New Award Scheme

[MM0NDX]

Have been thinking about this for sometime.

Airports on the Air.

Basically,like CASHOTA or Lighthouse/Lightship #on the air, you need not transmit directly from #a Castle or Lightship, but a nearby field/area close enough to be described as part of the airport. Most airports around the world have some sort of area where i'm sure setting up a portable station would be no problem.

Say the maximum distance from the airport was 1 mile- any further and the award becomes irrelevant - you have to be operating near to an airfield/aerodrome...

Antenna height at 1 mile from the airport wouldn't be a problem for aircraft/pilots - at one mile they'd be a thousand or so feet above anyway - whereas the radio ham aerial could be a portable 30ft construction, or Buddipole, G5RV etc....

I'd be interested in your thoughts to see if this award scheme could become genuinely good fun.

I've already sniffed around some aviation forums, and the general feeling is that providing an operator stayed within the BR68 operating provisions regarding proximity to airfields, then not a problem with this.

Could be quite a challenging format for some of the more remote airfields/strips, making the award interesting to say the least. The exchange could be signal report plus designated 4 letter ICAO code.

What say?
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif[I]

[KA4DPO]

Getting permission to set up a radio on airfield property may be a challenge. Smaller airfields might be easier than say LAX or JFK. I guess you could just operate mobile from the parking lot.

[N2RJ]

Won't fly (pun intended) here in the USA where we are now afraid of anything that looks weird next to or in an airport.

[MM0NDX]

I guess it would need a few dedicated souls to begin the quest of "Airports/Airfields On The Air" and see if the scheme snow-balled.

I'll post here again soon once i've started some kind of forum/website stating the aim of the award - or is it a waste of time? Would hams be generally interested in "contacting" airports? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

[ai4ep]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif As a seperate idea, instead of " contacting AIRPORTS ", why not just go to your local WAL - MART parking lot and do the same thing there ?

Fewer security problems, closer to nearly any ones home and every one already knows where the local wal - mart is at. You could even use your G P S unit and go from parking lot to parking lot gathering extra points.

[MM0NDX]

Yep, it's this sort of thing i've been thinking about for a while now. WalMArt On The Air, Beaches On The Air.....what else could be an "....On The Air".....?

[N2RJ]

Quote[/b] (MM0NDX @ July 31 2007,11:50)]I guess it would need a few dedicated souls to begin the quest of "Airports/Airfields On The Air" and see if the scheme snow-balled.

I'll post here again soon once i've started some kind of forum/website stating the aim of the award - or is it a waste of time? Would hams be generally interested in "contacting" airports? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif
The problem is that in the USA doing ANYTHING in or around an airport except flying or activities associated with a flight will probably get you arrested and detained at the very least. Even in the UK, I'd wager that the problem is the same, if not worse.

Nice idea, but unfortunately we live in a post 9/11 world.

How about something much simpler - Schools on the air. Talk to local schools and see if they would like to participate in the event. Maybe you could encourage some students to become hams. That, to me, would be a much better idea.

[MM0NDX]

Understand where you're coming from regarding #post 9/11. An aspect of Airports On The Air could be that in some way, it actually reassures, makes light of the fact, that airports are delicate subjects - do you know what i mean? If a ham can be seen to TX from a nearby airport/field, it could in actual fact be shown that a good old hobby won't get in the way of public opinion on airports.

I'm not typing this very well, but i hope you understand where i coming from:laugh:

Re: Schools. Another good idea, but the Space Shuttle link up with schools goes some way to encouraging youngsters taking up the hobby..much the same as Jamboree..

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif #

[N2RJ]

Quote[/b] (MM0NDX @ July 31 2007,13:21)]Understand where you're coming from regarding post 9/11. An aspect of Airports On The Air could be that in some way, it actually reassures, makes light of the fact, that airports are delicate subjects - do you know what i mean? If a ham can be seen to TX from a nearby airport/field, it could in actual fact be shown that a good old hobby won't get in the way of public opinion on airports.

