[tccrockets] Re: More Certification & New Members For October Skies
- From: Chris Attebery <chrisattebery1971@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: tccrockets <tccrockets@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Tue, 14 Oct 2014 11:40:35 -0700
Hi James,
I already emailed Bruce a couple weeks back, but just for clarification
I'll be doing my written test and cert flight on Saturday too.
Chris
On Tue, Oct 14, 2014 at 11:27 AM, James Dougherty <jafrado@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> Sorry. I meant Saturday :-)
> Drive safe!
>
>
> On Tue, Oct 14, 2014 at 6:51 AM, Felix Bors <felix.bors@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>
>> James,
>>
>> Please add Felix Bors to the L2 list. If possible on Saturday.
>> thank you
>> Felix
>>
>>
>> On 10/13/2014 11:08 PM, James Dougherty wrote:
>>
>> Hi Folks,
>>
>> I've put together the list of fliers we plan to have certified at TCC.
>> I also put together a preliminary schedule based on what we think is safe
>> and achievable with minimal hassle. Have a look at the below:
>>
>>
>> https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Q-dSh-WehA0v1CW3MttW6BmMOG5U834KgnnBXuO3X7E/edit#gid=0
>>
>> Some of these times may be subject to change but the general idea is
>> that we have groups of 12 at a time doing an HPR cert per hour. This gives
>> time for safety, any flight failures, range safety, and most importantly -
>> recovery - all of these folks will need to get signatures from their
>> prefect after their flight so any additional help people can provide
>> is greatly appreciated. Also, L1 certified fliers will have a yellow
>> band on so make sure you help them out on the range (escort them until you
>> feel they have demonstrated knowledge of range safety procedures) - but
>> let's all treat each other with dignity and respect,these folks are all
>> enjoying the hobby and we all started out like them in some form or another
>> - hey, maybe we will get some cool new members!
>>
>> Anyhow, during these times (and we'll announce it at the pre-flight
>> meeting) some of your flights may be delayed so
>> plan accordingly. We also think this type of scheduling will avoid the
>> loitering effect at the RSO/LCO table and
>> allow other people to come up and fly instead of doing all the flights in
>> the last 2 hours of the day!
>> I will print out the final schedule on Thursday night and take it out to
>> the launch.
>>
>> Thanks and see you all on Friday!
>>
>> Best regards,
>> -James
>>
>> President
>> Tripoli Central California
>> 408-476-7391
>>
>>
>> On Fri, Oct 10, 2014 at 7:38 PM, James Dougherty <jafrado@xxxxxxxxx>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Hi Tom,
>>>
>>> Re: Certs
>>> Thank you! I started a cert sheet and designated some times for Certs.
>>> This isn't set in stone, only a guideline for when prefects should be at
>>> the Range head to better facilitate flight coordination. It would be good
>>> if you put their names here, cert level attempt for one of the listed times.
>>>
>>> Please edit this as needed:
>>>
>>>
>>> https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Q-dSh-WehA0v1CW3MttW6BmMOG5U834KgnnBXuO3X7E/edit?usp=sharing
>>>
>>> Yes! Help is always appreciated, if you guys can find some common
>>> slots on the above, we can plan better.
>>> We need a final number (are we talking 30, 40, 60)?
>>>
>>> We decided that new (L0) Certs will get a Yellow wrist-band after
>>> registration, and the next launch they can have the usual Red
>>> wrist-band.This way, we know they need to be escorted with someone out to
>>> the range until they are familiar with range safety procedures.
>>>
>>> Re: Donations
>>> Please send check or money order to Richard King our Treasurer and
>>> Tripoli L3 TAP (email him for his address).
>>> Alternatively, yes - bring a check made out to "Tripoli Central
>>> California" and give it to Richard. He can provide
>>> you the financial details. Thank you for your support.
>>>
>>> Re: T-Shirts
>>> Your donation entitles you to a logo as a sponsor for our October Skies
>>> 2014 (15 year anniversary) T-Shirt!!!
