The earthquake and tsunami that hit the Indian Ocean on Sunday has not finished killing people. More people, especially children, could yet die from contaminated water and disease than were killed outright. All around the Indian Ocean, millions of people have had their homes destroyed and millions more have been forced from their homes. I sent a donation to OXFAM; if you prefer the American Red Cross, you can use this link. We now return you to our regularly scheduled web log.
Wednesday, December 29, 2004
Thursday, December 23, 2004
CISS Banquet
From Ken Harry:
CISS Members and guests are invited!
Central Indiana Soaring Society Annual Winter Banquet
Cocktail Attire
Saturday January 15, 2005
The Marten House - 1801 West 86th St
5:30 PM Cash Bar opens
6:30 Introductions and program
Door Prizes throughout the evening!
6:35 Invocation
6:40 Banquet Begins!
Salads, Main Course, Vegetables, Dessert, Coffee, Tea, Soft drinks
7:00 Introduction of 2005 Officers and Board Members
7:05 Awards Program
Best Crew, New Licenses, Badges, Records,
7:30 Readings from our own poet Mario Lazaga
7:45 Guest Speaker :
Angela Buchman - WISH TV Meteorologist
8:15 Comments and questions
8:30 A look at last year - and looking forward to next year
8:45 Annual Banquet closes - let's get ready to fly!
________________________________________
CISS will bill you $32 each seat for this dinner - a reservation made is a reservation paid!
LAST DAY FOR RESERVATIONS IS WEDNESDAY JANUARY 5th AT 6:00 PM!
Please contact Ken Harry to make reservations.
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
Ground School Reminder
Monday, December 20, 2004
Never Push A Blanik Backwards
Craig Bixby writes:
This is a picture of Tailwheel Bracket from 809S. Notice the cracking. The other edge is in the same condition. This bracket is the only thing the tailwheel is attached to in the tail and as you can see this one has been subjected to a lot of stress.
The bracket the Tailwheel is mounted to is designed to absorb the pressure applied by the Tailwheel as the glider is rolling forward. It IS NOT designed to absorb the pressure the Tailwheel applies to the bracket when the glider is pushed backwards. This overstresses the bracket. The stress becomes especially great when rolling the glider backwards off from a hard surface onto the grass.
Please keep this in mind when ground handling these gliders during the coming year and only move them forward.
Thank You,
The Maintenance Crew
The Trophy
Ron Clarke has written an article about the CCSC Trophy, titled
All you might ever want to know about it.
For the full article, see the first comment.
All you might ever want to know about it.
Officially the trophy is known as the "Caesar Creek Soaring Club Cross Country Challenge" and has been in existence since the first flight which was made by Larry Kirkbride on the 7th of July 1984.
This record is an analysis of the first 20 years of this challenge which has in the mind of the writer done a great deal to stimulate cross country soaring as well as to boost club morale within the competing clubs over those years. Especially during the years when a new group of pilots took up the challenge and actively sought out each possible weekend day good enough to make an attempt to retrieve "the trophy". The 20th year is in fact proof if you need it that the concept is alive and well as no less than nine retrieves have been made.
For the full article, see the first comment.
Saturday, December 18, 2004
600 Grit
Today, quite a few dedicated CISS members showed up at the hangar to wet-sand the wings of the Grob. The work goes surprisingly fast with a dozen pairs of hands working on it at once. It was COLD working in the unheated hangar (especially since the work had to be kept wet) and what with all the white gelcoat dust splashing all over us, soon most of us looked like this guy (minus the top hat):
.-=====-.
|_ |
|= |
'=:=======:='
/ * * \
,_ . \ '.V.' / ,
>-\_ /'----'--`\ _/-<
/ `| * | \
\ * /
/'--'-'----'\
| * |
| |
-.---\ /---.-
'--'---'--`
Thursday, December 16, 2004
Probable New MOAs In Southern Indiana
AOPA's website reports on the proposed expansion of special-use military airspace in southern Indiana. The FAA notice describing the proposal can be found here. AOPA has asked the FAA to raise the floor to 3500 feet agl to allow general aviation traffic to fly underneath. The period for public comment has been extended to 31 January 2005.
Map of the proposal areas.
Map of the proposal areas.
Wednesday, December 15, 2004
New Year's Day Flying
Traditionally, a small group of the most eager CISS members meets at the airport each year on 1 January, drags a glider and tow plane out of the hangar, and tries to make at least one flight (and sometimes many more) weather permitting. 1 January 2005 falls on a Saturday, which is all the more reason to show up this year and help with glider maintenance. We should have at least one Blanik up and flying by then.
Gliders Annualled, Still More Work To Do
The gliders were given an annual inspection today. Blanik 809S has a fractured tailwheel support, but Blanik 303BA can be flown on New Years Day (but at the moment, is dismantled). The Grob needs lots of work on the wings and it would be preferable to get that work done before assembling it for flight again, so everyone please try to make it out to the field for maintenance work on Saturday 18 December.
