Edition: Model Aviation - 2007/08
Page Numbers: 9,10,11,12
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Team USA Takes the F3D European Cup!

Event

The 30th running of the 2007 Grand Prix Melnik took place June 2–3 in Melnik, Czech Republic. Forty-five pilots entered the event; eight were on the U.S. team.

Format

  • In the Eurocup F3D events all pilots fly six rounds (four on Saturday and two on Sunday).
  • After those rounds, the top 12 advance to the semifinals for two rounds. Each pilot’s best flight of the two semifinal rounds determines semifinal placing.
  • The top three from the semifinals fly in the finals for the podium spots.

Semifinals qualification (after six rounds)

Seven U.S. pilots qualified for the semifinals:

  • Randy Bridge — 1st
  • Gary Schmidt — 2nd
  • Gary Freeman Jr. — 3rd
  • Jim Allen — 4th
  • Travis Flynn — 6th
  • Fred Burgdorf — 7th
  • Lyle Larson — 10th

Robert Holik was in 14th after the initial six rounds.

Semifinals and finals results

  • Semifinal winning order: Randy Bridge, Gary Schmidt, Travis Flynn, Jim Allen, Fred Burgdorf, Gary Freeman Jr., Lyle Larson.
  • The top seven places in the event went to U.S. pilots.
  • Final results: Randy Bridge — 1st; Travis Flynn — 2nd; Gary Schmidt — 3rd.

Gary Schmidt and Jim Allen recorded personal-best course times, entering the sub-1-minute club: Gary finished with 58.7 seconds and Jim with 59.5 seconds. Gary had three flights on his new Evolution prior to the event; Jim had two.

After this event the U.S. team prepared for the F3D World Championships, held in Muncie, Indiana, in June.

For more information about the Grand Prix of Melnik: www.modelklub-melnik.wz.cz/index2e.htm

—MA staff

The 114th RC Aero Squadron Hosts TAG Event

Overview

The 114th RC Aero Squadron in Grapevine, Texas, hosted a Take-off And Grow (TAG) Model Aviation Day April 21–22. Despite 20 mph winds with gusts to 30 mph, more than 100 students flew on buddy boxes with AMA Introductory Pilot Club instructors over the two-day event—a notable increase from the previous year’s 85 students. The event was held in concert with the City of Grapevine Parks and Recreation Outdoor Kids Adventure Day (OKAD).

Site, lease, and city partnership

  • The club’s flying field is on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers property bordering Lake Grapevine and sits within Meadowmere Park.
  • The 114th has maintained a running lease with the Corps since 1985. As the City of Grapevine began leasing the remaining park acreage from the Corps, the club worked closely with city officials to present the facility as a community asset.
  • City improvements and accommodations included:
  • Realigning the runway for safety
  • Rebuilding and expanding the shelter
  • Building a new parking lot and fencing
  • Tilling, leveling, and replanting grass
  • Moving power poles
  • Providing a water connection for irrigation
  • Helping procure materials for a new sprinkler system

Club members installed the irrigation system and a new underground electrical feed. The club now has nearly 1,000 feet of runway and roughly double the previous usable area.

Event operations and student flow

  • The 114th operated a sign-up podium with an AMA display and used a first-come, first-served system.
  • Apprentice aviators first used one of four RealFlight G3.5 simulator cubicles with a club volunteer acting as a personal instructor (about 15 minutes).
  • After simulator practice, students went to the flightline for a safety and preflight briefing, then an introductory flight on the runway using trainers with buddy boxes.
  • The club rotated four trainers to keep pace with simulator throughput. Two G3.5 simulators and two trainers (from the TAG award) were put to use immediately.

Equipment, realism, and sponsors

  • Best Buy provided computer towers, large-screen LCD monitors, and hardware to run the simulator software.
  • Club member Shane Allen uploaded a panoramic of the 114th flying field using the photo-field-import feature to increase realism.
  • PepsiCo sponsored the event by providing a full pallet of Gatorade.
  • Complimentary hot dogs, hamburgers, and beverages were offered to manage crowds and wait times.

Programming, community outreach, and results

  • OKAD stations around the park included:
  • Archery
  • Fishing
  • Rock climbing
  • Mountain biking
  • RC flying station (handled by the 114th)
  • The club posted flyers at every school in the district and personally invited neighboring homeowners. The City of Grapevine’s promotion increased visibility and attendance.
  • Music and a public-address system supported on-deck announcements, safety reminders, sponsor acknowledgments, and promotions.
  • A short debrief after flights provided feedback and helped foster longer-term interest in model aviation.
  • The 114th retained a list of every participating student (excluding children younger than eight for the final tally). Adults were included in the count.
  • The club treats parent engagement as paramount, hoping to convert interest into AMA membership or regular attendance at weekday practice nights.

Ongoing outreach

  • The 114th holds free instruction nights every Thursday using club trainers.
  • The club planned to participate in the City of Grapevine Main Street Days festival (May 18–20) with the four simulator stations to reach a large audience (event average attendance ~125,000).

"But it has definitely been a win-win for both the club and the city, as the success of this TAG event has proven," said Darrell Barabash, club president.

"We now get more practice at crosswind landings," said Dewey Walker, the club's chief flight instructor.

"Sometimes a family wanted to go as a group, and you certainly can't disappoint the little ones," said Jeff Makie, 114th vice president and instructor.

—Daniel Cole District VIII

AMA VIPs Visit Kansas City and Omaha

Trip overview

Since the Academy’s new Executive Director Jim Cherry came on board in December, AMA’s insurance broker Koch asked him to visit their Omaha, Nebraska, offices. In addition, a newly chartered club—the Omahawks—had recently earned AMA’s Gold Leader Club award. The visit was scheduled for May 26–27, with travel routed through Kansas City, Kansas.

Dave Mathewson (AMA Insurance Committee chair and District II vice president) accompanied Jim Cherry and the author (a member of the Insurance Committee) on the trip.

Kansas City meet-and-greet

To give Kansas City modelers an opportunity to meet Jim and Dave, a meet-and-greet was hosted by the Shawnee Mission Radio Control Club. Jim and Dave met many local modelers, discussed their vision for AMA, and answered audience questions.

Omaha meetings and field visit

  • The group drove to Omaha the next morning and toured the Koch facility, meeting key employees who handle AMA’s account.
  • Koch President Scott Trofholz hosted lunch.
  • That afternoon they visited the Omahawks’ field and enjoyed flying. The group gave Koch insurance agent Paul Bretsen and his son Cameron some trainer stick time; Jim Cherry did a great job talking students through maneuvers while the author served as instructor pilot.

Omahawks club meeting and awards

  • The Omahawks’ monthly meeting began at 7 p.m. Club president Steve Culver adjusted the agenda to allow time for Jim and Dave to speak about AMA activities and future plans.
  • During the awards ceremony, Jim expressed pride in being the former president of his Florida club, also a Gold Leader Club.
  • The author had the honor of pinning the Leader Club pin on Steve Culver. Club members were asked to stand so pins and congratulations could be given individually.

Closing

The author thanked Jim Cherry for his long hours and efforts on behalf of AMA and praised the Omahawks for their accomplishments, calling them a club by which others can be measured.

—Mark Smith District IX Vice President

Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.