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<DIV>The history of the Dick Scobee Memorial Flying Field in Houston provides several insights on how to obtain and maintain a "public" flying site. (For those who don't remember, Dick Scobee was the pilot of the shuttle Challenger when it exploded.) </DIV>
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<DIV>The first contact was between a Harris County commissioner with flying interests and a modeler who was politically astute. The modeler mentioned that flying sites were scarce and the commissioner wondered why park facilities weren't provided for non ball related activities.</DIV>
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<DIV>The commissioner followed through and the county identified a large section of federal flood control land that could handle a diverse interest park. The county obtained a lease to develop some 7000 acres as such a park. Several facilities were envisioned: model flying, shooting, off-road motorcycle, and hot air balloon facilities being some. </DIV>
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<DIV>As the scheme evolved, the county was blasted from all sides. Not only were there opponents, but the proponents (modelers included) all wanted different things. The county worked hard to satisfy the opponents, but was lost as to what the proper course for each venue was.</DIV>
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<DIV>Here the modelers got innovative. We established an area wide body (Houston Area Model Council Inc., or HAMCI) with each area club, regardless of discipline, permitted one representative. This AMA chartered entity then hammered out the needs and desires of the modelers and spoke with one voice to the county. This effort resulted in the flyers receiving priority and the air park was the first facility built.</DIV>
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<DIV>The field was built by the county and it's first class, large paved runway, large shelters, paved parking, modern restrooms, wrought iron fence (+ 500 yds long) to separate spectators from flight operations, picnic areas, and first class control line facilities. Fly over area is huge, albeit some is over brushy "badlands." The entire park area is about 7000 acres (now George Bush Park) and our neighbor is a gun range, so we're the quiet folks. The flying facility is totally maintained by the county, often using prisoners assigned to "community service." Upgrades are common (enlarge runway, resurface runway, increase sheltered area, handicap accessible pilot stations, new fencing, shrubbery, landscaping, etc.).</DIV>
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<DIV>There were concerns regarding safety, rules enforcement, and special interest groups use. HAMCI holds a lease on the facility from the county, still is the only voice to the county, reserves special activities, and ensures safe operations. Another innovative approach was to model the safety rules after those of AMA and have the county cast them in the form of a county ordinance. Violation of these rules can result in a citation being written by a constable. (This is rarely, if ever, applied but puts some teeth behind those enforcing the rules.)</DIV>
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<DIV>A local club that was without a field was chosen to serve as the "host" club and is charged with day to day rules enforcement via the normal safety officer methods. Rules enforcement is strong and has resulted in safe operations. The field is open to all without charge and the county requires an AMA license for access to the flight operations area. The host club owns a climate controlled building that is accessible to members. We get a very large number on "newbies" and the host club provides the usual oversight and training to all comers.</DIV>
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<DIV>The county is very proactive in ensuring that the needs of modelers are met and do an outstanding job of maintaining the facility. One final note, this all didn't happen overnight. From conception to fruition was around 20 years. A few dedicated individuals kept the ball rolling and found ways to overcome obstacles. The field has been in operation since 1985, nearly 20 years of testament to the good work of many folks past and present.</DIV>
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<DIV>Earl Haury</DIV></BODY></HTML>