ZA reports:
ZA reports:
Nyal [Williams], Pete [Detore], Don [Taylor], Mike [Nichols],
On behalf of the club members thank you very much for taking the time out to help with the glider "Annuals" today. By virtue of the powers delegated to me I award each of you the title of: Honorary Maintenance Men!
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
Obviously not glider pilots
This web site has some great pictures of red-tailed hawks building and tending a nest on the ledge of an apartment building in New York City. However, the landlords tore it down (the nest, not the building), much to the dismay of, oh, every nature lover in Manhattan. Were the hawks eating too many subway rats or something?* At least the Audubon Society is on the case.
Update: The building is a co-op and the board of directors says the hawks will be allowed to return. Meanwhile, one of the more vocal hawk buffs has been arrested for harassing CNN anchor Paula Zahn, who lives in the building; Mary Tyler Moore (who also lives in the building) has hired him a lawyer.
*I learned that some building residents were troubled by the pigeon, squirrel and rat remains that tend to litter the sidewalk twelve stories below the nest. It's nature, red in tooth and claw, folks.
Update: The building is a co-op and the board of directors says the hawks will be allowed to return. Meanwhile, one of the more vocal hawk buffs has been arrested for harassing CNN anchor Paula Zahn, who lives in the building; Mary Tyler Moore (who also lives in the building) has hired him a lawyer.
*I learned that some building residents were troubled by the pigeon, squirrel and rat remains that tend to litter the sidewalk twelve stories below the nest. It's nature, red in tooth and claw, folks.
Monday, December 13, 2004
Grob Wings
Craig Bixby reports:
Nyal Williams responds:
Good Morning Everyone
Hope you're staying warm and that your Holiday Preparations are all going well.
During the annual maintenance and cleanup of the gliders we have found that the Gel coat on undersides of the Grob Wings is showing the definite effects of 15 plus years of being constantly flexed.
The Gel coat is cracking all along the underside of the wings. If no immediate action is taken the wings will need to be resurfaced at the end of next flying season. This would be a great expense to the club.
Ron Clarke and the Maintenance Crew have come up with a plan to extend the useful life of the coating out at least a couple more years. The process would entail blending out the cracks by wet sanding the wings, polishing out the wings with polishing (rubbing) compound, and then applying a good layer of wax.
As you can see, it is going to be a labor intensive project. Therefore, we would like everyone that is able too, meet us at the hangar this coming Saturday Morning at 930. Having enough people come out to help will ensure that the Grob will be available for New Years Day flying.
Thanks,
The Maintenance Crew
Nyal Williams responds:
Thanks, Craig!
Let me add that we need a dozen guys at least. At least six on the leading edge and six on the trailing edge. It is extremely slow work because it has to be done with very fine grit sandpaper and polishing compound.
If we have this many people, about two hours or so of work should take care of the sanding on one wing. If we leave it to the four or five guys who usually show up it will be well into the Spring before we have this done. We must either do the work ourselves or pay a huge figure to have it done commercially.
Wear especially warm socks and boots and a sock cap (toboggan to any Southerners in the group). We might even arrange to have coffee and doughnuts or bagels or some such. I'll be there.
Nyal
Sunday, December 12, 2004
News Flash: CISS Tradition Imperiled!
Per Ron Clarke, there is a lot of work to do before we can fly on New Years Day:
The status of the equipment at present is such that we will not be able to fly on the 1st unless we get a GOOD turnout of members next Saturday (Dec 18).If we want to fly on New Years Day, we'll have to do a lot of maintenance work on the 18th.
The only glider currently "in annual" for the 1st is 809S and this weekend we dissasembled the tailwheel structure as there were several bad cracks in it. We will try to get it fixed before Jan 1 but this is not a given.
The only alternative is to finish some work on the Grob wings and get it back in annual together with 303BA and the PW before then.
Friday, December 10, 2004
No December Meeting
There's no regular club meeting this month. Enjoy the holidays! However, winter maintenance work is still happening out at the hangar every Saturday morning - except Christmas Day, as far as I know - until all of the gliders and tow planes are done.
Wednesday, December 08, 2004
Tuesday, December 07, 2004
CISS 2005 Annual Banquet
The club's annual banquet is Saturday, January 15, 2005 at the Marten House, 1801 West 86th St. The bar opens at 5:30pm and the banquet ends around 8:45pm. Call or email Ken Harry (whose contact information is available to CISS members at our main web site) by 6:00PM January 5 to make reservations. Tickets are $32.00.
