Runway Update
We need to start by thanking the twenty-two members who made donations towards our runway improvements. Thanks to your generosity, we raised $9957 for this project. Without these donations, we would not be able to move forward. THANK YOU!!

The current plan is for the asphalt millings to be delivered on January 20th. They are able to dump them directly onto the runway so it will be much easier to level them. President Jim will begin leveling the runway that same day with his equipment, but it won’t be completed before the weekend. We need a couple of volunteers on Tuesday, January 20th to help with the gates to allow the dump trucks access. We will need multiple volunteers on Saturday the 24th to get the runway in a condition where it is useable. If you are able to help either of these days, contact Jim directly.

Members should assume that the runway will be unusable January 20-24th. Members may fly (hand launched/grass) during this period provided that nobody is working on the runway. No playing while your club mates are working please! Note that the club will be hosting a Cub Scout Rocket launch on the 24th. This event will not interfere with runway work.

From the VP
As discussed at the November club meeting, we have implemented a “Member and Visitor” daily sign-in sheet. The log is currently located in the club house, but we have plans to move it to a waterproof box under the metal awning. The purpose of the log is to get a better idea/count of the actual number of people using the club (recreation) facility each month. That info may be useful in getting the County to throw us a bone every now and then. While use of the log is not mandatory, we are requesting that you log in every time that you go to the club. If you bring any guests, please log them also.

On another subject, I’d like to remind all members that the gates need to remain locked when the County Convenience Drop Off CT

From Safety
Thank you for trusting me to serve as our Safety Officer for 2026. I’ll endeavor to increase our safety awareness and behaviors in a clear and considerate manner. Since ‘Safety of Flight Operations’ is everyone’s business, freely bring your safety concerns and recommendations to me or any member of the CCF Board. Such support will be gratefully received. Additionally, if you witness or are involved in a safety incident in 2026, please notify the CCF Board members immediately.

I don’t have exact details regarding our 2025 Safety Record, but I am aware of at least one self-inflicted personal injury (me). Injuring yourself is an unfortunate consequence of poor individual safety practice, but injuring someone else is intolerable and unacceptable. Working together, we can enjoy our hobby without injuring anyone one or damaging property.

You may have noticed I’ve been wearing an orange safety vest while flying with you during Thursday through Saturday’s flight operations. This is an effort to increase ‘safety awareness’ during ‘flight operations’. The unspoken message is that Safe flight operations is important enough to be monitored and developed. The orange vest person (Designated Flight Operations Safety Officer) will monitor, teach, and direct safety of flight operations as necessary. This will be done in a positive, friendly, and considerate manner.

Regarding Training: Member donations have increased our club trainer aircraft inventory to three 1.5-meter Apprentice S and one AeroScout. The training inventory only includes one DX9 and one DX8e, so we are limited to conducting one Introductory/Training flight at a time. If you have a spare DX transmitter you are willing to donate, please inform me. Additional DX transmitter pairs will allow simultaneous training flights, enabling future public ‘Come and Fly with Us’ recruting efforts. Many Thanks to our thoughtful and generous CCF members!

2026 Membership Drive
CCF ended 2025 with a total of 76 members. (What a change from 2020 when we barely had 20!) Of those, we have 42 members who have not yet paid their 2026 dues, so please do so as soon as possible. To renew your membership, complete the attached form and drop it (and a check) in the box in the clubhouse or mail it to the address on the form. If paying with cash, please make payment to any club officer. The gate locks will be changed soon, and only those who have paid will receive the new combinations. A list of those who have paid 2026 dues is provided at the end of this newsletter.

Rocket Jamboree
On Saturday January 24th CCF will be hosting Cub Scout Pack 488 for their annual Rocket Jamboree from 0930-1300. We are expecting about sixty scouts, ages 5-10 plus chaperones. The scouts will be launching rockets that they built themselves. All launches will be conducted IAW both AMA and National Association of Rocketry Safety Codes and will be supervised by CCF Officers. Depending upon prevailing winds, the launches will occur at either the east or west end of the runway and will not interfere with runway repairs scheduled that day. CCF members
may conduct an RC demonstration pending weather. If you have anyone with an interest in model rocketry, please invite them to attend.

