MAY 5, 2026

The meeting was called to order at 7:00PM by president Tom DeVries.

Eleven members were present. One guest, Brian Burgess, was also present.

Jim Grant made a motion to approve the April Minutes. Mike Murphy seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Dan McLaren presented the financial report. All is well. Robert Irish motioned we accept the report as presented. Pete Dehr seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Mike Mutphy gave a safety message concerning batteries. As you pull batteries out of winter storage and charge them, be sure to stay close and watch them. He pulled a five cell 5000 ma battery that had been put in storge with a 3.8 storage charge in the fall. After five minutes on the charger the internal resistance read 13! He pulled it from the charger and pulled it out of service before any damage took place…

Jim Grant and Robert Irish reported the West Michigan Aviation Academy students had their rocket day at the field. They reported much activity with some epic fails!

Chris Mroch reported all systems are up and running as they should be. No computer system problems to report.

Tom DeVries discussed our June 6 Vet’s / Memorial picnic. He plans on pulled pork, brats, burgers. Jim Herron plans to send an email out to coordinate the “dish to pass” so we get a nice selection of food. The plan is to set up on Friday evening. Dan McLaren said he would coordinate getting all the tables over to the car wash for a good start of the season cleaning. Tom is checking with the Vets to see if a handicap porta john is required (very expensive if not required). Tom is also going to find some gift for the Vets who attend. Mike Murphy is charged with inviting the Ionia Club to join us and bring war birds to fly.

Tom DeVries asked if anyone could report on the Toledo Show. Steve Gutschow did attend and reported it was back to big. He called it a big swap shop with venders back.

Dan McLaren asked Jim Herron if he could use his computer skills to develop the club a new tri fold hand out. Our old one is outdated and we need to get a new one in place for handing out at places like Rider’s.

Tom DeVries asked the members present to think about the merits of having a “invite the public display day” where we advertise and invite the public to come out to the field and see what the hobby is all about. More to follow on this next month.   

Next Meeting is June 2, 2026 at the field at 7:00pm. Come early and fly!

Respectfully submitted,

Dan McLaren

KRAM Secretary

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        APRIL 7, 2026

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 by president Tom DeVries.

Eleven members were present. One guest, Brian Burgess, was also present.

Dan McLaren made a motion to approve the minutes as distributed. Jim Grant seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Pete Dehr (lives in Byran Center) and David Hills (lives in Middleville) both noted they built aircraft last year and look forward to first flights as the weather gets nice!

Dan McLaren gave the financial report. No questions were raised. Jim Grant made a motion to accept the financial report and Jim Herron seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Tom DeVries noted a commercial flight that he took once that had mechanical issues on takeoff. Although the flight took off, it circled near the airport until it burned off 300lbs. of fuel before it returned to the runway.  Would be pretty expensive in today’s market…

Mike Murphy’s safety message was to check your charger and connections as the flying season has begun. Likewise, when you go out to the field be sure to tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return…

Robert Irish reported the field looks to be in good shape. One washout area towards the east end will need attention, otherwise the runway looks in good shape. No major work day is planned but may have a minor work day towards the middle of May.

Chris Mroch reported that all electronic systems and programs are up and running and up to date. Chris asked if we were going to roll the runway this spring. Tom took the issue under advisement.

Tom DeVries noted that the Vet’s picnic is a go.  Mike Murphy is going to ask the Ionia club if they would like to join us to give the Vets a bigger show. He will have an answer at the next meeting. The plan is for a pot luck with the club supplying the meat. Bring military planes to fly if possible.

Club picnic is August 1. More to follow…

The training contact to make an appointment for training is changing from Chuck Putney to Tom DeVries. Chuck has changed jobs and will not be available to train or take calls during his new working hours. Tom volunteered to have his number listed – thanks Tom!

Dan McLaren noted that we have been confirmed as a Gold Leader Club by the AMA. Likewise, our AMA Charter and insurance certificate have been reissues by AMA. The Porta Potty has been ordered for the period of April through October!  We are ready to fly – ENJOY AND BE SAFE.

SHOW AND TELL:

Dave Hills showed off a repaired LT40. The repair came out looking very good. The question is is it going to fly?

Mike Murphy showed us his backup competition plane. It is a two meter (length and wingspan). It flies on a ten cell battery with a 22×12 prop and gets seven minute flights. It is a monoplane but has a guvnor (small wing ahead of the cockpit) called a canalizer.  Big plane! Best of luck at the competitions this summer Mike!

Motion to adjourn by Jim Grant at 7:55pm. Seconded by Allen Simpson and carried.