CISS Ground School Schedule
CISS Glider Ground School
Time 9:00 AM to approximately NOON
Proposed Training Sequence:
Jan 8 Administration, Federal Aviation Regulations, AIM, ACs (M. Rielage)
Jan 15 Basic Aerodynamics and Glider Systems (Larry Pennington)
Jan 22 Performance and Weight and Balance (Nyal Williams)
Jan 29 National Airspace System (Nyal Williams) and Navigation
Feb 5 Glider Maneuvers and METARS (John Morrical)
Feb 12 Aeronautical Decision Making and Judgment (Darren Bedwell)
Feb 19 Basic Weather (Ron Clarke)
Feb 26 Medical Factors
Time 9:00 AM to approximately NOON
Proposed Training Sequence:
Jan 8 Administration, Federal Aviation Regulations, AIM, ACs (M. Rielage)
Jan 15 Basic Aerodynamics and Glider Systems (Larry Pennington)
Jan 22 Performance and Weight and Balance (Nyal Williams)
Jan 29 National Airspace System (Nyal Williams) and Navigation
Feb 5 Glider Maneuvers and METARS (John Morrical)
Feb 12 Aeronautical Decision Making and Judgment (Darren Bedwell)
Feb 19 Basic Weather (Ron Clarke)
Feb 26 Medical Factors
Monday, December 06, 2004
Indiana State Soaring Records in 2004
Bumped from 11-7-04 and again from 11-21-04:
So far this year, three people have claimed a total of ten Indiana state soaring records:
Cheryl Beckage, 9-11-2004 (four records)
Absolute Altitude, feminine 15 meter class and feminine World Class : 5640 feet msl
Altitude Gain, feminine 15 meter class and feminine World Class : 3480 feet gained
Darren Bedwell (yes, me), 9-11-2004 (four records)
Open class, 15 meter class, standard class & sports class free triangle distance: 85.64 statute miles (note that the ASW-15 has a handicap of 1.00)
Ron Clarke, 9-22-2004 (two records)
Open class free triangle distance: 134.15 statute miles
Sports class free triangle distance: 116.04 statute miles
As state record keeper, I approved Ron's record claims from 9-22 (which broke two of mine from 9-11) and sent them on to the SSA. Dave Newill, Region 6 governor, approved my four records on 11-18.
Cheryl's record claims went to the badge lady at the SSA because she also made silver altitude from the same flight. The approval letter for her silver altitude claim arrived on 12-6-04 and I approved the state record claims the same day.
The SSA has stopped accepting state and national altitude records in any class but open. Cheryl's state record claims were not affected, because the rule change took effect after her flight for state records. For national records, it took effect before her flight. Does this make sense to anyone?
So far this year, three people have claimed a total of ten Indiana state soaring records:
Cheryl Beckage, 9-11-2004 (four records)
Absolute Altitude, feminine 15 meter class and feminine World Class : 5640 feet msl
Altitude Gain, feminine 15 meter class and feminine World Class : 3480 feet gained
Darren Bedwell (yes, me), 9-11-2004 (four records)
Open class, 15 meter class, standard class & sports class free triangle distance: 85.64 statute miles (note that the ASW-15 has a handicap of 1.00)
Ron Clarke, 9-22-2004 (two records)
Open class free triangle distance: 134.15 statute miles
Sports class free triangle distance: 116.04 statute miles
As state record keeper, I approved Ron's record claims from 9-22 (which broke two of mine from 9-11) and sent them on to the SSA. Dave Newill, Region 6 governor, approved my four records on 11-18.
Cheryl's record claims went to the badge lady at the SSA because she also made silver altitude from the same flight. The approval letter for her silver altitude claim arrived on 12-6-04 and I approved the state record claims the same day.
The SSA has stopped accepting state and national altitude records in any class but open. Cheryl's state record claims were not affected, because the rule change took effect after her flight for state records. For national records, it took effect before her flight. Does this make sense to anyone?
Weather Archives
I found hourly, or mostly hourly weather observations for various weather stations across Indiana (including AID airport) archived at this site. These are useful when you are trying to claim a record or badge leg where barometric pressure might be a factor.
Sunday, December 05, 2004
California Wave
Nyal Williams writes:
I'm looking for someone to go to California City, CA with me in March, 2005 to try the wave. Anyone interested? I expect to pick a week after getting suggestions from Cindy Brickner about the most favorable time for wave action. She has an ASK-21 used for instruction and rental for wave flights.
Welcome Our New Neighbor
The only factory-built Schweizer 1-20, NX-91840, Serial Number 1, has been restored, with its first flight in Waynesville, Ohio on 3 December. See pictures and video here.
Saturday, December 04, 2004
CISS Glider Ground School 2005
CISS usually holds a ground school during the winter months. Classes start at 9:00 AM and finish about noon. Mike Rielage sent out the proposed schedule for 2005:
Jan 8: Administration, Federal Aviation Regulations, AIM, ACs (Rielage)
Jan 15: Basic Aerodynamics and Glider Systems
Jan 22: Performance and Weight and Balance
Jan 29: Basic Weather (Ron Clarke?)
Feb 5: Glider Maneuvers and METARS
Feb 12: Aeronautical Decision Making and Judgment (Bedwell)
Feb 19: National Airspace System (Williams) and Navigation
Feb 26: Medical Factors
The FAA website has advisory circulars on most of these subjects (under "Quick Find" select "Advisory Circulars" and then "Go"). The one for ADM is AC 60-22.
Jan 8: Administration, Federal Aviation Regulations, AIM, ACs (Rielage)
Jan 15: Basic Aerodynamics and Glider Systems
Jan 22: Performance and Weight and Balance
Jan 29: Basic Weather (Ron Clarke?)