Clay County Flyers Calendar Events
JANUARY 2026
24 Cub Scout Rocket Jamboree (Wx backup 31)
31 Bloody Baron #4
FEBRUARY 2026
14 NAS Jacksonville Sea Scouts
28 Bloody Baron #5
MARCH 2026
28 Bloody Baron #6
APRIL 2026
11 Bloody Baron Weather Make-Up

Club Meeting/Elections/Silent Auction
Saturday November 29th will be a big day for the club. Starting at 10am we will have a club meeting followed by election of the 2026 Officers. If you are willing to serve as an officer for next year, please contact President Jim. We will also be selling (via silent auction) a large assortment of RC gear that was donated as a fund raiser for the runway. Please plan on attending.

Runway Update
In the October newsletter we expressed concerns that we would not have the financial resources necessary to start our runway repairs. Since then, a number of additional pledges have been received which have allayed those concerns. The Executive Board would like to thank the 15 members who have pledged a total of $8200 to support this project. Combined with the money that we have in savings, we are in a good position to start the project. We will still need a bit more to complete the repairs, so please consider a donation if you have not already done so. For your convenience, the 2026 Membership Renewal Form provides a space for you to make a pledge towards the runway. Donations of $500 will include free dues for 2026 and donations of $1000 will include free dues for 2026 and 2027.
At present, we are still awaiting approval from the State/County to commence the repairs. It does not appear that there are any technical issues with the project, it is just that the approval process through the state is agonizingly slow. President Jim is in weekly communications with county officials, so hopefully we will get the go ahead soon.

2026 Membership Drive
Our 2026 membership drive is officially underway. If you are not one of the twelve members who has already paid 2026 dues, please complete and submit the attached form with payment as soon as possible. For members who have made runway pledges of $500 or more, please do not make a dues payment at this time.

Membership
We continue to grow with three new members in the last month. Total CCF membership is now 74.

Clay County Flyers Calendar Events
NOVEMBER
29 Club Meeting/Elections/Cookout Fundraiser
DECEMBER
6 Bloody Baron #3
6 Swap Meet/Toys for Tots at Gateway
JANUARY 2026
24 Cub Scout Rocket Jamboree (Wx backup 31)
31 Bloody Baron #4
FEBRUARY 2026
14 NAS Jacksonville Sea Scouts
28 Bloody Baron #5
MARCH 2026
28 Bloody Baron #6
APRIL 2026
11 Bloody Baron Weather Make-Up

President’s Corner
As we shared several weeks ago, the county does not have sufficient funding to install
an asphalt runway for the club. As a result, we have decided to move forward with repairs to
our current runway. The basic plan is to lay about three inches of asphalt milling over the
existing cloth. Once the millings are leveled and compacted, the surface will be coated with
asphalt sealer. The resulting surface will be better than our current cloth runway and will be
easier to repair when needed in the future. We have presented this plan to the county and
have their support to proceed pending approval by the Florida EPA. We hope to be able to
commence this project in the next month or two.
The runway repairs will be paid for using existing club funds, 2026 membership dues
and donations. We normally start our annual membership drive on December 1st, but we will
start early this year so that the money can be used to fund the runway. Early payment of 2026
dues is not required but will greatly help the club if you can afford to do so. Stand by for more
information in about two weeks.
Since announcing the runway upgrade plan several weeks ago, we have received four
very generous donation pledges for this project. While these take us a long way towards the
amount needed, additional donation pledges will be necessary for us to start this project. If you
are in the position to make any donation, please contact CCF Secretary Mark
(mark.c.nye@comcast.net) to make a pledge. If we can get half of the membership to donate
half the price of a new plane, we will easily meet our goal. Note that donations of $500 will
include free dues for 2026, and a $1000 donation will include free dues for 2026 and 2027.