Next Meeting is May 5, 2026 at the school at 7:00pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Dan McLaren

KRAM Secretary

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March 3, 2026

1. Call to Order at 7:03pm by president Tom DeVries

1. Approval of minutes.

No corrections were made to the minutes. Jim Herron motioned to approve the minutes and Jim Grant seconded. Motion carried.

1. Financial Report. Dan McLaren

Dan McLaren reported the checkbook balance is the same as the reported bank balance and showed the president those documents.  No issues presented. Dan also noted that our lease had been signed in January so we are in good shape through December, 2026.

1. Safety Report. Mike Murphy

Mike walked through the KRAM field rules as required by our Gold Leader Club requirements. For those not present the Field Rules are attached for your reading pleasure. As a result of the review it was noted that they could use some updating. Murphy, McLaren, and DeVries will take a stab at updating and bring back to the club for final approval.

• Field Maintenance Report. Bob Irish

Bob has visited the field and noted that everything was in order. The spring maintenance day will be set later. The road and under the mat is still quite wet…

• Chris Mroch’s report.

Chris noted that everything is up to date with Site 5 – our hosting platform. He did note that new members, when added to our mailing list, will get an email requesting a response that it is ok to add them to the roster. Failure to respond will result in not being added to the roster and no emails sent to you. So please respond. You might have to search for the first email in your Spam file.

Chris showed drafts of fliers for upcoming events. The dates for these events  were finalized so Chris can get the fliers complete.

Memorial Fun Fly / Veterans Picnic will be June 6

We will invite the Ionia club to join us so we have more planes in the air for the Vets

Our Club Picnic will be August 1

Poker Fun Fly will be hosted by Jim Grant on September 19

Swap Meet will be October 18

• Cooperative events with other clubs.

There was discussion about inviting other clubs to some events. It was decided to invite Ionia to the Vets Picnic and see how it goes. There has not been much interest from other clubs in recent years…

• Update on any restrictions that affect us, e.g. manufacturing restrictions.

        There was no new information other than the fact that it does not seem to be affecting the availability of planes, parts, or accessories at this time. No other issues from AMA.

Dan McLaren announced that our AMA Charter and Insurance certificate had arrived. Also, a new requirement for Leader Club application is having at least one of the club members being a “leader member”. Since we had none, I applied and was approved so we should be a Gold Leader Club again this year.

Dan also reported that the Porta-John would be in place around the first of April.

1. Show and tell.

Tom DeVries brought 30 – 40 year old unmade Pilot “Das Box” biplane kit. This type of kit was very popular in Asia years ago. Tom also showed an “old” cub – fabric covering. He bought it at a swap shop with a Satio motor for $200. Plans to fly it this summer.

Allen Simpson showed off a battery powered tissue plane he had purchased from Dave Schearer, which included a safe carrying case.

• Miscellaneous.

Mike Murphy remind everyone the there is indoor flying on Tuesdays from 9:30 until 2:00 at MSA (across from Rider’s).

Dave Hill and Bob Irish brought up the issue of getting a defibrillator for the field. Some investigation will be done and see if it is cost effective. Their first look said it would be $4,000.

• Adjournment.

Allen Simpson moved and Dave Hills seconded a motion to adjourn. Adopted.

Next meeting is April 7^th at 7:00pm at the hanger. I hope to see you there.

Respectfully submitted,

Dan McLaren

KRAM Secretary

The post March 3rd, 2026, Meeting Minutes appeared first on KRAM - Kent Radio Aero Modelers.

February 3, 2026

1. Call to Order.

1. Approval of minutes.

No corrections were made to the minutes. Dave Hill motioned to approve the minutes and Allen Simpson seconded. Adopted.

1. Financial Report. Dan McClaren

Dan McClaren was not present. No financial report presented.

1. Safety Report. Mike Murphy

Mike talked about preparing our airplanes for flying. He emphasized checking the wiring on the planes, especially wires that ran a long distance in nitro planes.

• Field Maintenance Report. Bob Irish

Bob has visited the field and noted that everything was in order. The spring maintenance day will be set later.

• Chris Mroch’s report.

       Chris showed drafts of fliers for upcoming events. The dates for these events need to be solidified.

• Discussion of upcoming events.

Dates for various events were discussed. More information is needed for finalizing the dates.

• Cooperative events with other clubs.

There was discussion about inviting other clubs to some events. The event dates need to be finalized before deciding to invite other clubs.