Feb 5: Glider Maneuvers and METARS
Feb 12: Aeronautical Decision Making and Judgment (Bedwell)
Feb 19: National Airspace System (Williams) and Navigation
Feb 26: Medical Factors
The FAA website has advisory circulars on most of these subjects (under "Quick Find" select "Advisory Circulars" and then "Go"). The one for ADM is AC 60-22.
You'll Never Get Me Up In One Of Those Things
I'm not particularly afraid of heights, but this is going too far:
Read about this guy's flights over Indiana.
Read about this guy's flights over Indiana.
Friday, December 03, 2004
GPS Visualizer
This is free and extremely super-duper (meaning fun and useful at the same time). Upload a GPS track (IGC files work) and it will show you the trace with various maps underneath. Or aerial photographs of the terrain, or whatever.
Update: GPS Visualizer now works with Google Maps!
Update: GPS Visualizer now works with Google Maps!
Thursday, December 02, 2004
DT: Pioneer
Don Taylor wants to be the first, so:
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: New CISS Blog
Date: Thu, 2 Dec 2004 10:36:54 -0500
Darren, thanks for putting together our very own, way cool CISS blog. It will be a super and easy way for all of us to post and get updates from now on. Given how much we burn up the internet with emails, I'm sure it will be a magnet for pictures, contest and record results, flight descriptions, wx outlooks, bad jokes and much else. Why, Nyal could probably keep it full all by himself :-) I want to this to be the first official club member blog post. Good job, this should be a lot of fun. DT
Why a weblog?
The club's main web page is relatively static and it takes Mario a lot of time and effort to update it. Whereas a weblog can be updated every time something newsworthy happens, even several times a day. If a glider needs maintenance, we can put it in the weblog. If we want a tow pilot for Saturday, we can put it in the weblog. You do not need any HTML skills to post messages, and it can be done by email. In fact this post was originally made by email. It could even by done by email from a cell phone.
As for weblogs having being accurate, just like any other communications medium it pretty much depends on how accurate the communicator is.
This isn't secure. I would not put confidential information on the web, even protected by a password.
*bumped from 11/8/04*
As for weblogs having being accurate, just like any other communications medium it pretty much depends on how accurate the communicator is.
This isn't secure. I would not put confidential information on the web, even protected by a password.
*bumped from 11/8/04*
Wednesday, December 01, 2004
New Record Type & Rules Changes
The most recent revision of the FAI Sporting Code has a new record type: distance using up to three [predeclared] turnpoints. This is different from free distance using up to three turnpoints.
If past practice is any guide, the folks who decide these things will set minimum performances for US national records, but not for state record claims.
The rules have also been changed to make it clear that one flight can only set one type of distance record and one type of speed record (although possibly in multiple glider classes). The rules were not clear on this point before, and I know several people (including me) who have flown pre-declared triangular courses and claimed both triangle distance and free out-and-return distance for the same flight. That won't be allowed anymore for new record claims.
A pilot can apparently still make claims in multiple classes, though - for example, a good enough PW-5 flight could claim records in the World, 15M, Standard and Open classes.
If past practice is any guide, the folks who decide these things will set minimum performances for US national records, but not for state record claims.
The rules have also been changed to make it clear that one flight can only set one type of distance record and one type of speed record (although possibly in multiple glider classes). The rules were not clear on this point before, and I know several people (including me) who have flown pre-declared triangular courses and claimed both triangle distance and free out-and-return distance for the same flight. That won't be allowed anymore for new record claims.
A pilot can apparently still make claims in multiple classes, though - for example, a good enough PW-5 flight could claim records in the World, 15M, Standard and Open classes.
Monday, November 29, 2004
Club winter maintenance progress
Courtesy of Ron Clarke:
Many thanks to the dedicated who have turned out in good and not so good weather to help move the maintenance programs forward.
For your info the PW 5 is pretty well done. Good progress on the Blanik 303 BA and a start on 809S and the Grob. The annual on Pawnee 898 is almost complete.
We would like to invite y'all to come on out ( 9:30 'til 12:30 - and then lunch at the Greasy Spoon) each Saturday now - before the hangar gets COLD. Our goal is to get the rest of the fleet ready for annual inspections before year end.
ZA
Tuesday, November 23, 2004
New FAI Sporting Code
The FAI has revised Section 3 of the Sporting Code again.
Some highlights - er, lowlights:
On page 4 (and several other places) there is this note:
"At the IGC meeting 2004, it was decided that at some future date verification of badge flights will require the use of a flight recorder. Other means of verification shown in this edition of the Sporting Code will no longer be accepted.
October 2004"
Is there an epidemic of falsified barograph traces out there that nobody told us about?
On page 15 there is this:
"The Silver [badge] distance flight should be flown without navigational or other assistance given over the radio (other than permission to land on an airfield) or help or guidance from another aircraft."
Are these guys aware that flight recorders use GPS and that GPS is a navigation system using radio signals?
Some highlights - er, lowlights:
On page 4 (and several other places) there is this note:
"At the IGC meeting 2004, it was decided that at some future date verification of badge flights will require the use of a flight recorder. Other means of verification shown in this edition of the Sporting Code will no longer be accepted.