>>> You can also register for T-Shirts here:
>>>
>>>
>>> https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Aiev7456s_ondGZsWTRSckMyLXAtVHRQTmt2ZU5oaWc&usp=sharing#gid=0
>>>
>>> However, make sure you send the logo soon (we go to print Monday) and
>>> also make sure you and your students sign up or they may not get one (we
>>> are only printing a small number more T-Shirts then the ones in the sign-up
>>> sheet). The T-Shirts will go to print Monday so please send asap.
>>>
>>>
>>> Re: Leads
>>> Thanks, I've already taken the initiative to fix them and make new ones,
>>> and also fix 2 of the breakers (not your issue, a previous assignment). I
>>> have the receipts I plan to bring to Richard at the launch. Note - these
>>> leads are all capable of handling 40 Amps at each pad! For more info on the
>>> TCC Launch system see here:
>>> http://www.tccrockets.com/documents/tcc-launch-system.pdf
>>> http://www.tccrockets.com/documents/tcc-wiring-diagram.pdf
>>>
>>> I will send out details of the launch next week (along with the final
>>> T-Shirt proof)
>>>
>>> Thank you for your cooperation and let us know when you can get the
>>> final tallies on cert fliers to better plan LCO/RSO duties.
>>>
>>>
>>> Best regards,
>>> -James
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> On Fri, Oct 10, 2014 at 5:46 PM, Thomas Atchison <
>>> toma@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Hey James -
>>>>
>>>> So we have all the paperwork filled out and signed for the
>>>> certification flights. Just waiting on the Tripoli numbers from Deb. There
>>>> are a lot of them and I know she is working hard getting them out.
>>>>
>>>> As soon as we get the list and assigned numbers from her, we will put
>>>> them on each of the forms, and then convert them all into two PDF files,
>>>> one for Level 1 Certification Attempts, and one for Level 2 certification
>>>> attempts, and e-mail them to Bruce. We think Deb will likely get the
>>>> numbers to us over the weekend or by Monday, so look for those on Monday. I
>>>> will have each flyer also have a copy at the launch for each attempt, so
>>>> that bruce has hard copies on site, and I will bring extra tests and answer
>>>> sheets for the L2 test. Tom Rouse and I will also help out so Bruce is not
>>>> so over whelmed.
>>>>
>>>> I went to your website to make a donation to help cover some of those
>>>> costs, but I did not see any way to donate on-line, and for our tax
>>>> purposes, we need to know who to make the check payable to and the legal
>>>> structure of your prefect. I assume you are incorporated? If not, and
>>>> acting as a DBA that's cool too. We just have to account for all our funds
>>>> as a non-profit so if you have a IRS TIN you are using, that is fine for
>>>> our records, you can just forward it too.
>>>>
>>>> I will bring you a check for $250. That should help with new
>>>> wire/leads, port pottie costs for a few launches and some gas and a
>>>> contribution towards the dollie wheels. We will also repair the leads we
>>>> trashed at the away pad. I will pick them up from you at the launch, and
>>>> then have them sent back repaired. That coupled with all the new flyers
>>>> fee's for the day for all the new folks we are brining should help out on
>>>> the $$$ side too.
>>>>
>>>> Best,
>>>>
>>>> ++toma
>>>> On Oct 8, 2014, at 11:50 AM, James Dougherty <jafrado@xxxxxxxxx>
>>>> wrote:
>>>>
>>>> new wires/leads, trailer updates, porta-potty, new wheels for the
>>>> dollies, trailer hauling funds (gas money), etc, etc. There is a long
>>>> list.
>>>> If you're interested, send me an email offline or we can chat at the
>>>> launch
>>>>
>>>> -james
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> On Wed, Oct 8, 2014 at 9:57 AM, Thomas Atchison <
>>>> toma@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> What equipment do you need?
>>>>>
>>>>> What improvements are you planning you need support for?
