District I
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.
Flying Giants Huckfest (Woodstock Airport, CT — August 1–3, 2008)
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 did nearly all the event work, including 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.
Staff members included:
- "Mad" Max Duncan
- Greg "Kitman" Popple
- Steven "Sleepy C" Cinch
- Elie "Snap A Saurus" Houyes
- John "Tank" Banks
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 manner. Neither Dave Mathewson, District Vice President Andy Argenio, nor any other 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, associate vice president in Massachusetts. If you would like to attend a Huckfest event this year, check the event announcements at www.flyinggiants.com.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