October 2004"
Is there an epidemic of falsified barograph traces out there that nobody told us about?
On page 15 there is this:
"The Silver [badge] distance flight should be flown without navigational or other assistance given over the radio (other than permission to land on an airfield) or help or guidance from another aircraft."
Are these guys aware that flight recorders use GPS and that GPS is a navigation system using radio signals?
Monday, November 22, 2004
Road Trip?
During the winter we don't get many thermals around here. If anyone is interested in going to Ridge Soaring this winter, read what Karl Striedieck has to say about the ridge here and A New Pilot's Guide to Flying at the Ridge here.
Some pilots recommend taking a drive up and down the length of the ridge to get a feel for the terrain before trying to soar it. For a modest 300km gold distance/diamond goal out and return, that is roughly from Lock Haven, Pennsylvania to Cumberland, Maryland.
Some pilots recommend taking a drive up and down the length of the ridge to get a feel for the terrain before trying to soar it. For a modest 300km gold distance/diamond goal out and return, that is roughly from Lock Haven, Pennsylvania to Cumberland, Maryland.
Friday, November 19, 2004
World Distance Award
Sign up for this NOW.
The World Distance Award is a lifetime award for accumulating 40,000 km of cross-country soaring flights. The rules have been tinkered with recently, so if you have any cross-country flights in your log book and think you ever might have any interest in participating, sign up before the end of the year and submit all your eligible cross-country flights to date. After 31 December 2004, flights over a year old will not count unless they've already been submitted.
There's a one-time fee of $20 for current SSA members to participate. There are certificates for reaching the milestones of 5000, 10000, 20000 and 40000 km and a nifty little 'ring of Saturn' to go on your FAI gold (or silver, I guess) badge once you reach 40,000 km.
Why 40,000 km? That's the distance around the Earth.
The rules and forms are here.
Usenet post with more details about the rules change.
The World Distance Award is a lifetime award for accumulating 40,000 km of cross-country soaring flights. The rules have been tinkered with recently, so if you have any cross-country flights in your log book and think you ever might have any interest in participating, sign up before the end of the year and submit all your eligible cross-country flights to date. After 31 December 2004, flights over a year old will not count unless they've already been submitted.
There's a one-time fee of $20 for current SSA members to participate. There are certificates for reaching the milestones of 5000, 10000, 20000 and 40000 km and a nifty little 'ring of Saturn' to go on your FAI gold (or silver, I guess) badge once you reach 40,000 km.
Why 40,000 km? That's the distance around the Earth.
The rules and forms are here.
Usenet post with more details about the rules change.
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Sunday, November 14, 2004
Saturday, November 13, 2004
PW-5 Is Derigged
Today the work crew took the PW-5 apart and cleaned and waxed the wings. It will go on the trailer when finished to make more room in the hangar for winter work. However - if anyone really wants to fly it over the winter, it is very easy to reassemble, in theory.
Friday, November 12, 2004
Posting photos
Conflict of Interest Policy
The CISS board adopted a conflict of interest policy on 11 November 2004. The policy can be found here.
Thursday, November 11, 2004
Winter Saturdays
The season is upon us again - that is, the season to do maintenance on the
gliders. We'll meet at the airport each Saturday morning and start with
waxing the PW-5. Once it is done, we'll work on one of the Blaniks. If the
weather is good, drag the other Blanik and the Grob out and fly. Duane has
agreed to let us use the heated hangar for this, so come on out, even if
the weather is frosty!
gliders. We'll meet at the airport each Saturday morning and start with
waxing the PW-5. Once it is done, we'll work on one of the Blaniks. If the
weather is good, drag the other Blanik and the Grob out and fly. Duane has
agreed to let us use the heated hangar for this, so come on out, even if
the weather is frosty!
Monday, November 08, 2004
Eye Opener
So I was sitting here filling in the IRS Form 1023 when I noticed the
instructions have a table with estimated time burdens for each step in the
process. The IRS estimates that recordkeeping for the main form will take
about 89 hours, 26 minutes. Add to that the time to learn the law (5 hours
10 minutes) and to actually fill out the form (9 hours 39 minutes) and
you've just spent two and a half weeks on this project. At which point you
are ready to start on Schedules A through H.
instructions have a table with estimated time burdens for each step in the
process. The IRS estimates that recordkeeping for the main form will take
about 89 hours, 26 minutes. Add to that the time to learn the law (5 hours
10 minutes) and to actually fill out the form (9 hours 39 minutes) and
you've just spent two and a half weeks on this project. At which point you
are ready to start on Schedules A through H.
The Trophy
At the moment, Ron Clarke assures me, the travelling trophy is in our possession. The guys from Caesar Creek did make a November flight to Terry airport a few years ago, so we'll see if they do it again this year.
Winter glider maintenance
Ron Clarke reminds us that it is that time of year again...
I would like to suggest we invite club members to help do winter maintenance on the club equipment beginning each Saturday from now on. Obviously if the wx is good folks would rather fly , but if not so good we could get a days work done on each of our gliders.