>>>>>
>>>>> ++toma
>>>>>
>>>>> On Oct 7, 2014, at 9:52 PM, James Dougherty <jafrado@xxxxxxxxx>
>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>> Thanks Tom,
>>>>>
>>>>> I just posted on those two pictures. Maybe you could do a write-up
>>>>> for TCC and our great launch site and club!
>>>>> Any contributions would be great; that helps pay for equipment and
>>>>> improvements.
>>>>> Best regards,
>>>>> -James
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> On Tue, Oct 7, 2014 at 5:33 PM, Mavericks <toma@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> Great!!!
>>>>>>
>>>>>> We'll see what we can do to enhance TCC visibility in our programs
>>>>>> and PR efforts.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Thomas M. Atchison
>>>>>> Mavericks Civilian Space Foundation
>>>>>> NASA Research Park
>>>>>> P.O.Box 223
>>>>>> Moffet Field, CA 94035
>>>>>> Phone: 650-492-5978
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> On Oct 7, 2014, at 5:08 PM, James Dougherty <jafrado@xxxxxxxxx>
>>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Toma,
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Recap Checklist:
>>>>>> 1) certification forms - please have all of your fliers fill these
>>>>>> out BEFORE the launch and get Bruce and I a list of the numbers for
>>>>>> Level-1
>>>>>> and Level-2 cert.
>>>>>> 2) All fliers need to bring a copy of their TRA membership number/card
>>>>>> 3) supervise their transit out to the HPR pads (
>>>>>> 4) daily fliers meeting - be at the launch site at 9am to be safe.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> We want to get this sorted this week, that way we have a plan. Once
>>>>>> Bruce gets the list, you, Tom R, Richard E, and Richard K can review
>>>>>> and we can decide when we have (drum roll) cert times! Let's plan
>>>>>> this, it should be fun and balance so nobody gets burnt out and we share
>>>>>> the load.
>>>>>> I will post a google-docs for the cert plan and print it out before
>>>>>> the launch so we're organized.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Re: Launch & Promo Info
>>>>>> have your fliers subcribe to our mailing list. All of the
>>>>>> information is on the website or is communicated in email!
>>>>>> We have flyers posted in local hobby shops, in Rockets Magazine, a
>>>>>> Website, and a Facebook page. What we recommend for newcomers is to visit
>>>>>> the website, join our mailing list (off the website), send email, and
>>>>>> come to launches!
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Re: TCC
>>>>>> We are the only High-Power Tripoli Prefecture in Northern & Central
>>>>>> California with a waiver to accommodate full M flights up to 17K!
>>>>>> If you want to fly Tripoli high-power and you live in Silicon
>>>>>> Valley-- we're the only site that's ~2-3hrs from the Bay Area which
>>>>>> operates year-round!
>>>>>> if you want to fly High Power year-round - come to TCC!
>>>>>>
>>>>>> We are also a volunteer organization - not a non-profit or a
>>>>>> business. The reason we fly is because we have people contribute, help
>>>>>> out,
>>>>>> volunteer for RSO/LCO,
>>>>>> volunteer to fix/update equipment, donate funds, time, and hard work.
>>>>>> We don't get paid to do this. Part of the reason we didn't have monthly
>>>>>> launches every
>>>>>> month this year is because everyone is burnt out doing all the
>>>>>> work!!! Help us out! Again, we don't get paid to do this!
>>>>>>
>>>>>> In contrast, Mavericks is a non-profit that gets paid for doing STEM
>>>>>> education - quite a large difference between a non-profit and a rocketry
>>>>>> club!
>>>>>>
>>>>>> The fliers meeting is not a place to do marketing and evangelism,
>>>>>> we can talk about that, but it is not the focus - safety and Tripoli
>>>>>> rules
>>>>>> first - then fun!
