AMA News District I - 2009/02

THE DISTRICT officers and I want to
thank the AMA clubs that hosted 2008
district-sponsored flying events. We also
want to thank all the AMA members who
directed and attended these events. A
special appreciation goes out to the pilots
who performed in the noontime air show
demonstrations.
We sponsored four events in 2008. The
following is a report on one of the events;
others will follow in future MA columns.
Although each district-sponsored event had
a particular focus, numerous unique
aircraft, and air-show performances, one
event stands out because it was the first of
its kind in District I.
The legendary Flying Giants Huckfest
came to New England August 1-3 at the
Woodstock Airport in Connecticut. The
event was hosted by the Woodstock R/C
Flyers and sponsored by AMA District I
and CD Elie Houyes, the man who made it
all happen. In addition to attracting more
than 100 pilots from near and far, we were
honored to have Dave Mathewson, AMA’s
president, and his wife Ginger as guests at
the event.
The Flying Giants staff members “Mad”
Max Duncan, Greg “Kitman” Popple,
Steven “Sleepy C” Cinch, Elie “Snap A
Saurus” Houyes, and John “Tank” Banks
did nearly all the event work. This included
pilot registration, making announcements,
and offering commentary on the flying
activities along with background music.
They provided a level of energy,
excitement, and humor that made for a
spectacular weekend. Their efforts made it
possible for the district officers and me to
socialize with spectators and pilots, fly
airplanes, and enjoy a district event without
the usual work. I cannot thank them
enough.
This was a landmark event because it
brought together two distinctly different
groups: the older generation AMA officers
and the younger Flying Giants staff and
pilots. These groups were thought to be at
odds with each other regarding their views
on extreme 3-D flying, event conduct, and
safety.
The preconceptions of what one group
thinks about another can change
dramatically after coming together and
sharing time in a sport that each loves. The
AMA officers observed extreme 3-D
aerobatic flying that was performed by
skilled pilots in a safe, controlled manor.
Neither Dave Mathewson, District Vice
President Andy Argenio, nor any other of
the AMA officers present were critical of
or objected to the 3-D flying. The Flying
Giants staff and pilots came away from this
event with a better understanding of the
AMA’s view of them as well as a
recognition that the AMA officers were just
as much into the spirit of having fun,
making new friends, and accepting and
participating in the challenges posed by
extreme flying styles.
The photos in this column were from
Carl Vogel, assiciate vice president in
Massachusetts. If you would like to attend
a Huckfest event this year, check out the
event announcements at www.flying
giants.com.