Sunday, November 07, 2004
Soaring Weather on the web
I've found the National Weather Service website for Indiana useful.
If you are really serious about your soaring weather, you probably already know about Doctor Jack. He has two models, ETA and RUC.
If you are really serious about your soaring weather, you probably already know about Doctor Jack. He has two models, ETA and RUC.
New TSA Rule: Glider Operations Now Exempt
The Transportation Safety Authority issued a controversial new rule on 20 October 2004. The rule requires proof of citizenship status for every flight student. Foreign nationals are required to register with the TSA in advance. Shortly after the rule came out, the TSA granted an exemption for flight schools that only train in gliders.
This means that CISS can continue to operate and train student glider pilots as we have done for over 40 years, without a lot of new bookkeeping requirements.
The SSA website has more information. A copy of the exemption letter is here.
This means that CISS can continue to operate and train student glider pilots as we have done for over 40 years, without a lot of new bookkeeping requirements.
The SSA website has more information. A copy of the exemption letter is here.
Flying Sunday 11/7/04
Apparently club members did some flying at Alexandria today. Would someone send me an email and let me know how it went?
501(c)(3) application
The actual form used to apply for status as a tax free 501(c)(3) organization is IRS Form 1023. The form and the instructions are available on line.
The IRS recently changed this form completely! The new form is much more comprehensible and should be easier to use than the old one.
It would be helpful for everyone who is interested in helping with this project to go to www.irs.gov and "Search Forms and Publications" for Form 1023 (revised 10-2004, not the 1998 version), download it and the instructions, and read it carefully. You don't have to print yourself a hard copy - it is quite long!
The form: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1023.pdf
The instructions: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1023.pdf
You will need free Adobe Acrobat Reader 6.0 to use these files properly. Go get Acrobat Reader 6.0 and install it on your computer if you haven't already. You will need it to open these IRS files.
The IRS recently changed this form completely! The new form is much more comprehensible and should be easier to use than the old one.
It would be helpful for everyone who is interested in helping with this project to go to www.irs.gov and "Search Forms and Publications" for Form 1023 (revised 10-2004, not the 1998 version), download it and the instructions, and read it carefully. You don't have to print yourself a hard copy - it is quite long!
The form: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1023.pdf
The instructions: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1023.pdf
You will need free Adobe Acrobat Reader 6.0 to use these files properly. Go get Acrobat Reader 6.0 and install it on your computer if you haven't already. You will need it to open these IRS files.
How To Calculate Official Distances For Records
All distance calculations for soaring records are made using the WGS-84 datum and the Official FAI online distance calculator. This calculator uses a recursive calculation method known as the Vicenty algorithm. The old great circle formula yields different results.
Wouldn't it be nice if programs like SeeYou used this same algorithm?
I claimed a free triangle distance record this summer and I probably spent as much time going over the IGC file trying to optimize my distance as I did flying it! The flight was a closed course, but the main problem was finding the three fixes that gave me the greatest possible distance that still complied with the 28% rule (no leg of the course may be shorter than 28% of the total distance).
Wouldn't it be nice if programs like SeeYou used this same algorithm?
I claimed a free triangle distance record this summer and I probably spent as much time going over the IGC file trying to optimize my distance as I did flying it! The flight was a closed course, but the main problem was finding the three fixes that gave me the greatest possible distance that still complied with the 28% rule (no leg of the course may be shorter than 28% of the total distance).
Wednesday, November 03, 2004
Conflict of Interest Policy
The IRS encourages organizations applying for 501(c)(3) status to adopt
conflict of interest policies. They have a sample in the instructions for
Form 1023. Since they are the IRS I think it sounds like a good
idea to take their advice...
Central Indiana Soaring Society
Proposed Conflict of Interest Policy
Article I
Purpose
The purpose of the conflict of interest policy is to protect this tax-exempt organization's (Central Indiana Soaring Society, Inc., hereinafter CISS) interest when it is contemplating entering into a transaction or arrangement that might benefit the private interest of an officer or director of CISS or might result in a possible excess benefit transaction. This policy is intended to supplement but not replace any applicable state and federal laws governing conflict of interest applicable to nonprofit and charitable organizations.
Article II
Definitions
1. Interested Person
Any director, principal officer, or member of a committee with governing board delegated powers, who has a direct or indirect financial interest, as defined below, is an interested person.
2. Financial Interest
A person has a financial interest if the person has, directly or indirectly, through business, investment, or family:
a. An ownership or investment interest in any entity with which CISS has a transaction or arrangement,
b. A compensation arrangement with CISS or with any entity or individual with which CISS has a transaction or arrangement, or
c. A potential ownership or investment interest in, or compensation arrangement with, any entity or individual with which CISS is negotiating a transaction or arrangement.
Compensation includes direct and indirect remuneration as well as gifts or favors that are not insubstantial.
A financial interest is not necessarily a conflict of interest. Under Article III, Section 2, a person who has a financial interest may have a conflict of interest only if the appropriate governing board or committee decides that a conflict of interest exists.
