C170 Convention 2008

40th ANNUAL CONVENTION
July 6-11, 2008,  Branson, Missouri

Clarion Hotel is the host location, next to the Grand Palace Theater. Convention rates start at $69.99 plus tax (mention the Cessna 170 Convention), 800-725-2236 The rate will be valid 3 days prior and 3 days following our convention dates, if you’d like to come early or stay late. Reservations must be made by June 6 for the reduced rate. All rooms have a microwave and refrigerator. The rate includes a deluxe continental breakfast. Note that the Clarion does not accept personal checks. All meetings, the Welcome Party and Awards Banquet will be held at the Clarion. All buses for attractions will leave from the Clarion.  www.clarionhotelbranson.com

The Clarion is currently sold out. We have booked all the rooms in our block, plus 20 more! If any of "those other people" cancel a room it will be moved into our block. If you haven't made your reservation yet, check with the Clarion first.

The Quality Inn is next door, 417-334-1194

The Melody Inn is across the street, 417-334-1645

The Radisson is semi-nearby and has many rooms, 417-335-5767

Remember that the buses will leave from the Clarion.

The Taney County Airport/M. Graham Clark Field (PLK) is our host airport, 1 mile south of Branson, runway 11/29 – 3739’, 938’ elevation, lights dusk to dawn, CTAF/Unicom 122.7, Kansas City Sectional. Special convention tiedown fee of $5 per day or $25 for the week. We encourage the purchase of fuel as thanks, 100LL available.  Bring tiedowns. Camping is allowed but no open fires. Bring OFF for the sabre-tooth chiggers! Restroom in the terminal, open 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily. Campers may use Velvet’s room at the hotel for showers but will have to barter some volunteer work for the privilege. www.taneycountyairport.com

Avis Car Rental located at the terminal. Fly in rate is $25 per day or $150 per week with unlimited miles for compact or midsize car. Jeff, 417-334-4945, jeffmulllins@avis-sgf.com

Commercial Flights – nearest airport is Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF) and we will provide transportation to Branson, provided we receive your flight schedule information before July 1 (c170velvet@yahoo.com). Cheaper flights are available into St. Louis and Kansas City, approximately 5 hour drive to Branson. Also check Joplin and Oklahoma City.

Reminders 
You do not have to attend for the entire week or participate in every activity! Choose what
works for your calendar and your budget.
Please send in your convention registration form as soon as possible so we are sure to have enough space reserved for the attractions. All convention registration forms received prior to the deadline of June 1 will have their name in a drawing for a free room for the week at the Clarion!
Any registration forms received after the deadline – we can’t guarantee to get you into an
attraction at the reduced group rate, and we can’t guarantee that you will be seated with our
group. Don’t delay!
Bring items for the auction. The funds raised help defray convention expenses. Items that go well are airplane parts, food (homemade jam, jelly, etc.), souvenir t-shirts, arts and crafts items. You may ship those in advance to Velvet but be sure she receives them before July 1.
Please advise Velvet if you are bringing a raffle item so she has enough ticket boxes!
You may ship items ahead to the hotel. Be sure to include a prominent note on the outside of the package with “hold for your name, arriving date.”
We have built free time into the schedule so you can choose a music show or other attraction that interests you, or just take a nap! For more information, contact the Convention and Visitors Bureau at 800-214-3661 and request the Branson Vacation Guide, or go to www.explorebranson.com

Flying From Canada to U.S.

From my experience. the procedures remain unchanged for the past 2 years, although there is a lot of talk around the issue of informing USA Homeland Security in great detail but, as far as I am aware, this has not been implemented to date. Verify this with COPA before you proceed on your trip.

Most importantly, call the Customs & Immigration at the airport you plan to use for your arrival in the USA at least 2 hours before your planned arrival time with aircraft details and passenger information, and provide your estimated arrival time.

For the actual trip, you must have a serviceable transponder, file a flight plan and get a code verified by ATC that will allow the border crossing. Usually it is just a matter of filing a flight plan to the USA destination, making certain to maintain your customs arrival ETA (the time of arrival you gave to customs over the phone) within about plus or minus 15 minutes.

Be sure and have photo ID for everyone aboard the aircraft. Passports are the best method.

I suggest you pick the first available International Airport inside the USA border along your route. This will put you in USA airspace, then all you have to do is file a new flight plan and carry on. Be absolutely certain to file a flight plan and receive acknowledgement that it is open prior to crossing the border in either direction.

Do not carry any firearms or prohibited goods. If you carry a firearm for survival purposes be sure to advise USA authorities in advance and get a ruling for your aircraft.

I think the above information, if followed, will help everyone get the correct details and permissions before they set out. Do not be intimidated, it is just the fact that procedures are more strictly adhered to and crossing the border is almost the same for private individuals as for airlines.

Joe Scoles

BRINGING YOUR CAMPER OR RV?

If you are staying at the Clarion, you will be able to park in the lot (no hook-ups).

Or check out Turkey Creek RV Campground, located in Hollister, MO, about two miles from the airport. The park is a member time-share but they should have spaces available on a first come first served basis for nonmembers, with either 30 amp or 50 amp hook-up. Phone is 417-335-8004.