I'm not typing this very well, but i hope you undersatnd where i coming from:laugh:
Yeah, and maybe we could build a few mosques near to airports and hold some Muslim prayers in the terminals... That will go a long way towards making the public feel safe around Muslims in airports... not.

I can understand where you are coming from, but the reality is that the logistical issues are too great.

Even without the terrorism concerns, what about the airport environment itself? The potential is too great to interfere with aero communications. In fact, in the USA we have restrictions on amateur radio antenna height near airports, even if it's on your own property.

This is not something I can see taking off, sorry.

Maybe historical monuments or lighthouses... ARLHS is always looking for new activations.

[KM5FL]

Quote[/b] (ai4ep @ July 31 2007,10:57)]http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif # As a seperate idea, instead of " contacting AIRPORTS ", why not just go to your local WAL - MART parking lot and do the same thing there ?

Fewer security problems, closer to nearly any ones home and every one already knows where the local wal - mart is at. #You could even use your G P S unit and go from parking lot to parking lot gathering extra points.
EP..
For once, I have to say you've come up with a brilliant idea.. WMOTA, TOTA (Target on the air), SOTA (Sears on the air), HDOTA (Home Depot on the air)... The possibilities are ENDLESS..
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KM5FL

[kj5t]

As mentioned, I doubt Airports On The Air would kick off very well. Probably would be a lack of interest and also there of course (as mentioned by N2RJ) is the security concerns that the airports would bring up. It is sad, but true. So I second N2RJ.

Wal-Mart on the air might be kind of fun, might be a challege to collect them all. Probably not much issues with operating from the parking lot mobile.

[KC7ATO]

Airports are to easy to locate. How about we set up next to a Nuclear Powerplant and see how long it takes before we are arrested. I'm sure the folks at Homeland Security would understand were just "contesting"! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[KC2PBJ]

Quote[/b] (MM0NDX @ July 31 2007,11:59)]Yep, it's this sort of thing i've been thinking about for a while now. WalMArt On The Air, Beaches On The Air.....what else could be an "....On The Air".....?
How about WASK (Worked All Silent Keys)? Getting the return QSL's is a real bitch.

[ky5u]

Quote[/b] (KC2PBJ @ Aug. 01 2007,08:01)]Quote[/b] (MM0NDX @ July 31 2007,11:59)]Yep, it's this sort of thing i've been thinking about for a while now. WalMArt On The Air, Beaches On The Air.....what else could be an "....On The Air".....?
How about WASK (Worked All Silent Keys)? Getting the return QSL's is a real bitch.
ROFLMAO!!!!

[N2RJ]

Here's one that could warrant serious consideration - beaches on the air, or BOTA.

Why not encourage operation from the beach? Going to the beach is a nice way to relax.

[kf6rdn]

How about PPOTA?

Porta Pottys on the air?

Beaches would be nice, but sure would eliminate alot of people, although I suppose you could count rivers lakes etc.

[N2RJ]

Then, how about this. Waterfronts On The Air. Includes beaches, lakes, rivers etc.

[MM0NDX]

Quote[/b] (N2RJ @ Aug. 01 2007,10:35)]Here's one that could warrant serious consideration - beaches on the air, or BOTA. #

Why not encourage operation from the beach? Going to the beach is a nice way to relax.
Agree 100%

Having recently operated fom a beach - it wasn't your idyllic sandy beach either ( http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif ) - the thought did cross my mind. BOTA..sounds good....

I suppose we should just scrap the Airports on the air idea now http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

How would BOTA work though? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

[ai4ep]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif I still think WAL - MART parking lots is the best choice for thes ( and more ) reasons ---

1) one problably in YOUR neighborhood

2) not much of a security threat (?)

3) available nationwide ( all 50 USA states & some foreign countries ) .