1. Update on any restrictions that affect us, e.g. manufacturing restrictions.

        There was no new information other than the fact that it does not seem to be affecting the availability of planes, parts, or accessories at this time.

• Show and tell.

Tom DeVries brought 30 – 40 year old unmade Pilot “Das Box” biplane kit. This type of kit was very popular in Asia years ago.

• Miscellaneous.

None.

• Adjournment.

Allen Simpson moved and Dave Hills seconded a motion to adjourn. Adopted. 

The post February 3, 2026, Meeting Minutes appeared first on KRAM - Kent Radio Aero Modelers.

                            MEETING MINUTES FROM JANUARY 6, 2026

The meeting was called to order by new president Tom DeVries at 7:00.

Nine members were present, no guests.

No corrections were offered for last month’s meeting minutes. Jeff Streit motioned to approve the minutes as read. Chris Mroch seconded and the vote carried with no changes.

Jim Grant presented Dan McLaren’s financial report. Jim Herron made the motion to accept as stated and was seconded by Terry Wing. Motion carried.

Bob Irish reported that the field is in good shape. Lots of snow on the runway.

Mike Murphy was absent so no safety message was presented.

We had a discussion about commercial or hobby drone restrictions. An important requirement is that they must be manufactured in the USA. Stay tuned for any more or less restrictions.

Chris Mroch reported that our system is updated with some new scheduled up and coming events. He has also updated our web site with new club officers and our member mailing list. Chris is also in the process of checking for any possible obstacles to our first Tuesday meeting dates this year.

Tom DeVries will contact our local clubs to see if there is any interest for a combined flying event.

There was no show and tell at this meeting.

Chris Mroch made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:55. Jeff Streit seconded the motion and it carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Jim Grant

KRAM 1^st vice president

January 24, 2026

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                                                                MEETING MINUTES FROM               DECEMBER 2, 2025

The meeting was called to order by Vice President Jim Grant (Jeff’s plane was delayed) at 7:08.

Nine members were present, no guests.

 No corrections were offered for last month’s meeting minutes. Jim Grant motioned to approve the minutes as read. Chris Mroch seconded and the vote carried with no changes.

Dan McLaren presented the financial report. Pete Dehr made the motion to accept as stated and was seconded by Chris Mroch. Motion carried.

Bob Irish reported the field is buttoned up for the winter. Equipment batteries have been taken home to Bob’s house for the winter to keep from freezing.

Mike Murphy’s safety message concerned being prepared for issues in the shop – have a fire extinguisher handy just in case!

Chris Mroch reported that all systems are up and running. Chris and Dan will continue working with Site 5 (our hosting source) to resolve our mailing list issue. More to come.

Dan McLaren made a motion to present our landlords with a fruit basket again this year, not to exceed $100.  Jim Herron seconded the motion and the motion carried. Dan will purchase and deliver, along with our lease check and lease agreement for signing before Christmas.

Weather permitting, there will be a New Year’s Day fly in starting at noon. Hopefully the wind will be down and the temperature will be up and we can get a few flights in to start the new year!

Show and Tell – Jim Grant showed off a just completed Kaos 60 with a Craft 61 engine turning an 11/6 prop. Jim got the kit from Gary Stephens a number of years ago and just completed it before the meeting. Absolute beautiful craftsmanship in both the build and the covering!!!

Jim Grant made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:33. Chris Mroch seconded the motion and it carried.

Respectfully Submitted,

Dan McLaren

KRAM Secretary

December 15, 2025

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                                                                      MEETING MINUTES FROM   NOVEMBER 4, 2025

The meeting was called to order by President Jeff Streit at 7:04pm

Eight members were present, no guests.

 No corrections were offered for last month’s meeting minutes. Allen Simpson motioned to approve the minutes as read. Tom DeVries seconded and the vote carried.

Dan McLaren presented the financial report. Jeff Streit made the motion to accept and seconded by Jim Grant. Motion carried.

Jim Grant gave a final update on the Swap Shop. We had 50 tables sold this year (vs. 74 last year). Vendors were happy we are still having a Swap Shop. Jeff Streit has volunteered to take over the position for 2026. (Again, many thanks to Gary Stephens and Jim Grant for running the show this year.)

Bob Irish reported he has taken down the American Flag and the solar light on the flagpole for the winter. He also has taken the batteries out of the lawn mowers for winter storage at his house. The windsocks at the end of the runway have been placed in the shed for the winter. The American flag will need to be replaced in the spring – pretty wind damaged.

Jeff Streit volunteered to take down the big windsock next to the shed since the pole is now bent leaning on the shed and the sock is in tatters.

