District I
Andy Argenio, District I Vice President [email protected]
States:
- Connecticut
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- New Hampshire
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
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 few 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 Rotary clubs that 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.
Below are the questions most often asked by clubs and the answers we give them regarding hosting district-sponsored events. Why not bring this column to your next club meeting to determine if there is 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 wants 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,
- available dates,
- any restrictions or special activities,
- information on available parking and whether overnight parking, camping, and spectators will be allowed,
- and whether there will be any fees for the use of rented sites (other than the club field).
The AVP will use this information to evaluate the request.
What help will district-event sponsorship provide for the hosting club?
The district will:
- sanction the event and provide additional site insurance,
- advertise the event in Model Aviation,
- possibly bring in show performers if air-show time is allotted,
- pay travel and hotel expenses for district officers and guests,
- provide shade structures, tables, chairs, signs, handouts, and raffle items delivered to the site in the district trailer,
- arrange for AMA officers and club officers to attend a district-funded lunch or dinner during the event,
- help with planning and running the event,
- and provide monetary assistance: $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,
- supply flightline officers,
- designate dedicated parking and pit areas,
- establish a safe roped-off spectator area,
- provide portable toilets,
- provide a PA/sound system.
The club may also sell food, hold raffles, invite vendors, and accept donations.
How are clubs selected to host district-sponsored events?
District officers 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.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