Airplane Adventures – September 20th
Our annual “Airplane Adventures” event with the county will be on September 20th 10am12pm. Last year this event was very successful, with 119 people in attendance. Great fun was
had by all, both the young kids and us old kids. Please attend and bring your coolest planes to
fly. We are especially looking for helicopters and big loud gassers for demo flights (let me know
if interested). We will also have a combat demo and rocket launches. In preparation for the
event, we will be cleaning out the clubhouse and refrigerator, so if you have anything of value
there, please remove it. Besides attending, other ways that you can help:

• Volunteer to help with set up at 7:30am and/or cleanup at 1pm.
• Double park and park closely when you arrive.
• Donate a case of water or twelve pack of sodas.
• Help keep the guests behind the safety line.
• No maiden flights during the event.
• Gene will be mowing on either the 18th or 19th. Please do not fly while he is mowing

Membership
We continue to gain new members at a steady pace with another two new members this
month. If you see someone that you do not know, please introduce yourself and make them
feel at home. Current membership is up to 70!!!.

Clay County Flyers Calendar Events
SEPTEMBER
20 AIRPLANE ADVENTURES Kids Event w/ the County
CLUB MEETING
OCTOBER
18 FALL FUN-FLY (ALT OCT25)
NOVEMBER
29 TOYS FOR TOTS
FALL SWAP MEET
DECEMBER
CLUB MEETING/Elections
JANUARY 2026
24 Cub Scout Rocket Jamboree (Wx backup 31)
FEBRUARY 2026
14 NAS Jacksonville Sea Scouts

To contact us please use form https://clayflyers.org/CCF0423/contact-us/.

Dear Clay County Flyers,

Last week, President Jim and Vice-President Dale met with the Clay County Parks and Recreation Dept Director to discuss the possibility of a county funded asphalt runway for our club. Regrettably, the County is under significant fiscal pressure resulting in a big budget cut for Parks and Rec. As a result, the department is unable to fund our runway for the foreseeable future.

Given the current state of the runway, the board has voted to proceed with an alternate runway solution. The plan includes covering the existing cloth runway with 3” of asphalt millings. Once the millings have been spread, leveled, and compacted, we will overcoat the runway with asphalt sealer. Although the resulting surface will not be as smooth as asphalt, it will be better than what we have now, will be easy to maintain and will not be subject to erosion. This will also form an excellent base for any possible future asphalt runway. We are still gathering quotes but estimate that this project will cost $18k-$20k. There is a chance it will cost less if the county can help with excavation and/or lower cost materials.

The board proposes to fund this project three ways. First, we have been frugal over the last two years and consequently we have saved approximately $7k that can safely be used for a new runway. Secondly, we are going to ask the membership to pay their 2026 dues early, which should generate in excess of $5k. Finally, we will be asking the membership to make donations to make up the shortage.

So, what can YOU do to help?

If you have any ideas/suggestions for this project, please contact any board member.
President Jim will be spearheading the planning side of the project getting quotes and approvals etc. If you would like to help with that effort, please contact him directly.
Please consider paying your 2026 dues early (but not quite yet). We will announce when we are in a position to start accepting 2026 dues.
If you are in the financial position to make a donation towards the runway, please contact Secretary Mark to make a pledge. Any donation of $500 will include paid dues for 2026 and a $1000 donation will include paid dues for 2026 and 2027.
And of course, we will be looking for willing hands to help with physical labor when the time comes.

As we move forward, just a couple of quick reminders regarding club communications. First, per the club bylaws, “the President will serve as the primary club contact when dealing with the AMA, Clay County Board Members, and other clubs or organizations.” Please do not talk to any outside entities regarding any club business without first coordinating it with Jim. Secondly, please remember that our Facebook group is not a reliable source of communication for the club because less than one third of our members are active there. All official communications will come via email from one of the club officers. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions regarding any subject, please contact any board member directly.

