LAST MONTH’S column provided
suggestions on how to conduct multi-club
events. This month I will be writing about
district-sponsored events. With this year’s
flying season coming to an end, district
officers will be getting inquiries from clubs
seeking AMA district sponsorship for events
they would like to have next year.
I began sponsoring events during my first
year as district vice president. This was done
to bring members together at open fun-fly
and specialty events throughout the district
for friendship, flying, and fun. These events
have been held at club flying sites, airports,
parks, and public facilities.
District I has sponsored more than 20
flying events in the past seven years.
Attendance has varied from as little as 25
pilots to more than 100 pilots depending on
event type, date, location, and weather. We
have drawn anywhere from small groups of
local residents to thousands of spectators
when events take place at public parks and
airports. Partnering with other organizations,
such as the Rotary clubs, which conduct craft
and hot air balloon festivals, dramatically
increased spectator attendance and reduced
event costs.
The format and venue of events are
determined by a collaborative effort of club
officers, flying site owners or managers, and
district officers. We have sponsored Electric,
Scale, Huckfest, warbird, floatplane, and
helicopter events. The cost of running an
event varies depending on its duration and
what additional activities the club and district
plan to include. Clubs tend to attract more
members from greater distances when they
host a district-sponsored event.
In the shaded section on this page are the
questions most often asked by clubs and the
answers we give them in regards to hosting
district-sponsored events. Why not bring this
column to your next club meeting to
determine if there is any interest in hosting a
district event? If you have additional
questions or concerns, your local associate
vice president (AVP) and I can attend a club
meeting to answer questions and discuss
event possibilities.
District-sponsored events are great fun for the hosting clubs, pilots, and spectators. These
events promote the sport, create new friendships, and broaden our knowledge.
Applying for and Hosting an AMA District I Sponsored Event
When should my club apply to host a district-sponsored event?
We accept requests to host district-sponsored events for the following year
beginning in October of the current year, through February of the next year. If we
don’t receive any new club requests, we will approach clubs that have previously
hosted events and ask if the group want to host another event.
How do clubs apply to host a district-sponsored event?
Contact your area AVP and provide the type of event you would like to host, the
location, and available dates. Inform the AVP of any restrictions, special activities,
available parking, and if overnight parking, camping, and spectators will be
allowed. The AVP will also need to know if there will be any fees to be paid for the
use of rented sites, other than the club field, for the event.
What help will district-event sponsorship provide for the hosting club?
The district will sanction the event, provide additional site insurance, and advertise
the event in Model Aviation. If air show time is allotted, the district may bring in
show performers. Travel and hotel expenses for district officers and guests will be
paid by the district. Shade structures, tables, chairs, signs, handouts, and raffle items
will be provided and delivered to the site in the district trailer. Arrangements may
be made for AMA officers and club officers to attend a district-funded lunch or
dinner during the event. District officers will help with planning and running the
event. The club will also be given $200 for a one-day event and $450 for a two-day
event to offset expenses.
What are the responsibilities of the hosting club?
The host club must participate in the planning and running of the event, provide
pilot and flying site rules, flightline officers, dedicated parking and pit areas, a safe
roped off spectator area, portable toilets, and a PA/sound system. The club may sell
food, have raffles, invite vendors, and accept donations.
How are clubs selected to host district-sponsored events?
District officers will review club requests to host district events beginning in
October. We are always looking for new hosting clubs because most club flying
sites have parking or site restrictions that prevent them from hosting district events.
Depending on the status of the district budget, we usually sanction two to four
district events each year. The goal is to have a variety of event types and locations.
If your club isn’t selected for the coming year, you may be contacted again to host
in another year.
Edition: Model Aviation - 2011/12
Page Numbers: 145
