate flying field outside JSC, area clubs have offered membership discounts as follows: Alvin, $122.00, Texas City, $75.00, and Tom Bass, $45.00.
Discussion of Nasa’s programs being cancelled or in limbo (Orian, SLS, Artimus, and Gateway), seemingly diametrically opposed to expansion of Exploration Park. This may be why we keep getting “red light, green light” for staying at the field.
Mike called Lisa Gurgos (JSC Event coordinator) on May 1st, and she indicated we can fly until ACMI’s lease is finally signed. In conjunction with this, JSC will continue to honor our expired Space Act Agreement until ACMI’s lease is signed in full.
Fitz volunteered to call ACMI to let them know were still flying on site, and to get some idea as to when the lease will be finalized.
With these positive vibes, and the approaching heat wave, attendees made motion to re-erect ½ of the Canopy. Cost should be minimal, maybe $200. Brian will purchase any necessary parts, and coordinate a work crew to re-assemble on Saturday, May 10th.
In addition to re-erecting ½ Canopy, members also decided to put a hold on moving remaining tables, stands, & flight boxes to area club fields. Brian will return (1) starting stand from Texas City.
Mike suggested that once we’re told to leave JSC, and if no relocation plans are on the horizon, we may want to donate our Wellby treasury funds to another club.
Near end of meeting, Saverio Gaudiano discussed Challenger 7 Park expansion plans, and suggested the club should organize a proposal to Harris County for a new flying field there.
Show & Tell
Bruce Hilte showed his E-flite Inverza 250 BNF, which is fun to fly. David Kimbrell from the JSC Ham Radio Club brought over two of his planes for sale: An E-flite electric T-34, a Hangar 9 XE-2 glo, and flight box, all for $350.00. No interest was shown from meeting attendees, however Rex said he could assist David in selling them to Alvin & JSC memberships.
Meeting adjourned at 7:30 PM.
Future Business
The June 12th meeting will be held at 6:30 PM at Gilruth Center, Mars Room on 2nd floor. Rex will be out of town, so need a volunteer to record the minutes.
Please continue to bring your models for “Show & Tell”. Another method for broadcasting to all the members is to email Mike Laible your model build or flight story with pics. He will add it to the Newsletter for all to enjoy.
Upcoming Events
See last page
Please continue to bring your models, techniques, & flying stories to the meetings, as members are always interested in hearing about them – adds aeronautical flavor to the meetings, which is what we’re all about.
Rex
WHAT’S UP AROUND THE CLUB
by Mike Laible
My latest adventure was a trip to Joe Nall. Fitz and Lee Ray invited my to come along and they had room in the trailer for a couple of planes. I figured for sure B-24 and then last minute I decided to bring the L4 Grasshopper. Boy that was a good decision. It rained the first three days and the L4 (other
planes with large wheels) were the only thing flying during those days!!!!
My view for the first three days.
Pilots meeting with Pat Hartness. Fitz, Lee, and myself had a nice talk with him at lunch. Talked about airplanes (of course) but mostly just about life.
The entrance to triple tree.
The long soggy walk to the flight line.
Finally the sun came out and this is the view for dinner.
The field was wet and it took extremely long run to get her off the ground. But it flew
On final.
The B-24 mad it to the flight line, waiting for the green light
Fitz (my spotter) and I with a two thumbs up after the flight. Another flight log in the book.
And got another signiture. His dad was tail gunner
The grasshopper on a fly by. Photo by Jenni Alderman.
All in all the tripvwas fantastic and a huge bucket list. Been there done that. I probably be back sometime with a trailer full of electrics!!!!!!!
What was really the neatest thing was seeing all the venues of RC in one place. Helicopter, float fly, 3D, Electric and main line (large scale). It was outstanding. The rain was a nuisance but also a plus. I never waited to fly. Got two flights on the B-24 and 13 on the L4. It was a great time.
I just returned from Bomber Field all scale event. The turn out was just about right (I believe 50 npilots). Non stop flying and I came home with all the same parts. Got three flights in on the B25.
However, wanted to show you Michael Roznick shuttle carrier modl. Nice ducted fan. He almost has the shuttle done. He does plan to launch the shuttle from the carrierer.
Nothing better than a bunch of guys standing aroun looking at a model. This was just after a nice flight and bomb drop.
And to end this newsletter how about Rex and Jerry doing some FPV. What could go worng with this!!!!!
Till next time, Godspeed, Mike
Upcoming Events
6/6-7 Bomber Field all scale
6/13-14 Texas City – Big Bird
6/13-14 HotMac, Waco Big Bird
8/1-3 Livingston Warbird Summer Sizzle
8/30 Dirty South Warbird, Beaumont
9/13 Dayton – Jets over Jetero
9/17-20 Bomber B-17
10/4-5 New Waverly – all electric
10/4-5 Space City Warbird
10/10-11 JH Rice Memorial - Kingsbury
11-7/8 Texas City – Fall Free for all
Club Officers
President: Fitz Walker 817-797-9192 (Cell) flying_fitz@yahoo.com
Vice-President: Mike Laible 713-542-0987 (Cell) mrlaible@sbcglobal.net
Treasurer: Bill Courtright 713-253-0895 (Cell) b2crtrt@comcast.net
Secretary: Rex Beck
Committees
Membership: Walt Lueke
832-628-9473 (Cell) kingsrex@aol.com
281-788-6461(Cell)
Safety Officer: Joe Schmidt 281-300-1211(Cell)
Instructors
Fixed:
Tom Altmyer: 713 591 2859
Mike Laible: 713-542-0987
James Lemon: 832-385-4779
Fitz Walker 817-797-9192
Larry Ammons 832-385-3374
Gary Wilkerson
Heli & Fixed:
Brian Campopiano: 832-524-9590 (Cell)
Russell Bear: 281-757-3251
The R/C Flyer
Articles and Want Ads may be submitted to the Editor, Mike Laible at mrlaible@sbcglobal.net
To get the newsletter via e-mail go to http://www.jscrcc.com/ and click on the "Subscribe to Newsletter". Once you have subscribed, you will automatically receive a confirmation email that you must reply to get the newsletter each month. After you confirm you are on the newsletter email list. If you have any questions concerning the web site, e-mail Mike Laible at mrlaible@sbcglobal.net
Club Homepage
http://www.jscrcc.org
For Sale
Dragon Lady kit – Free Foam wings already sheeted, minor assembly. I would call this an almost ready to cover.
Contact Blaine Valentine at 281-543-5243. He prefers no text, voice call.