4) ample room for many contestors in outer edges of average parking lot

5) your wife / kids can shop inside while you talk on the radio..and if your radio gets out REAL good, they can hear your muffled voice over the store P A system !!

FIVE really great reasons.

plus --- if yours has the GAS STAION in the edge of the parking lot, you can not have to go any where else to get gasoline for the vehicle ( run the ac in August weather ) while you talk on the radio , and stay reasonably cool.

[kj5t]

I have actually been thinking more about this Wal-Mart on the air thing, while generally I find AE4IP to be pretty asinine, this particular idea is rather interesting.

I mean sure, I don't care too much for Wal-Mart as a company (and I know a lot about the company since I have worked for them for over a year) but no doubt there are huge and who knows, getting contacts from the parking lots of all the Wal-Marts in the world might really be worth the award.

[ne3r]

My club's station is on airport property! Can't have really high antennas, but other than that it is great.

[ai4ep]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif ...so what kd5owo means is --- if any one else mentioned the wal - mart idea, he is in FAVOR of it. But if ai4ep mentions, it, it is a lousy idea.

that is basically what he said...if you disagree, read his latest post, and then you will agree with him.

I have always had problems getting along with folks who aint as smart as I am.

simple / accurate / to the point. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[KM5FL]

Quote[/b] (ai4ep @ Aug. 01 2007,21:24)]I have always had problems getting along with folks who aint as smart as I am.
Boy, do I have a terrific comeback for that one.. But since your post wasn't directed at me, I'll save it for later..

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KM5FL

[KI4PEQ]

Our county's backup EOC is at the airport. Both locations have amateur radio equipment at the ready. Good thing as the primary EOC will require good swimmers in a Katrina like storm surge. It's only 8 feet above sea level and five blocks from the water.

[KI4PEQ]

HOTA - Hooters On The Air! Remember, don't touch those knobs!

[ky5u]

I plan to sit in front of EP's trailer in one of the junk cars on blocks and work pile-ups too. The southerners call it "ROTA" or "'Recks On The Air".

[KM5FL]

Quote[/b] (AG4YO @ Aug. 03 2007,10:38)]I plan to sit in front of EP's trailer in one of the junk cars on blocks and work pile-ups too. #The southerners call it "ROTA" or "'Recks On The Air".
What!!!! And deprive his dogs of their only dry spot to sleep??


KM5FL

[N8CPA]

Quote[/b] (KI4PEQ @ Aug. 03 2007,05:34)]HOTA - Hooters On The Air! #Remember, don't touch those knobs!
You'll need a mobile category for Walmart. They have shuttles that meet the ships in Hawaii so they can carry passengers to the nearest one.

As far as HOTA--I'm honest. I don't go to Hooters for the wings. I go for the breasts.

[G8ADD]

How about "Pubs on the Air"? Operate from the car park, nip inside every time your throat gets dry (or your glass empty) and have multipliers for the different brews on tap.

I'll drink to that!

73

Brian G8ADD

[wz9o]

Here is one you can earn just by talking on 75m…

The WATT award. (worked all trailer tards)

[N2RJ]

Quote[/b] (MM0NDX @ Aug. 01 2007,16:45)]Quote[/b] (N2RJ @ Aug. 01 2007,10:35)]Here's one that could warrant serious consideration - beaches on the air, or BOTA.

Why not encourage operation from the beach? Going to the beach is a nice way to relax.
Agree 100%

Having recently operated fom a beach - it wasn't your idyllic sandy beach either ( http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif ) - the thought did cross my mind. BOTA..sounds good....

I suppose we should just scrap the Airports on the air idea now http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

How would BOTA work though? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif
Similar to IOTA or SOTA. You have a beach with a name and you operate from there... Work 100 beaches get an award. Continue working until you've worked 'em all.

[W0LPQ]

Extra points for Sunny Beaches???

[kq9j]

Be sure to post the one 24 hour period out of the year that does not involve a contest (if it exists anymore) http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[MM0NDX]

BOTA it is then!