District I
Andy Argenio, District I Vice President; [email protected] Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont
Overview
This year the AMA District I officers are planning to partner with selected district clubs to sponsor flying events. These events are open to all AMA members with no fee.
Event format
Historically, we have sponsored one three-day event each year as a fun-fly and air show, open to all types of aircraft and flying categories. We have also sponsored a second three-day event that was open to all AMA members but restricted to specific flying categories or types of aircraft. When possible, we provided multiple flightlines to separate airplane, helicopter, and CL flying.
To promote spectator and AMA member attendance, we allotted times each day for air-show activities featuring flying performances by local and national celebrities, sponsored fliers, and world-class competitors. Popular attractions at these events include warbirds, Giant Scale, 3-D aerobatics, jets, electric aircraft, or any group that wants to be featured. This type of venue has proven successful in displaying the diversity of aeromodeling, promoting the sport, and entertaining attendees.
Attendance patterns
After reviewing pilot sign-in records from previous events, we determined that most attendees travel less than 100 miles from home. Many members who attended the Gardner, Massachusetts event in 2005 did not attend the Salem, Connecticut event in 2006.
New plan
We are trying to negotiate for two three-day open flying events instead of one each year, plus several one-day specialty events, in order to cover a wider geographical area. It is our hope that this will allow more AMA members within the district to attend and enjoy these events.
AMA District I clubs that were unable to sponsor multi-day events in the past—because they couldn’t provide for overnight parking or multiple days—will have the opportunity to host a district-sponsored specialty event. The types of specialty events will depend on the hosting clubs that apply and the activities and interests of members in their area.
Hosting opportunities and funding
- The hosting club receives $250 for a one-day event and $400 for a weekend event from district funds. This money is provided so AMA member attendance is free and to help with club costs.
- The sanctioning fee is paid by the district.
- The advertisement for the event in MA is paid by the district, and a write-up and photos of the event will appear in the MA district column.
- District officers will attend events to help with all activities, provide awards and prizes, select noon air-show performers, and be available to meet and talk with attendees.
- District funds are also used for overnight accommodations for show performers, district officers, and guests.
Requirements for one-day specialty events
- The name of the event must include “AMA District I Sponsored (type) Fun-Fly and Air Show.” The type may be any specialty aeromodeling activity, including electric, turbines, float-fly, helicopter, soaring, CL, etc.
- AMA members will not be charged any fees to attend and fly. The hosting club may earn money from a food concession and raffles.
- The flying site must have parking for spectators and space for 25 to 50 pilots.
- The hosting club will select an event director from its members.
- The CD (contest director) for the event will be a district officer selected by the district vice president.
How to apply
District I AMA clubs that would like to host a district event may request a hosting application form from the district vice president. A limited number of clubs will be selected each year; however, applications will be filed and, unless canceled, will be updated for future consideration.
Current events
As of this writing we have sanctioned one specialty electric event for 2007, which will be hosted by the Wintonbury Flying Club at its pristine flying site in Connecticut. We have funding for more events this year, so contact us if your club is interested. The District I three-day open fun-fly and air show event dates and locations will be advertised in the next issue of MA.
It’s all about coming together for friendship, flying, and fun.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
