So none of you think that paying the following is a little absurd when you only get to actually launch 5-6 times a year?
Maac dues $85-95
Crc dues $25
Car dues $65
To me this seems a bit much to have "a hope of launching at some point during the year." Growing up I didn't have much and was taught to get the value out of my dollar. Per example if I have a tube of toothpaste I use it all before it gets tossed out. Even if I don't like the flavor.
At the club back home any missed launches were rescheduled. They made sure that people got what they paid for. If this sod farm is the hold up then another venue needs to be found. At this point my wife thinks we should find somewhere else to launch even if it means going stateside.
We are also members of curling and golf clubs in St. Catherines. If a game is missed it's made up. This argument of missing because of the weather is bogus. People ARE NOT getting what they are paying for. $200 is a fair chunk of change to be spending on 'a hope and prayer to launch.'
Furthermore if all of this equipment needs repairs after every launch the people that are damaging it need to be asked not to come back or something. How do you break launch pads and controllers?
I have build several pads our of steel tubing and steel plate for friends. I'd be willing to make some pads for you guys if the ones you're using are so flimsy they need repair after each launch. Lol. That argument seems absurd. Also have about 5-6 estes E controllers I'd be willing to give to the cause. (But if they're being broken I'll take them home after each launch and bring back each time)
It sounds like this club has a lot of issues that need to be worked out before they expect people to 'pay to play.' Don't get me wrong, I'm more than willing to pay. I just want to get the value from the dollars I'm paying. I work hard for the money I have.
I think you may be a bit confused, CRC is not CAR affiliated, CRC launches up to G motors only. So CAR is not required to be a member, just MAC. Do I feel that the CRC fee is high, not at all, I think it should be higher. Do I feel the MAAC fee is high, yes I do but that is MAAC not CRC and we need MAAC for insurance. Keep in mind MAAC (Model Aeronautics Association of Canada) is not focused on rocketry, they are more into RC planes and helicopters. They also send out a nicely published magazine, I believe every quarter. Personally it is of little value to me as I am no longer into RC, but none the less it helps to explain their fees.
Now you say we should just get another field, but the field for CRC is actually a great field for up to G motors, except for the clump of rocket eating trees right in the middle, but that also provides some shade on a blazing hot day. I agree in an ideal world we could just have alternative sites, and CRC does have some options, however they are mostly in the same proximity so if the weather is bad at one it's bad at all.
On the topic of finding a suitable field in Southern Ontario, this is no small feat, I know because I have been looking for one for HPR with NAPAS, a Tripoli club that I am also a member of. We have found several suitable fields, but even if you get the land owners permission you still need the adjacent landowners permission, then we have to approach NAVCAN who has given us a specific corridor to look at. One of the other issues we are currently facing is the proliferation of wind turbines. Launching in close proximity to these is a no no and those alone have disqualified a lot of areas.
Re. equipment breaking down, well if you don't know then take my word, equipment does break down and it's not because it is crappy it is because it gets used and things can and do wear out. At a minimum it requires regular maintenance, which Gary does a lot of on his own time.
Finally and this is my personal thoughts on the topic. When you belong to a hobby club it is not like joining a gym. Beyond a group of people getting together with a common interest, there is a load of work and unfortunately there are always a handful of people who step forward and a majority who don't. However just because someone steps forward it does not mean that they are the whipping boy. I belong to NAPAS, CRC, URRG and this year I joined MARS. As a member of those clubs I may have a right to expect that the BoD does not misappropriate my membership fees or club assets, as well as make decisions or take actions that put the club at risk, but not much beyond that. Given a bit of thought I may add to that list, however one thing I do not expect is that I have a right to a certain number of launches because I paid my fees.
My advice is that it your expectations are that you should have the privilege to launch just because you paid your fees then you should keep your fees and save those who step up the frustration of answering to you.