AMA News District I - 2009/05

May 2009 141
THE LAST of the snow and ice is melting,
and most of us are eagerly waiting for the
outdoor flying season. However, in the past
few years we have seen the emergence and
popularity of tiny airplanes and helicopters
whose weights are measured in grams and
ounces. These submicro-size aircraft are best
flown indoors and those who enjoy this area
of our sport find their flying season coming
to an end.
The following report, on one of District
I’s indoor flying facilities, comes from
Associate Vice President Robert Wallace.
Several of the many photos that were
supplied are of Bob Spooner and his
grandchildren. Bob, as was pointed out to
me, is not the kind of man who seeks
recognition, but he deserves considerable
praise for being the person most
instrumental in organizing and making these
weekly indoor flying sessions at the “Bubble
Building” a reality.
He is responsible for scheduling and
collecting fees, and is the main AMA liaison
with the facility management. On behalf of
the district members, I thank Bob for his
efforts in helping to secure and maintain the
use of this ultimate indoor facility, and
introducing his adorable grandchildren to
the AMA and sport of aeromodeling.
“Winter flying in New England has
always been a limited activity at best, for
most RC pilots. This time of year has more
commonly been referred to as the building
season. The explosive growth of electricpowered
RC flight has dramatically changed
that, because it permits indoor flight—and
not just for the micro, slow-flying models,
but also a variety of other types of aircraft.
“One of the premier indoor flying sites in
District I is the Sports World Complex at
226 Main Street in Windsor, Connecticut.
Regularly scheduled weekly flying sessions
are held there every Friday afternoon 1-3
p.m. from November to May.
“The only interruptions to these weekly
flying sessions are holidays or school
vacation weeks, when athletic activities
maybe scheduled. When in doubt, call
Sports World at (860) 254-5137. Admission
is free to watch or hangar fly, and the cost to
fly is a nominal $5 per hour. The Sports
World Complex facility is an inflated
bubble-type building that houses three
athletic fields that have artificial turf
surfaces.
“Although most of the RC pilots who
participate in these weekly sessions are
members of nearby RC clubs in Connecticut
and Massachusetts, any RC pilot who is a
current AMA member is welcome to fly.
“There is a frequency-pin board in use
for those who use 72 MHz and three fields
are designated for specific aircraft types.
One field is reserved for helicopters and 3-D
flying, another for small, slow, lightweight
micro aircraft, and the third field is for use
by aircraft that are slightly larger than the
micros and small helicopters. All pilots are
expected to confine their flight activities to
the athletic field to which their type of
aircraft is assigned.
“These fun-flying sessions are a sure
cure for any RCer suffering from the winter
doldrums or cabin fever. Why not come to
the next season of indoor flying at the Sports
World Complex, just off I-91 in East
Windsor, Connecticut, and join in the flying
fun?”
District I
Andy Argenio, District I Vice President; [email protected]
Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont
Andy Argenio
3 Sheila Ln.,
Smithfield RI
02917;
Home: (401) 231-
6901; Work: (401)
231-5380
For a complete listing of
district officers and volunteers,
please visit the District 1 Web site
at www.amadistrict-i.org
D i s t r i c t I
District I’s premier indoor flying facility is in the Sports World Complex in East Windsor CT.
This huge inflated building houses three artificial-turf athletic fields.
On the flightline are (L-R) Roger Gagne, Al
Thresher, Charlie Meserve, and Bob
Spooner.
Pretty seven-year-old, Ruthie, gets some
help from grandpa Bob.
Twelve-year-old Austin Binkowski, with his
Park Zone Cessna, is an excellent RC pilot!
Sports World Squadron Leader Bob
Spooner shares control with grandson, Finn.
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