Mad Dogs 4! 14th September 2013 *CONFIRMED*

[FPVSteve]

I agree the boundary though for the flight line and I think we will also use one of the changing rooms where we can charge LiPos and do work on planes which probably won't be the main room as it has previously been.

Based on past experience, people will be wanting to see what goes on at the flight line, otherwise what's the point in going?

My main concern is Little Jonny 5 year old who goes to see the toy planes with his mum and dad... then starts running around ££££ worth of gear, picking up goggles, accidentally wobbling into the quads etc. How peed off would you be for instance if little Jonny accidentally stepped on your AXN and snapped a wing or something while you were gabbing to his dad?

Not saying it's a particularly bad thing like I'm some sort of anti-social old git (arguable!) but to be honest... nothing good comes of allowing people to mingle with high-value stuff in public.

There's a reason why at most car shows for example, the actual valuable stuff is cordoned off.

[Brucey]

Maybe you could have a cordoned off section for the flight line, but have a viewing area very near with a ground station so the passing public can view the action.

If love to commit to attending this, but I need to check the work situation nearer the time.

[Gundummy]

Yep ... I'm in, about time i learned something from you elders  ;D . ... and someone can show me how to fly a plank!!

££ sent via paypal

[Flyboysee]

Booked and Confirmed

Hase2 (paid)
Flyboysee (paid)
3DJIM
CurryKitten (paid)
CharlieWalker (paid)
DaveyLC (paid)
Krikey (paid)
Dogzilla
Randall (Banned from Mad Dogs for life) (paid)
Gundummy (paid)
Brucey
Coyote (paid)
Ratty

Let me know if I've missed anyone out in the 'wanting to attend' list.

[Ratty]

Ill be there, all being well, as usual.  :D

[krikey]

there might be a simple answer Steve, bring a fold up table. I plan on doing that after seeing Gav do the same and Ratty too. Sure little jonny can still wobble into the table but hopefully less likely to stand on anything.

[Ratty]

We have kids walking round our stuff all the time at the local club. Nothing has be trod on yet. The parents are usually over paranoid of them breaking something.

[FPVSteve]

Now THAT is a plan.

[Flyboysee]

Im in, In Cyprus at the moment but will paypal you asap but defo in 100% will send a little extra as i felt guilty for having a beer on my last visit and not being a paying flyer :-S

Randall if you so much as dare put any amount over £10 into Paypal I will ban you for life from Mad Dogs events, together with all your descendants for eternity, and as Prince says, "That's a mighty long time!"

Opps too late !!! Dam iphones and mobile paypal lol. However payment sent save me a spot :-D

You owe me a beer! :)

[Flyboysee]

Thanks for all the suggestions and advice. One thing about this meet is I'd like to fly and hassle less about the minute by minute organising.

That leaves us two choices:

1. Organise some events mixed in, or on Day 2 for the die hard all weekend flyers?
2. Keep it 'free fly' and do as before, just spreading out a lot more to maintain frequency and jamming separation?

What I would like to do right now is cut off at 15 confirmed flyers, and then decide amongst us that are confirmed all the above, as well as other suggestions that may come in. I have drafted a rough outline for some events such as a 5km round trip passing certain markers, a 10km round trip on the same basis, speed trials over say a 1km return all adjudicated on ground station footage. Static events could be a targeted parachute drop and spot landing.
This will mean someone, probably two (???) will to have to sacrifice their own flying to keep things organised, and rely on everyone's full co-operation during these events and not fly randomly at the same time. I can't see much enthusiasm for that!

Since we all like a lot of stick time I honestly can't see how this will work, or if the various challenges will even be fun to do (while waiting your turn too of course) and whether they are not just going to cause a lot of planes to go missing??? Lots to think and chat about.

I would say if we do this, we should make Saturday the normal meet, and reserve the Sunday for all the organised stuff, in which case I'd be happy to get involved. 

So please agree with me (in the most democratic way possible of course, that's an order!) that we close off with 15, really work on our separation and if there is a lot more interest then revert to plan B which means we have a maximum of 10 active ground stations at a time, manned by two people who alternate their flying. That will be more than manageable, make for a day of lots of flying and socialising and having the usual rip roaring time!

The village has totally warmed up to this event and people have expressed a wish to 'pop in' and enjoy some passenger flights over the fields and village. My main man Dave Pickett was sat down with goggles on and he really enjoyed it immensely, so it would be nice if we could invite onlookers to 'have a look' if they are interested. Obviously we'll still need to stay away from the Manor House and Church (except me :) ) I will then just put up a small notice in the pub saying 'Come and have a look!'. The village is generally very positive about my / our flying and I have not received any complaints wrt privacy and all that crap. Our good conduct of course will ensure this is the spirit moving forward as the event repeats again and gain.

I've received suggestions from Krikey and CK (both decorated Mad Dogs vets) that we should clear the open space in the club house for beers and chilling and putting up a screen (this time!) for live video feeds, and use the kitchen area for food prep, serving and drinks and use the locker rooms for charging. I will arrange power extension leads to each and place tables there. I reckon that's a fantastic plan - thanks for the suggestions! 

As to food. Yes, I enjoyed the barbie last time. No, I don't really want to do it again :)

That said, there is no reason why we can't have a few fires going and flame up your favourite dead animal. Here again, an opportunity to chat this to death and maybe come up with an idea that works for everyone.

As you already know, camping has been agreed, so that means night flying is on! Are there any hippies out there who actually know what size moon we'll have on the night and any Shamans who want to predict the weather? :)

Can anyone suggest a way to make a cheap flag pole with a flag or material covering that will work as a ground station marker and maybe double up as a windsock? We'll need 10 of them! I love what Angelos and Yogs did at Bounce, but don't really want to steal their idea, unless someone is mates with them and just borrows their great markers.

Alright, that's already a lot of reading!

Richard

[FPVSteve]

Ah I'm gonna free up a place on the list - cheers guys, have fun

[Flyboysee]

Ah I'm gonna free up a place on the list - cheers guys, have fun

Who pissed on your flowers Steve?

[FPVSteve]

Nobody, just thought about it in depth and decided against coming - thought I'd update the list 3 months in advance since you marked everyone as paid and attending. Just think I'd prefer more "intimate" meets like Mam Tor for instance, so at least now someone else can fit on the list.

If though you back out at any point please let me know.

Cheers

[krikey]

Thats a shame, i was looking forward to meeting you and comparing notes on AXNs oh and also trying to convince you to clip the wings :)

[Randall]

Im in, In Cyprus at the moment but will paypal you asap but defo in 100% will send a little extra as i felt guilty for having a beer on my last visit and not being a paying flyer :-S

Randall if you so much as dare put any amount over £10 into Paypal I will ban you for life from Mad Dogs events, together with all your descendants for eternity, and as Prince says, "That's a mighty long time!"

Opps too late !!! Dam iphones and mobile paypal lol. However payment sent save me a spot :-D

You owe me a beer! :)

Ok i will bring some along :)

Looks like its going to be a busy one.