Executive Director
View from HQ
"The project made our club stronger ..."
Since flying sites are so critical to the very nature of our business, I would like to share with you how a club in Louisiana accomplished this task. I would like to thank Bert Moore for sending this information. If anyone is interested in a copy of the complete report, please contact Jay Mealy at AMA HQ.
The Building of a Dream
by Doc Moore
After 25 years at the same location, the Shreveport Area Radio Control Society was evicted from their flying site to make room for a new Walmart supercenter. Faced with the loss of our 300-foot concrete runway along with all of the improvements, a few good men set out with the seemingly impossible task of replacing the facility with one that would be bigger, better, and able to accommodate the dreams of all involved. For those of you who dream of flying a beautiful BVM jet but have no place to do it, spend the next few minutes with me and learn how you, too, can fulfill your dream.
Site Selection
Four members of our club started combing the countryside looking for land that was open enough to fly and far enough out of town to avoid encroachment by residential or industrial development. City fathers of both Shreveport and Bossier City were approached, but without success. Since this is an agricultural community there was lots of land, but unfortunately most farmers and ranchers did not relish the thought of model airplanes crashing into their crops and livestock.
After some time, a parcel of land was found that was used for cattle grazing and had little use for anything else due to its elevation. After 30 days of negotiation we arrived at an agreement that gave us 10 acres of land, with another 40 acres with overfly rights.
Lease Agreement
We agreed on a 15-year lease for an annual fee of $2,000 provided we do not disturb his cattle. We agreed to fence in our ten acres with a substantial electric fence. The landlord also required that we place $1,000 per year in an escrow account so that funds will be in place to pay for the removal of our improvements at the end of the lease period.
Site Preparation
Five members of the club became the construction committee. Much discussion was held on the type of facility the club was to establish. After much hashing it was agreed to attempt the construction of:
- a 40 x 600-foot asphalt runway
- a parallel grass runway
- a 10 x 60-foot taxiway
- a pit area 30 x 200 feet, to be partially covered for shade
Trees needed to be removed and electric service had to be relocated. Bids were taken for the dirt work, soil stabilization, and asphalt. We received a tremendous deal on the asphalt because of the generosity of Mike Haddox of Ruston, Louisiana, who loves model flying.
Financing
The most difficult part of the project was financing. The construction budget totaled approximately $50,000. I volunteered to be the chairman of the Fund Raising Committee. The club had already accumulated $11,000 in its building fund, which largely came from a club dues increase in membership fees the year before. Club members were encouraged to purchase 10-year memberships through a motivational letter.
The second prong was to sell advertising to community businesses. To provide a place to mount signs, we erected eight-foot sections of four-foot-high chain-link fencing. I prepared a book that showed pictures of our facility from the start of construction to the finish with a copy of each sign sold and developed a cover letter. We promoted family activity and included articles about the EAA's Young Eagles program to encourage advertisers to participate. Even though the book was helpful, the signs were sold by those members who had influence in the business community.
The final prong of our attack was to encourage the membership to make a personal commitment by giving of themselves to the maximum of their ability so that each member felt they had made a contribution. The letter to the membership really motivated the club and we were able to accomplish our goal of finishing the project debt-free.
Reflection
The project made our club stronger due to the working relationships that were developed as the membership caught the vision. If you are thinking of attempting something similar to this, it is essential that you have leadership that has vision and the ability to motivate your members.
Thank you, Doc Moore, for sharing your success story. I know that it was a lot of work, but you showed that if you want something badly enough, pull together and you can succeed.
Happy flying,
Joyce Hager Executive Director
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
