District I
Andy Argenio, District I Vice President; [email protected]
- Connecticut
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- New Hampshire
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
IN THE PAST two years, the district columns have covered nearly all the popular aeromodeling activities and events. However, one type of event will treat your audio and visual senses to the very best in air-show entertainment.
Jet Rallies (turbine-powered model aircraft)
Event participation is limited to the fortunate few who have the finances to own and maintain this type of aircraft, the technical skills to build and operate them, and the flying ability to control model aircraft at speeds in excess of 150 mph. Of course, the types of events I am referring to are Jet Rallies featuring turbine-powered model aircraft.
In 2006 I had planned to attend the first New England Jet Rally in Gardner, Massachusetts, and the Eighth Annual Jet Rally in Sanford, Maine, but on both dates I was away on AMA business. I congratulate Jeff Lynds for producing the first New England Jet Rally and Bob D'Angelo who directed the event. The Wachusett Barnstormers sponsored the rally.
Check the district Web site's event calendar for 2007 jet events or e-mail Jeff at [email protected] or Ray LaBonte at [email protected] for information on the Maine Jet Rally.
Two of our associate vice presidents (AVPs), Ed Grossheim and Jim Gilliatt, attended the Maine Jet Rally September 8–10, 2006. Ed submitted the following event report and Jim supplied the pictures. Additional pictures are posted in the gallery section of the district Web site.
Eighth Annual Maine Jet Rally — Sanford Regional Airport (Sept 8–10, 2006)
The sun was shining brightly as I arrived at Sanford Regional Airport for the Eighth Annual Maine Jet Rally. I met up with my friend Jim Brown, a jet pilot from Rockland, Ontario, and together we took in the sights and sounds of this thrilling event.
There were 63 registered pilots with 95% flying turbines and the rest ducted-fan models. Participants came from Canada, New York, Pennsylvania, and all of New England.
The host club, The Prop Snappers of Greater Portland, did an excellent job with show announcing, good food and drinks, and raffle prizes.
CD Ray LaBonte and co-CD Antony Parchment stayed busy seeing to the needs of the pilots, organizing the noon show, and arranging for the evening steak-and-lobster dinner. The event brought roughly 2,000 spectators, some of whom opted to buy a pit pass that allowed them to walk among the models and talk with the owners.
The afternoon air show featured a 3-D aerobatic performance by John Glezellis, an awesome flight of the BVM Ultra-Bandit by Dave Shulman, and a helicopter flight routine. Dan McCue performed the grand finale, flying the full-scale L-39ZA Albatros and later the full-scale Corsair. Both aircraft are owned by Bob Davis. The big black Corsair lumbered through the air in comparison to the small, quick jets, but still drew the oohs and ahhhs of the crowd.
Looking ahead
I am looking forward to the first AMA Executive Council (EC) meeting for 2007. The meeting will follow the AMA Convention in Ontario, California, January 12–14. Before the EC meeting the district vice presidents will promote and represent the AMA and have time to enjoy the many activities and exhibits at the show.
As I am writing this column, the first winter snow is falling and I am thinking it's time to get the skis on my Cub. If you haven't flown off the snow and ice, now is the time! Join in the fun and keep those batteries warm.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