>>>>>> Have your fliers sign up to our member list, send email, come to
>>>>>> launches - they will love it and I know everyone looks forward to having
>>>>>> new members.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> But Tom, you're the one with all the money, fame and fortune -
>>>>>> making charitable contributions and getting the word out about TCC is
>>>>>> something
>>>>>> we can definitely get your help with ... the Mavericks Facebook page
>>>>>> for example, take a look -- why does Mavericks come to the TCC launches
>>>>>> but never promote the club? If you look at the Mavericks facebook
>>>>>> there are plenty of "Mavericks events" which
>>>>>> are all taking place at the Tripoli California launch - however,
>>>>>> no recognition is given to the club or prefect!
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mavericks-Civilian-Space-Foundation/130245926994946
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> August Launch
>>>>>> <image.png>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Del Norte Launch Site
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> DairyAire 2014 (May Launch)
>>>>>> <image.png>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Del Norte
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Please fix this!!! Add Tripoli Central California to your friends,
>>>>>> donate some funds from all of these charitable contributions you're
>>>>>> getting
>>>>>> (send check to Richard King),
>>>>>> get the word out, ask your students to come to our launches! We
>>>>>> understand that when you're in college you're slammed and funds are
>>>>>> tight,
>>>>>> but I would bet that those same folks can still come to the launches,
>>>>>> meet cool people, watch rockets and help us out with a lot of the
>>>>>> logistics
>>>>>> required to have a great time.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Thanks, and let's get this sorted so we can have a fun time. We're
>>>>>> all in this for keeps, and we love rocketry so let's not burn anyone out
>>>>>> and have a great time.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> More launch updates next week and this weekend!
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Best regards,
>>>>>> -James
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> On Tue, Oct 7, 2014 at 2:59 PM, Thomas Atchison <
>>>>>> toma@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Thanks Tom!! I
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I had done some of this last time to help out Bruce. I think we
>>>>>>> are going to need me to be escorting new flyers to and from the RSO
>>>>>>> table,
>>>>>>> and keeping the range clear of stragglers
>>>>>>> that there is a concern some may be wandering out uncontrolled.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I brought extra tests with me to help Bruce last time. I think he
>>>>>>> was even out as I left a couple with him. I have 25 of each printed and
>>>>>>> I
>>>>>>> am sure we can get more from Deb.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> We are finalizing all the flyers that will be attending and
>>>>>>> insuring all their paperwork is complete and their memberships are paid
>>>>>>> with Deb. I will send this list with TRA numbers to Bruce
>>>>>>> as soon as I get it. I am also going to deliver all the completed
>>>>>>> certification paperwork personally to Bruce the morning of the launch so
>>>>>>> all the paperwork will be complete.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> At the last launch, I had all the students arrive early at 9AM to
>>>>>>> help set-up, but no one was there until around 10AM. Its cool. James had
>>>>>>> called me about having to go get the trailer and being late, but
>>>>>>> perhaps I
>>>>>>> can find a way for you guys to communicate better with the students for
>>>>>>> support and help with operations. We had many stay late and help break
>>>>>>> down the range and will do that again. Many of the students would like
>>>>>>> to
>>>>>>> sign up to help and went to the TCC website looking for a sign-up form.
>>>>>>> Maybe James can let me know where it is, and I will get you names and
>>>>>>> e-mail addresses you can coordinate in advance.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> One thing that will also help I think is for James to maybe make
>>>>>>> an introduction to TCC and a pitch as to why become TCC members at the
>>>>>>> flyers meeting and an ask to get involved with the TCC prefect. If you
>>>>>>> guys
>>>>>>> have some information and membership forms there, I think they would be
>>>>>>> well received. Maybe even a promo for new flyers to hook them. Typical
>>>>>>> marketing stuff, I know, but ultimately, like any business you have to
>>>>>>> put
>>>>>>> yourself out there and recruit promote business and members in any
>>>>>>> membership organization are no different.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Perhaps the flyers meeting would be a good place for this?