Mike Murphy was absent since he was involved with the elections.

Chris Mroch reported that all systems are up and running. Chris is also working with Site 5 (our hosting source) trying to regain access to our mailing list. More to come.

Dan McLaren made a motion to maintain club dues at the $75 level of 2026. Jim Grant seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Show and Tell – none this month.

Nominations for club officer positions were opened.

                Jeff Streit nominated himself to the Vice President and swap shop coordinator position.

                Jim Grant agreed to be Second Vice President and help Jeff learn the swap shop ropes.

 Currently nominated are:

President – Tom DeVries    Vice President I – Jeff Streit      Vice President II – Jim Grant

Secretary / Treasurer – Dan McLaren        Safety Officer – Mike Murphy 

Maintenance Officer – Bob Irish Social Director – Jim Herron       Web Master – Chris Mroch

With a nominee for all positions, Dan McLaren made a motion to close nominations. Jeff Srteit seconded the motion and motion carried.

Dan McLaren made a motion that we elect the slate of officers as nominated above. Chris Mroch seconded the motion and the motion carried. Thus, the Club Officers are as listed above.

Allen Simpson gave observations and suggestions to improve the acceptance and welcoming  of visitors and guests at the club. They were:

                A couple of picnic tables along the outer fence (and / or)

                A set of bleachers protected by fencing outside the outer fence.

                These suggestions will be held for next spring based on funds available.

Next Meeting is December 2 at 7:00pm at the school.

Motion to adjourn offered by Jeff Streit. Allen Simpson seconded the motion and it carried at 7:50pm.

Respectfully Submitted,

Dan McLaren

KRAM Secretary

November 26, 2025

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                                                                      MEETING MINUTES FROM   OCTOBER 7, 2025

The meeting was called to order by President  Jeff Streit at 7:04pm

TEN members were present, no guests.

 No corrections were offered for last month’s  minutes. Jim Grant motioned to approve the minutes as read. Chris Mroch seconded and the vote carried.

Dan McLaren presented the financial report. Two hundred and eleven dollars was deposited for the swap meet as well as thirty seven dollars from the Poker Fun Fly.  No expenses for the month.  Tom DeVries  made the motion to accept and seconded by Mike Murphy. Motion carried.

Jim Grant gave an update on the Poker Fun Fly. We had 11 flyers this year. Bob Irish took first place, followed by Tom DeVries in second and Chris Bohnin third.

Jim Grant gave an update on the Swap Shop. The flyer on Facebook had been updated and had all the correct info.  Set up  will start at 8:00am with the event scheduled to end at 1:00pm. Only 30 tables have been sold to date but a number of calls requesting information have been received. Dan McLaren charged with having seed dollars available for the cash boxes on Sunday morning.

Bob Irish reported that he replaced one tire on the big mower due to dry rot. Otherwise, everything is in good shape.  

Mike Murphy’s safety report told about a pattern plane fly away that ended up in the top of a tree six miles away. The person who retrieved it was able to call the owner since the owner had placed his name and phone number on the inside of the canopy. Happy ending! Also, Mike reminded everyone to be sure to have a fire extinguisher in the workshop now that building season is upon us.

Chris Mroch reported that all systems are up and running. Chris is also working  with Site 5 (our hosting source) trying to regain access to our mailing list. More to come.

Jim Herron reported  that everything worked on the combat plane that was recovered from the corn. Just some delamination of the covering which he was going to reglue. In total there were four planes (or pieces there of) recovered from the corn!

Show and Tell

Jeff Streit stated the 3D Cub that was made completely with 3D printing is done! Test flight will probably be in the spring. Jeff’s next 3D project will be a DC3.

Nominations for club officer positions were opened. Currently nominated are:

                President                                Tom DeVries                                  Vice President I       TBD                                                Vice President II        TBD

                Secretary / Treasurer    Dan McLaren                                   Safety Officer   Mike Murphy                                     Maintenance Officer    Bob Irish

                Social Director                 Jim Herron                                         Web Master      Chris Mroch

We still need nominations for Vice President I and II. VP I is responsible for the Swap Shop. With all the history we have on how to do it, it really is not that big a job…

Next Meeting is November 4 at 7:00pm at the school.

Motion to adjourn offered by Jim Grant. Chris Mroch seconded the motion and it carried at 7:55pm.

Respectfully Submitted,

Dan McLaren

KRAM Secretary

October 31, 2025

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                                                                      MEETING MINUTES FROM   SEPTEMBER 2, 2025

The meeting was called to order by President  Jeff Streit at 7:00pm

Thirteen members were present, no guests.

