Public Fields

[EHaury at aol.com]

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.) 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.).

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.)

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.

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.

Earl Haury
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