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Maverick's hopes are that these new flyers we bring will become
>>>>>>> TCC members and help bring new projects and business to vendors. These
>>>>>>> students are NOT Mavericks members. We have recruited and trained and
>>>>>>> educated them just for you.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Like many match makers, we can prepare them for the party and
>>>>>>> bring them the first time, and make introductions, but its going to be
>>>>>>> up
>>>>>>> to TCC, and its membership and leadership to convince them to stay and
>>>>>>> join
>>>>>>> and get involved and continue flying. We will only give them a good
>>>>>>> start.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Put your best foot forward, and let me know how Mavericks can
>>>>>>> help. We want to make as many of these flyers TCC members as possible
>>>>>>> and
>>>>>>> see them return again and again.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Best,
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> ++toma
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> On Oct 7, 2014, at 1:56 PM, Rouse Tom <tom@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> James-
>>>>>>> Am I allowed to administer the L2 tests? If so, I’ll be happy to
>>>>>>> assist, as Toma and you will have your hands full.
>>>>>>> Tom
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> On Oct 7, 2014, at 12:00 PM, Thomas Atchison <
>>>>>>> toma@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Thanks James!!!
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> We will get these items addressed and look forward to a great
>>>>>>> launch at TCC!!
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Best,
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> ++toma
>>>>>>> On Oct 6, 2014, at 1:55 PM, James Dougherty <jafrado@xxxxxxxxx>
>>>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Hi Tom,
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Final note - as a Stanford grad/Alum myself, I don't there is any
>>>>>>> substitute for experience or common sense.
>>>>>>> You learn that by flying and patience, that's the key point.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> We're more than willing to help the students learn, but that
>>>>>>> means they need to engage also - engagement means attendance
>>>>>>> and they can certainly do that by showing up at any TCC launch.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Thanks,
>>>>>>> -James
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> On Mon, Oct 6, 2014 at 1:39 PM, James Dougherty <jafrado@xxxxxxxxx>
>>>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Tom,
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> There are no issues but here are the requirements to keep our
>>>>>>>> launch running smoothly and safely:
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> 1) I have attached the certification forms. Due to the mass volume,
>>>>>>>> all paperwork must be done before the launch for smooth launch
>>>>>>>> operations
>>>>>>>> so that we don't have all of our time spent filling out
>>>>>>>> paperwork instead of flying.
>>>>>>>> - Please have all of your fliers fill these out BEFORE the launch
>>>>>>>> and get Bruce and I a list of the numbers for Level-1 and Level-2 cert.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> 2) All fliers need to bring a copy of their TRA membership
>>>>>>>> number/card - what's happening is that we are using Bruce to do their
>>>>>>>> paperwork,
>>>>>>>> take their credit card payments, fill in all of the paperwork
>>>>>>>> when this could be done prior to the launch and make operations run
>>>>>>>> much
>>>>>>>> smoother.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> 3) Until they certify, we would like you to supervise their transit
>>>>>>>> out to the HPR pads, we had at the last launches several instances of
>>>>>>>> non-members
>>>>>>>> (who were certifying) running out to the HPR pad and not
>>>>>>>> following range safety procedures.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> 4) Mandatory attendance at the daily fliers meeting - this is not
>>>>>>>> optional. If you are a new flier who has never been to an HPR launch,
>>>>>>>> it is
>>>>>>>> mandatory
>>>>>>>> you attend the safety and fliers meetings before the range
>>>>>>>> opens. That means to be at the launch site at 9am to be safe.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> 5) Level-1 and Level-2 in one day, sure it is possible but we would
>>>>>>>> like to see them learn HPR versus gaining their level certifications
>>>>>>>> as a
>>>>>>>> merit badge.
