Tampa Area Flyers?

[Gutshot]

Starting to think I may be the only one around flying. I know the Bay City Flyers are flying way north of where I am. But its a mix of Planks and Heli's. I was disappointed to learn that the Heli only Linebaugh field isn't used anymore since it's right down the street from my house. And i even emailed the Prez of the club to get somemore info about the club and never got a response.
So for now I just fly my 450 at a local soccer field when no one is around. Which is fine, but it would be cool to hang with others someday.

[BarracudaHockey]

There's a bunch of guys down that way. You can probably start by sending a PM to ErichF he flys down there. There's also guys in Port St Lucie and all around there.

[ErichF]

You're welcome to come fly at the Bay City field on Hwy 52. If you come up the Sun Coast Parkway, it's not too long of a drive.

At the Bay City field, the helis and planks don't mix. We fly on opposite of two perpendicular runways. That means helis have pretty much un-hindered access to the flightline. I have more of an issue than the 3D guys, because I need to fly long, high patterns for my FAI practice routine. You would have more than enough room and time to fly your 450 out there.

Also, you could feel more free to upgrade into a larger machine when you have access to a model aircraft field, as opposed to a local park.

Go see Ike, the owner of Charlie's Discount Hobbies, in north Tampa on Waters Ave at Hanley Blvd for info on the club and to join. You are welcome to fly at the club site as a guest three times before joining (typical of most clubs).

On the other end, there's the SPARKS field in St Pete, just off I-275 at Roosevelt. They are a good gang, too. Also, the Linebaugh Ave dump site is available for use on Saturdays and weekdays until 6:00pm. I only know of a couple guys that use that site on Saturdays, though. The majority of pilots use Bay City's "Area 52" site.

[jimmyd]

If you ever find yourself on the Pinellas side of the bay check out SPARKS.

http://sparksrc.org

Great group of heli Guys!

Jimmy D

[Gutshot]

Thanks guys for the info,
I just may have to end up joining both. The BCF site is closer to home and SPARKS is on the way home from work. Both have their advantages and disadvantages it seems.

[ErichF]

Edited to protect the innocent.

[Gutshot]

You can keep that place all to yourself. I will not be going back there after today. You got some plankers with serious issues there. The heli guys, most of whom I know, are great. I now feel sorry for them, though.

wow, do tell, what happened?
Friend of mine who knows some of the heli guys said it was more friendly between the plankers and heli guys.
Thats one of the biggest reasons why the like the Linebaugh field, heli's only!

[jimmyd]

See Erich's post above..... :o
Thanks, and be safe.
Jimmy

[ErichF]

All's well that ends well :thumbup:

[BarracudaHockey]

I have a hard time believing that Erich was acting the fool.

[jimmyd]

As did I when I heard about this. I’ve never met Erich in person but he has a very solid reputation in the heli community. Unfortunately he met one of our more surly members that day and had a bad experience. I assure everyone that this is an isolated incident and a very rare occurrence at our club.

After hearing Erich's take on the events of that day I can certainly understand his position as well that of the plank flyer, both flyers have valid points. It’s unfortunate that voices were raised, but hey, that’s human nature at times.

So, after exchanging some PMs with Erich, he and I both agree that the situation could have been avoided with a bit of courtesy and discretion on everyone’s part. It’s clear to me that Erich is an outstanding gentleman and an asset to the heli community in general, and I hope that he’ll give SPARKS another chance some day soon.

Thanks,
Jimmy D

[Gutshot]

Finally got my AMA card, now just to join a club!!!!! :hug:
Maybe I'll see some of you guys out there!

[Polkchop]

I know this is a little late to post back,but you should go over to T.R.A.C. It is a great feild,and everyone is nice,and helpful. I should be getting my AMA card soon,and I will be joining.

[saltyzoo]

I really wish there was a field closer. I'd go 3 times a week if it didn't cost $50 in gas and tolls. :(

[Polkchop]

Where in Tampa are yall located?

[saltyzoo]

I'm in town and country, normally a perfect place to be close to everything, but in this case the perfect place to be far from everything. I'm not far from the dump site actually. It would be convenient. :rolleyes:

[Polkchop]

Well that sucks. I was having the same problem until I looked around,and found T.R.A.C. I want to join,but I am having to wait,and wait,and wait on my darn AMA card:roll:. You would think they would have more flying feilds around. It kind of makes me mad because the city here builds these stupid skateparks were people are doing drugs selling drugs and fighting,but we can't have a flying feild. I just don't understand it,but o well.

Brandon

[saltyzoo]

Yeah, I either have to drive 36 miles (50 minutes) North and pay tolls, or 28 miles (45 minutes) east through town.

The Pinellas field might actually be closer.

Just looked it up. SPARKS is only 20 miles (35 minutes) away. I guess I'll head over there this weekend and check it out.

[ErichF]

Tampa Bay is lucky in that we actually have a lot of fields to choose from. It's just that the Tampa Bay developed area is also so big that the fields are way out on the fringes.

I live way up north in Odessa, so the Bay City 52 field is only 25 minutes from me. My problem is after work flying...SPARKS is just across the Gandy Bridge from where I work, but the sun is in your face in the late afternoon there. This made it very difficult to practice for the Nats this year.

[Polkchop]

I should be heading out to T.R.A.C. tomorrow if nothing goes wrong. I can't wait to go flying!!

[saltyzoo]

friggin rain :(

[jimmyd]

Hey Salty,
The heli crowd is usally at SPARKS in the afternoon on the weekends and most Fridays after work. I'll shoot you a PM with my contact info.

Jimmy Dacey
V.P. SPARKS

[Polkchop]

Well no more flying for me I nailed my 450 in the ground but matbe later some of us could meet up at a field and go flying.

[saltyzoo]

crap, sorry to hear that. There are a few of us up at area 52 come on up.