Article III
Procedures
1. Duty to Disclose
In connection with any actual or possible conflict of interest, an interested person must disclose the existence of the financial interest and be given the opportunity to disclose all material facts to the directors and members of committees with governing board delegated powers considering the proposed transaction or arrangement.
2. Determining Whether a Conflict of Interest Exists
After disclosure of the financial interest and all material facts, and after any discussion with the interested person, he/she shall leave the governing board or committee meeting while the determination of a conflict of interest is discussed and voted upon. The remaining board or committee members shall decide if a conflict of interest exists.
3. Procedures for Addressing the Conflict of Interest
a. An interested person may make a presentation at the governing board or committee meeting, but after the presentation, he/she shall leave the meeting during the discussion of, and the vote on, the transaction or arrangement involving the possible conflict of interest.
b. The chairperson of the governing board or committee shall, if appropriate, appoint a disinterested person or committee to investigate alternatives to the proposed transaction or arrangement.
c. After exercising due diligence, the governing board or committee shall determine whether CISS can obtain with reasonable efforts a more advantageous transaction or arrangement from a person or entity that would not give rise to a conflict of interest.
d. If a more advantageous transaction or arrangement is not reasonably possible under circumstances not producing a conflict of interest, the governing board or committee shall determine by a majority vote of the disinterested directors whether the transaction or arrangement is in CISS's best interest, for its own benefit, and whether it is fair and reasonable. In conformity with the above determination it shall make its decision as to whether to enter into the transaction or arrangement.
4. Violations of the Conflicts of Interest Policy
a. If the governing board or committee has reasonable cause to believe a member has failed to disclose actual or possible conflicts of interest, it shall inform the member of the basis for such belief and afford the member an opportunity to explain the alleged failure to disclose.
b. If, after hearing the member's response and after making further investigation as warranted by the circumstances, the governing board or committee determines the member has failed to disclose an actual or possible conflict of interest, it shall take appropriate corrective action.
Article IV
Records of Proceedings
The minutes of the governing board and all committees with board delegated powers shall contain:
a. The names of the persons who disclosed or otherwise were found to have a financial interest in connection with an actual or possible conflict of interest, the nature of the financial interest, any action taken to determine whether a conflict of interest was present, and the governing board's or committee's decision as to whether a conflict of interest in fact existed.
b. The names of the persons who were present for discussions and votes relating to the transaction or arrangement, the content of the discussion, including any alternatives to the proposed transaction or arrangement, and a record of any votes taken in connection with the proceedings.
Article V
Compensation
a. A voting member of the governing board who receives compensation, directly or indirectly, from CISS for services is precluded from voting on matters pertaining to that member's compensation.
b. A voting member of any committee whose jurisdiction includes compensation matters and who receives compensation, directly or indirectly, from CISS for services is precluded from voting on matters pertaining to that member's compensation.
c. No voting member of the governing board or any committee whose jurisdiction includes compensation matters and who receives compensation, directly or indirectly, from CISS, either individually or collectively, is prohibited from providing information to any committee regarding compensation.
Article VI
Annual Statements
Each director, principal officer and member of a committee with governing board delegated powers shall annually sign a statement which affirms such person:
a. Has received a copy of the conflicts of interest policy,
b. Has read and understands the policy,
c. Has agreed to comply with the policy, and
d. Understands that CISS is charitable and in order to maintain its federal tax exemption it must engage primarily in activities which accomplish one or more of its tax-exempt purposes.
Article VII
Periodic Reviews
To ensure that CISS operates in a manner consistent with charitable purposes and does not engage in activities that could jeopardize its tax-exempt status, periodic reviews shall be conducted. The periodic reviews shall, at a minimum, include the following subjects:
a. Whether compensation arrangements and benefits are reasonable, based on competent survey information, and the result of arm's length bargaining.
b. Whether partnerships, joint ventures, and arrangements with management organizations conform to CISS's written policies, are properly recorded, reflect reasonable investment or payments for goods and services, further charitable purposes and do not result in inurement, impermissible private benefit or in an excess benefit transaction.
Article VIII
Use of Outside Experts
When conducting the periodic reviews as provided for in Article VII, CISS may, but need not, use outside advisors.
If outside experts are used, their use shall not relieve the governing board of its responsibility for ensuring periodic reviews are conducted.
Adopted by the governing board 11 November 2004
conflict of interest policies. They have a sample in the instructions for
Form 1023. Since they are the IRS I think it sounds like a good
idea to take their advice...
Central Indiana Soaring Society
Proposed Conflict of Interest Policy
Article I
Purpose
The purpose of the conflict of interest policy is to protect this tax-exempt organization's (Central Indiana Soaring Society, Inc., hereinafter CISS) interest when it is contemplating entering into a transaction or arrangement that might benefit the private interest of an officer or director of CISS or might result in a possible excess benefit transaction. This policy is intended to supplement but not replace any applicable state and federal laws governing conflict of interest applicable to nonprofit and charitable organizations.
Article II
Definitions
1. Interested Person
Any director, principal officer, or member of a committee with governing board delegated powers, who has a direct or indirect financial interest, as defined below, is an interested person.
