It was great to see so many for our club meeting on Tuesday night. It was nice to welcome a new members as well as see our long time members. Bob is keeping the field in great shape! Thanks Bob!

Our next event is our club picnic on August 1. Put it on your calendar. While this is a club event — members and spouses — and not an open event to the public, might I suggest that if you know someone who might be interested in joining the club that you invite them to the picnic. It is nice to be getting some new members and we still can use more. It would be a great time for a prospective member to be exposed to the club and see some flying. Hot dogs, hamburgers, and potato salad will be provided. Members are welcome to bring extras. Hoping for great weather and a great day flying. Of course, come out and fly anytime the weather is good and your schedule permits.

Best wishes,

Tom DeVries

The post KRAM Update appeared first on KRAM - Kent Radio Aero Modelers.

Dan McLaren
KRAM Secretary

The post JULY MEETING appeared first on KRAM - Kent Radio Aero Modelers.

KRAM Posting Form

It can be used by any club member and everyone on the club’s email list will receive this message. The reason for the test is because the website was just updated to use PHP version 8.1 and this is a test of this form’s functionality.
Keep in mind there is a KRAM Regular Meeting on July 7th at the field.
See you then.

The post Test of KRAM Posting Form appeared first on KRAM - Kent Radio Aero Modelers.

Regarding the Memorial fly and Veterans picnic for this Saturday, a couple of things.

1. The weather forecast has improved considerably for Saturday with regards to rain. So at this point please plan on the event going forward unless you hear otherwise.

2. It looks like it will be raining tomorrow afternoon. Therefore, I am NOT planning on setting up the picnic tables tomorrow afternoon at 6:00 p.m. unless the situation changes. We will have to do that Saturday morning starting around 8:00 a.m.

Thanks,

Tom DeVries

and

Hi again,

Of course the numbers may well change, but I was informed yesterday that there were currently 13 veterans signed up as well as two staff. So that would be 15 people if they all come. I communicated with them today and unless the weather / weather forecast turns a lot worse than it is right now, we are planning to go ahead with the event. So it is a “GO” unless you hear otherwise.

See you Saturday,

Tom DeVries

The post KRAM 2026 Memorial Fly-In Updates appeared first on KRAM - Kent Radio Aero Modelers.

The post KRAM Meeting Tuesday, June 2nd 2026 – at the field appeared first on KRAM - Kent Radio Aero Modelers.

                                                   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

The post May 5th, 2026 Meeting Minutes appeared first on KRAM - Kent Radio Aero Modelers.

        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

The post April 7th, 2026 Meeting Minutes appeared first on KRAM - Kent Radio Aero Modelers.

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.

Please plan on coming to the March 3rd KRAM meeting at the West Michigan Aviation Academy building. We will continue to plan out the coming year. Also, please bring something for show-and-tell. It doesn’t need to be anything exceptional – just something of interest to share. Bring a model, an old engine, a tool that has helped you, or even share a technique that you have developed to help in building your model. I would love for someone to share / show their covering technique as I am really bad at that aspect.

Tom DeVries

P.S. It is time to get ready for the flying season!

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