September 2006 171
KANSAS and Nebraska District IX Fly-In
was reported by the Lawrence, Kansas,
Jayhawk Model Masters’ president, Hank
Darnell.
The District IX participants getting ready for
the weekend.
“We were extremely happy with the twoday
event and only our second AMAsanctioned
event. The weather held off and
we had a great turnout for both the fly-in and
the Saturday night dinner. I believe we had
more than 43 registered pilots flying and the
dinner at the Hereford House attracted
roughly 65 people.
“We gave away more than $900 in prizes
and still made some money for the club.
Several members chipped in with $25, $50, or
$100 to help buy prizes and we appreciate
their generosity.
“The events of both days started with
Patrick’s drop of “Mike” the skydiver and the
American flag. The Saturday drop with the
national anthem and no wind, saw Patrick nail
the center of the runway with little Mike.
“There was constant fun and flying with
everything from 1/2As to TOC 33%-size
monsters. One of the special features was
George W. Jones’ Dr.I. George said, ‘The
basic airplane was scratch-built and painted
by Clifford Boughman from Wamego,
Kansas, and
built from Nick
Ziroli blue
prints. I
installed all of
the electronics
and engine. I
successfully
made the
maiden flight
on May 5, 2006, and flew it May 6-7 at the
Jayhawk Open-the AMA District IX East
Regional Fly-In at Lawrence, Kansas.’
“Oh, let’s not forget the fine folks from the
Topeka area who came to give us a
demonstration of some really cool CL flying.
“We want to thank all of our sponsors who
generously donated cash or gave large
discounts to the club. They included Kalscott,
Rauckman Builders, Georges Hobby Shop,
Hobby Haven, Dee & Mee Hobbies,
Advanced Auto of Lawrence, and some of our
own members.”
Top flier Pete Rosas prepares his airplane for
another thrilling flight.
I always enjoy seeing how clubs stimulate
membership. The following was reported by
Denver RC Eagles president, Terry Godwin:
“On May 13, the Denver RC Eagles held
its second annual membership drive. Much
preparation and planning went into this event.
Flyers were put in all the local hobby stores,
schools, libraries, and other locations. The
public was invited to come fly an RC airplane
with an instructor. The object was to increase
public awareness of our hobby and have
people experience the thrill of actually flying
an RC airplane.
“The club had approximately six trainers
ready at the field with radios and buddy
boxes. Club-designated instructors took each
person up for an 8 to 10-minute flight. The
people were allowed to pilot the airplane with
an instructor on the buddy box.
“We had 33 people show up and register
for the flights. The prospective pilots ranged
from 10 years old to retirees. Even one of our
park rangers enjoyed a flight. Everyone got at
least one and in some cases two flights. Each
prospective flier was given a club brochure
and membership application along with a
small booklet explaining all about flying,
safety rules, and information about the hobby.
“The day went very well despite
increasing winds late in the morning and into
the afternoon. The winds made takeoffs and
landings a challenge but since all the pilots
were instructors, no problems occurred. The
winds buffeted the students around but this
was hard to differentiate from inexperienced
pilots’ tendencies to over control.
“The only flight problem occurred when
the wing bolts on one aircraft snapped and the
wing fluttered down with the fuselage
becoming a lawn dart. Fortunately, this
occurred several hundred yards clear of the
pilots and spectators.
“A free lunch of hamburgers and hot dogs
with pop was served to the public and club
members. A good turnout of club members
aided in registration, food preparation, pilot
briefing, airplane fueling and charging, and in
making the people feel welcome.
“The Denver RC Eagles signed up four
new members and hope to sign up as many
more in the next few weeks. We are already
starting to plan this same event for next year.
“The DRCE has scheduled open fun-flies
on the fourth Saturday of June, July, August,
and September. Any fliers from our area are
invited to attend and join in the fun.”
Three young men experiencing the thrill of
flight on the DRCE flightline.
Preparing for orientation flight in the DRCE
pit area.
That’s it for this month. Until next month,
have fun and keep in touch!
District IX
Mark Smith, District IX Vice President; [email protected]
Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming
Mark Smith
Vice President
14632 W. 50th St.,
Shawnee KS 66216
Tel.: (913) 568-4347
www.amadistrict-ix.org
Associate Vice
Presidents
Max Hansen, Huron SD;
[email protected]
H. Michael Harrington, Ft.
Collins CO; wdal@
lamar.colostate.edu
Fred Hildebrand, Casper WY;
[email protected]
Troy Lapp, Bismarck ND;
[email protected]
Travis McGinnis, Arvada CO;
[email protected]
Brenda Schuette, Auburn KS;
[email protected]
Jerry Tuttle, Olathe KS;
[email protected]
John Van Brocklin, Hastings NE;
[email protected]
Webmaster: Jim Shaw,
[email protected]
Contest Coordinators:
Mike Tallman, Wichita KS; miketallman@
webtv.net
Judy Gerken, Denver CO;
[email protected]
Frequency Coordinator: Steve
Mangles, Denver CO;
[email protected]
District IX Volunteers
George’s Dr.I.
Edition: Model Aviation - 2006/09
Page Numbers: 171