To contact us please use form https://clayflyers.org/CCF0423/contact-us/.

President’s Corner
A huge thank you to all who have contributed time and/or money required to move and expand
our sunshade over the pit area. Once completed we will have quadrupled our shaded area.
Members are reminded that propeller aircraft MAY NOT be armed in the pit area. Please use
the designated arming tables next to the taxiways.

Cookout/Fun Fly
Our ‘Annual CCF Independence Day Barbecue and Fun Fly’ is ‘right-around-the-corner’,
Saturday, July 5th, from 8am to 1pm. Setup of Field, Cooking and Serving areas will begin at
7:30am. Serving of lunch begins at 11am. The CCF Board will fund the supplies for the pulled
pork sandwiches and drinks, while we’re asking CCF members to provide the side and desert
food items. Tables will be setup to receive your food contributions.☆ Many thanks to Rex for
organizing this.

Safety
This is the HOT time of year. Please make sure that you stay hydrated and use the air
conditioning in the clubhouse if needed.

Training
Please refrain from using the CCF training aircraft that are stored in the clubhouse. They
are for the sole use of approved AMA CCF IP(Instructor Pilots) conducting training. CCF IPs
conduct impromptu ‘Introductory Flights’ for new RC Hobby investigators. If willing and
able, IPs can provide individualized scheduled flight instruction for new CCF members to
become solo approved CCF Flyers. If you’re interested in becoming a CCF IP, notify a CCF
Board member for consideration.

Access Gates
We have quite a few new members, so we have attached the guide for accessing the club.
Please review the attachment.

Membership
We continue to gain new members at a steady pace with another two new members this
month. If you see someone that you do not know, please introduce yourself and make them
feel at home. Current membership is now sixty-five.

Clay County Flyers Calendar Events
JULY
5 COOKOUT/BRING A DISH
FAMILY FUN-FLY
SEPTEMBER
6 AIRPLANE ADVENTURES Kids Event w/ the County
CLUB MEETING
OCTOBER
18 FALL FUN-FLY (ALT OCT25)
NOVEMBER
29 TOYS FOR TOTS
FALL SWAP MEET
DECEMBER
CLUB MEETING/Elections
JANUARY 2026
24 Cub Scout Rocket Jamboree (Wx backup 31)

Our ‘Annual CCF Independence Day Barbecue and Fun Fly’ is ‘right-around-the-corner’,
Saturday, July 5th, from 8am to 1pm. Setup of Field, Cooking and Serving areas will begin at
7:30am. Serving of lunch begins at 11am.

The CCF Board will fund the supplies for the pulled
pork sandwiches and drinks, while we’re asking CCF members to provide the side and desert
food items. Tables will be setup to receive your food contributions.

Many thanks to Rex for organizing this.

The latest news have been uploaded to the site. The link to each document is below.

News 04/16/2025

News 06/23/2025

2025 FRIA Approval

President’s Corner
1200’!!!!!!!!! – On April 15th, the AMA issued the following statement: “AMA is excited to
announce that we have been granted a National Authorization allowing our members at AMA
club sites in Class G airspace to operate above 400 feet above ground level (AGL) for routine,
day-to-day activities. Based on your location in Class G airspace, your site will have a new
altitude limit of up to 700 feet or 1,200 feet AGL.” A review of the FAA UAS map indicates that
our club has received authorization to fly up to the 1200’ limit. This authorization is for sunrise
to sunset only with a 400’ limit for nighttime operations. All other AMA Safety Guidelines
remain in effect. An updated copy of our FRIA is attached.