>>>>>>>> We don't see that happening, nor do we see any repeat fliers or
>>>>>>>> additional business for vendors or help out at the club.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Tom, as I have mentioned in the past, the issue we have here is
>>>>>>>> that you bring a bunch of students to our launch, with no planning or
>>>>>>>> forethought,
>>>>>>>> and put the burden on our club to do 30 cert flights in one day,
>>>>>>>> which inevitably turns into 90 flights and then people are frustrated
>>>>>>>> since
>>>>>>>> they
>>>>>>>> do not get a chance to fly. What's more is that these folks are
>>>>>>>> only out here to get a certification and we never see them again or
>>>>>>>> even to
>>>>>>>> help
>>>>>>>> set-up or tear-down or attend any of the cleaning parties for
>>>>>>>> our equipment (which the members always attend). Finally, we've done
>>>>>>>> cross-corellation
>>>>>>>> of the test results and it's clear that the safety rules are all
>>>>>>>> but forgotten once they get their L2 test completed.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Bruce, we need to make sure we print a lot of tests. Once we get a
>>>>>>>> confirmation on the number of L2 tests, lets print out this many so
>>>>>>>> that
>>>>>>>> we can be prepared for the fliers when they come out.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Richard and Bruce, all hands on deck - we'll need some of your help
>>>>>>>> at the launch.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Thanks,
>>>>>>>> -James
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> On Mon, Oct 6, 2014 at 11:50 AM, Thomas Atchison <
>>>>>>>> toma@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> Hey Bruce -
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> Good news!!! Mavericks is brining out another heard of new Tripoli
>>>>>>>>> Members and blood for your prefecture, along with a bunch from the
>>>>>>>>> summer
>>>>>>>>> certification efforts we did and last May at Dairy Aire, all for L1 &
>>>>>>>>> L2
>>>>>>>>> certifications. Should help bring in a bunch of new $$$ for vendors
>>>>>>>>> and
>>>>>>>>> manufacturers, as we expand out training and preparation programs at
>>>>>>>>> local
>>>>>>>>> colleges and universities.
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> I am getting final confirmations from many of the students from
>>>>>>>>> the last two class and certs we did together, plus a new class at
>>>>>>>>> Stanford
>>>>>>>>> this fall and two more community colleges that will be completing
>>>>>>>>> their
>>>>>>>>> certifications. Right now it looks like about 60 certification
>>>>>>>>> attempts for
>>>>>>>>> L1 & L2 butI will confirm final numbers before the 18th. Some of
>>>>>>>>> these
>>>>>>>>> will be returning students from this summers certification attempts
>>>>>>>>> we did,
>>>>>>>>> where the range closed early on them and they were unable to complete
>>>>>>>>> their
>>>>>>>>> L2 attempts.
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> I also want to make sure that you guys are not going to be having
>>>>>>>>> issues with regards to students certifying L1 & L2 on the same day. I
>>>>>>>>> understand James's concerns, and I think for a lot of fliers, this
>>>>>>>>> makes
>>>>>>>>> sense, but for these students, they have been through intensive
>>>>>>>>> instruction
>>>>>>>>> and mentoring, along with their education in aerospace engineering,
>>>>>>>>> many
>>>>>>>>> with PhD's and having worked with SpaceX and other aerospace
>>>>>>>>> companies, the
>>>>>>>>> Air Force Research Labs, and NASA, designing some of the next
>>>>>>>>> technology
>>>>>>>>> for space exploration. It is why so many certified perfectly on the
>>>>>>>>> first
>>>>>>>>> attempt and passed their tests. They are more than capable, and they
>>>>>>>>> have
>>>>>>>>> interest in developing more advanced projects and rockets with
>>>>>>>>> payloads
>>>>>>>>> they want to fly with TCC and TRA that an L1 impulse motor will not
>>>>>>>>> suffice, so getting the cert out of the way will be important for
>>>>>>>>> them.
>>>>>>>>> This issue has been well discussed by the TRA board of directors, and
>>>>>>>>> I
>>>>>>>>> don;t want to discourage these students from becoming new TRA members
>>>>>>>>> and
>>>>>>>>> flyers, and new members of TCC simply because a couple of us old guys
>>>>>>>>> have
>>>>>>>>> our hang-ups on how we learned to fly. Vendors and mfg need the
>>>>>>>>> money, and
>>>>>>>>> if we do';t embrace this new blood and educate it, out prefectures and
>>>>>>>>> hobby will die.