 No corrections were offered for last month’s  minutes. Chuck Putney motioned to approve the minutes as read. Dave Hills seconded and the vote carried.

President Jeff reminded all that the October meeting will be held at the hanger of West Michigan Aviation Academy.

Dan McLaren presented the financial report. One hundred and fifty dollars was deposited for swap meet and dues. Only expense for the month was the State Farm insurance bill.  Tom DeVries  made the motion to accept and seconded by Dave Hills. Motion carried.

Jim Grant gave an update on the Poker Fun Fly. The event is Saturday, September 6 starting with a pilots meeting at 9:00am. First prize to be $100, second place is $75, with third prize being $50. Best poker hand wins. $5 entry fee supports food, water, and lemonade.

Jim Grant also reported that the swap shop sales of tables is going slow. Set up is scheduled for 8:00am on Sunday, October 19. Jeff has the signs for the event and will have them placed the morning of the event.

Jeff Streit complimented Bob Irish on the condition of the field this summer. Thanks Bob for a job well done this summer!

Mike Murphy reported there were 30 countries at the NATS this year. He also reported there was one crash due to aileron flutter that destroyed the plane.

Chris Mroch reported that all systems are up and running. Thanks Chris, and get well soon.

Show and Tell

Jeff Streit showed off a nice looking Cub that was made completely with 3D printing. Total cost was estimated to be $15

Dan McLaren reminded everyone that nominations open for Club Officer positions at the next meeting!

Next Meeting is October 7 at 7:00pm at the school.

Motion to adjourn offered by Dave Hills. Allen Simpson seconded the motion and it carried at 7:38pm.

Respectfully Submitted,

Dan McLaren

KRAM Secretary

September 28, 2025

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                                                                  MEETING MINUTES FROM    AUGUST 5, 2025

The meeting was called to order by President  Jeff Streit at 7:00pm

Ten members were present, no guests.

 No corrections were offered for last month’s  minutes. Dan McLaren motioned to approve the minutes as read. Jim Grant seconded and the vote carried.

Dan McLaren presented the financial report. Easy month – no deposits, no withdrawals, balance remained the same with no questions. Motion to accept was made by Jim Grant and seconded By Tom DeVries. Motion carried.

Jim Grant gave an update on the SWAP SHOP schedule for Oct.19. It was noted that Gary Stephens has moved to the Midland area. Jim Grant has taken over the responsibility of managing this years activity. He proceeded to note where help is needed (raffle ticket sales, set up, front and back door monitoring, signs posted in the area, and tear down).  The sign up sheet was passed around for volunteers to sign up. 5 tables are sold so contact Jim when you are ready to buy your table(s).

Bob Irish noted that all is in order at the field and expressed his thanks to Gordon Vogel for weed wacking the weeds along the fence line, and Tom DeVries and Dave Hills for helping mow. Place looks good! All equipment is running well.

Jim Herron made new signs and hung them on the fence line reminding members not to fly over the barns and calves. Thanks Jim!

Chris Mroch reported in absentia that all systems are up and running. Chris covered one of the license fees for us so all is up to date. Thanks Chris, and get well soon.

Mike Murphy’s safety message is simple – be aware of the heat and bring water to stay hydrated. Mike also noted that he will be at Muncie this week volunteering at the World Championships. If interested, you can probably find some coverage on u tube.

Jeff Streit reminded us that the KRAM summer picnic is scheduled for August 23. Jeff will have burgers, brats, and dogs. Bring deserts! Jeff will have a few sides.

Jim Grant reminded everyone that the Poker Fun Fly is September 6. Starts at 9:00. First prize is a $100 gift certificate to Rider’s Hobby Shop, second is a $75 gift certificate and third is a $50 certificate. Thank you Jim!  

Show and Tell

Gordon Vogel had a small high wing that we needed to identify.  After a lot of bad guessing, it was finally identified as a Great Planes PT20. Goron flies it on a small four stroke.

Jeff Streit showed off a small drone that he says takes nice pictures at 1000 feet.

Next Meeting is September 2 AT THE FIELD at 7:00pm.

Motion to adjourn offered by Dan McLaren. Jim Grant seconded the motion and it carried at 8:15pm.

Respectfully Submitted,

Dan McLaren

KRAM Secretary

August 6, 2025

PS   I talked to Danny Osborn today. It has been a tough summer so far. The phone system has been on the fritz all summer and Roz broke her wrist and has been going to physical therapy so Danny has been tied pretty close to home…

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