From The VP
Hi everyone, sorry I am a “little” late in getting this out to you; I’ve been laid up for about a week with
a virus. I am hopping all are doing well.
You have met our funding goal for the Awning Extensions and Table and Bench Refurbishment in a
BIG WAY. I want to thank everyone for the generosities; no matter the amount – they were
significant and quickly met our goal.
Right now, we are expecting to do the build early May, but a known date is not available as of yet.
We are planning to have provide hot food and cold beverages to all the “WORKER BEES” during the
build.
Keep looking up,
Very Respectfully,
DALE

Training
At out last CCF meeting, a request was made for 3ea AS3X receivers was for Club
Trainers. A work-around solution was made on all three aircraft, so these receivers won’t
be needed. Many thanks for those members who made contribution offers.
The Training Hanger Aircraft Inventory, provided by CCF Membership, is:
3ea Apprentice S
1ea Fun Flyer Cub
Thank You for your generous donations.
The Training Hanger Aircraft are for the sole use of approved AMA CCF IP(Instructor Pilots)
conducting training. CCF IPs conduct impromptu ‘Introductory Flights’ for new RC Hobby
investigators. If willing and able, IPs can provided individualized scheduled flight
instruction for new CCF members to become solo approved CCF Flyers. If you’re
interested in becoming a CCF IP, notify a CCF Board member for consideration.
Thanks,
Rex Hall

Access Gates
We have quite a few new members, so we have attached the guide for accessing the club.
Please review the attachment.
Membership
We continue to gain new members at a steady pace with another two new members this
month. If you see someone that you do not know, please introduce yourself and make them
feel at home. Current membership is now sixty-three.

Clay County Flyers Calendar Events
APRIL
19 BLOODY BARON WEATHER MAKE-UP
MAY
10 CLUB MEETING 0930
17 EDFs EXHIBITION/DEMONSTRATION AND FUN-FLY
HAMBURGER/HOTDOG/DRINKS FUND RASING (DALE TO ORGANIZE/COOK)
JUNE
07 CLUB FUN-FLY, RAFFEL (MAYBY AUCTION)
(MAYBE HAMBURGER/HOTDOG/DRINKS FUND RASING)
JULY
4 COOKOUT/BRING A DISH – Rex to organize/solicit
FAMILY FUN-FLY
EVENTS TO BE DETERMINED
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
6 AIRPLANE ADVENTURES Kids Event w/ the County
CLUB MEETING
OCTOBER
18 FALL FUN-FLY (ALT OCT25)
NOVEMBER
29 TOYS FOR TOTS
FALL SWAP MEET
DECEMBER
CLUB MEETING

View the current Newsletter for 02/08/2025

CCF Events 2025

CCF EVENTS SCHEDULED
JANUARY
25 BLOODY BARON #4
FEBRUARY
8 0930 MEMBERSHIP MEETING
DAWN PATROL/CLASSIC THEMED FUN-FLY
22 BLOODY BARON #5
MARCH
22 BLOODY BARON #6
SPRING SWAP MEET, HAMBURGER/HOTDOG/DRINKS FUND RASING
APRIL
19 BLOODY BARON WEATHER MAKE-UP
MAY
10 CLUB MEETING 0930
17 EDFs EXHIBITION/DEMONSTRATION AND FUN-FLY
HAMBURGER/HOTDOG/DRINKS FUND RASING (DALE TO ORGANIZE/COOK)
JUNE
07 CLUB FUN-FLY, RAFFEL (MAYBY AUCTION)
(MAYBE HAMBURGER/HOTDOG/DRINKS FUND RASING)
JULY
4 COOKOUT/BRING A DISH – Rex to organize/solicit
FAMILY FUN-FLY

EVENTS TO BE DETERMINED
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
CLUB MEETING
OCTOBER
18 FALL FUN-FLY (ALT OCT25)
NOVEMBER
29 TOYS FOR TOTS
FALL SWAP MEET
DECEMBER
CLUB MEETING

Hey Flyers,

Don’t forget that this Saturday starting at 8am is our annual Fun Fly.

Don’t forget that it is also a silent auction and swap meet.

For Maximum Fun:

Bring yourself, your family, and your friends.
Bring some planes to fly
Bring some $$ so you can buy some planes
Bring some planes that you want to sell
Bring a lawn chair

We still need a few volunteers, let me know if you can help.