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> If it is an issue, I encourage you to take it up with the TRA
>>>>>>>>> board and get the certification rules changed. We all looked pretty
>>>>>>>>> bad in
>>>>>>>>> front of the students with a written set of rules and policies for
>>>>>>>>> certification, and then having arguments with them and me at the RSO
>>>>>>>>> table.
>>>>>>>>> I am committed to growing TRA and TCC membership through our programs
>>>>>>>>> and
>>>>>>>>> making sure these new flyers are competent, and I agree with some of
>>>>>>>>> the
>>>>>>>>> concerns that James and others have had about making sure that new
>>>>>>>>> members
>>>>>>>>> are qualified for the certifications they attain and operate as safe
>>>>>>>>> high
>>>>>>>>> power flyers. I think the issue of getting them out flying again and
>>>>>>>>> again,
>>>>>>>>> is one of encouragement and incentives and challenging them and
>>>>>>>>> bringing
>>>>>>>>> value to their membership in the prefecture, and while Mavericks is
>>>>>>>>> working
>>>>>>>>> hard to bring new members with great potential for TCC to grow and
>>>>>>>>> advance,
>>>>>>>>> you guys are going to have to work with them to help add value and
>>>>>>>>> encourage them to keep flying with you. Its a partnership, but I can
>>>>>>>>> at
>>>>>>>>> least help you get them started.
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> Since we will have so many comping up, I will see if I can bring
>>>>>>>>> some other TAPs and prefects to help out with the flight observations
>>>>>>>>> and
>>>>>>>>> certifications besides myself, so you are not so overwhelmed. I think
>>>>>>>>> Tom
>>>>>>>>> Rouse may be coming down too, so maybe between the three of us, we
>>>>>>>>> can get
>>>>>>>>> all these done together. Dick Embry also was looking to come help out.
>>>>>>>>> Again, its your prefect, so happy to accommodate how you want to do
>>>>>>>>> it, but
>>>>>>>>> I want to be sensitive to the workload on you with me brining a bunch
>>>>>>>>> of
>>>>>>>>> folks out for certification and membership, when you already have
>>>>>>>>> existing
>>>>>>>>> members I am sure that will also want to be getting certified.
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> Open to other concerns and needs. Please let me know how I can
>>>>>>>>> help you get these certifications done and October Skies be a
>>>>>>>>> success.. The
>>>>>>>>> students are more than willing to help set up and tear down the range
>>>>>>>>> like
>>>>>>>>> we did last time, and I think this will also provide opportunities
>>>>>>>>> for them
>>>>>>>>> to get to know other members of your organization and you can recruit
>>>>>>>>> them
>>>>>>>>> to being members of your prefect.
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> Best,
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> ++toma
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> P.S. Did you process the certification paperwork from August cert
>>>>>>>>> attempts? I checked in with Deb at TRA HQ and she has not seen the
>>>>>>>>> paperwork, and many of the Stanford students are waiting on their cert
>>>>>>>>> cards so they can make their motor order placements with BAR and plan
>>>>>>>>> their
>>>>>>>>> flights for October Skies. M any have not seen their cert cards form
>>>>>>>>> last
>>>>>>>>> May, so I am working to put a list together, and help Deb get those
>>>>>>>>> out.
>>>>>>>>> There was one student from August I followed up with and cc'd you
>>>>>>>>> and Deb
>>>>>>>>> on who had some payment problems that were resolved. Let me know if
>>>>>>>>> you
>>>>>>>>> need my help with any of this. I want to makes sure as many of the new
>>>>>>>>> members and flyers we have certified are able to buy as many motors
>>>>>>>>> and
>>>>>>>>> flights as they need for October Skies.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>
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