2. Financial Interest
A person has a financial interest if the person has, directly or indirectly, through business, investment, or family:
a. An ownership or investment interest in any entity with which CISS has a transaction or arrangement,
b. A compensation arrangement with CISS or with any entity or individual with which CISS has a transaction or arrangement, or
c. A potential ownership or investment interest in, or compensation arrangement with, any entity or individual with which CISS is negotiating a transaction or arrangement.
Compensation includes direct and indirect remuneration as well as gifts or favors that are not insubstantial.
A financial interest is not necessarily a conflict of interest. Under Article III, Section 2, a person who has a financial interest may have a conflict of interest only if the appropriate governing board or committee decides that a conflict of interest exists.
Article III
Procedures
1. Duty to Disclose
In connection with any actual or possible conflict of interest, an interested person must disclose the existence of the financial interest and be given the opportunity to disclose all material facts to the directors and members of committees with governing board delegated powers considering the proposed transaction or arrangement.
2. Determining Whether a Conflict of Interest Exists
After disclosure of the financial interest and all material facts, and after any discussion with the interested person, he/she shall leave the governing board or committee meeting while the determination of a conflict of interest is discussed and voted upon. The remaining board or committee members shall decide if a conflict of interest exists.
3. Procedures for Addressing the Conflict of Interest
a. An interested person may make a presentation at the governing board or committee meeting, but after the presentation, he/she shall leave the meeting during the discussion of, and the vote on, the transaction or arrangement involving the possible conflict of interest.
b. The chairperson of the governing board or committee shall, if appropriate, appoint a disinterested person or committee to investigate alternatives to the proposed transaction or arrangement.
c. After exercising due diligence, the governing board or committee shall determine whether CISS can obtain with reasonable efforts a more advantageous transaction or arrangement from a person or entity that would not give rise to a conflict of interest.
d. If a more advantageous transaction or arrangement is not reasonably possible under circumstances not producing a conflict of interest, the governing board or committee shall determine by a majority vote of the disinterested directors whether the transaction or arrangement is in CISS's best interest, for its own benefit, and whether it is fair and reasonable. In conformity with the above determination it shall make its decision as to whether to enter into the transaction or arrangement.
4. Violations of the Conflicts of Interest Policy
a. If the governing board or committee has reasonable cause to believe a member has failed to disclose actual or possible conflicts of interest, it shall inform the member of the basis for such belief and afford the member an opportunity to explain the alleged failure to disclose.
b. If, after hearing the member's response and after making further investigation as warranted by the circumstances, the governing board or committee determines the member has failed to disclose an actual or possible conflict of interest, it shall take appropriate corrective action.
Article IV
Records of Proceedings
The minutes of the governing board and all committees with board delegated powers shall contain:
a. The names of the persons who disclosed or otherwise were found to have a financial interest in connection with an actual or possible conflict of interest, the nature of the financial interest, any action taken to determine whether a conflict of interest was present, and the governing board's or committee's decision as to whether a conflict of interest in fact existed.
b. The names of the persons who were present for discussions and votes relating to the transaction or arrangement, the content of the discussion, including any alternatives to the proposed transaction or arrangement, and a record of any votes taken in connection with the proceedings.
Article V
Compensation
a. A voting member of the governing board who receives compensation, directly or indirectly, from CISS for services is precluded from voting on matters pertaining to that member's compensation.
b. A voting member of any committee whose jurisdiction includes compensation matters and who receives compensation, directly or indirectly, from CISS for services is precluded from voting on matters pertaining to that member's compensation.
c. No voting member of the governing board or any committee whose jurisdiction includes compensation matters and who receives compensation, directly or indirectly, from CISS, either individually or collectively, is prohibited from providing information to any committee regarding compensation.
Article VI
Annual Statements
Each director, principal officer and member of a committee with governing board delegated powers shall annually sign a statement which affirms such person:
a. Has received a copy of the conflicts of interest policy,
b. Has read and understands the policy,
c. Has agreed to comply with the policy, and
d. Understands that CISS is charitable and in order to maintain its federal tax exemption it must engage primarily in activities which accomplish one or more of its tax-exempt purposes.
Article VII
Periodic Reviews
To ensure that CISS operates in a manner consistent with charitable purposes and does not engage in activities that could jeopardize its tax-exempt status, periodic reviews shall be conducted. The periodic reviews shall, at a minimum, include the following subjects:
a. Whether compensation arrangements and benefits are reasonable, based on competent survey information, and the result of arm's length bargaining.
b. Whether partnerships, joint ventures, and arrangements with management organizations conform to CISS's written policies, are properly recorded, reflect reasonable investment or payments for goods and services, further charitable purposes and do not result in inurement, impermissible private benefit or in an excess benefit transaction.
Article VIII
Use of Outside Experts
When conducting the periodic reviews as provided for in Article VII, CISS may, but need not, use outside advisors.
If outside experts are used, their use shall not relieve the governing board of its responsibility for ensuring periodic reviews are conducted.
Adopted by the governing board 11 November 2004
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