AMA News District II - 2007/06
Overview
The sixth annual AMA District II Fly-In was held in August 2006 and was hosted by the Jersey Coast Sport Fliers (JCSF). JCSF president Stan Berger wrote the following as an opening for the club’s August 2006 newsletter. I couldn’t say this any better.
“Congratulations are in order to the entire club for an outstanding job with the AMA District II Fly-In. Pilots from New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Florida enjoyed what is being called one of the most successful fly-ins of its kind.
“This two-day event is responsible for additional club and AMA memberships, community awareness, interest in our upcoming model aviation class, a wonderful article from the Asbury Park Press, and kudos from the Monmouth County Park System and AMA. All of the work paid off nicely for our club which came out shining brighter than ever. Heartfelt thanks go out to all who pitched in to make this event such a great success.”
Report from the JCSF Newsletter (Ed Runkel)
“The club has had many fine moments during its 33-year existence, but surely this was one of its finest. For one thing, the weather could not have been better with sunshine, light winds, and warm but bearable temperatures. Stan Berger and AMA District II Vice President (VP) Dave Mathewson each argued that it was their own prayers that did the trick, but regardless, it was perfect.
“The park bleachers were well used by the general public who watched with rapt interest. There were many family groups. They stood along the fence, sat in chairs, and even on the top of their cars to get a better look. The parking area was packed with cars.
“More than 100 pilots registered to fly. They flew an endless variety of aircraft ranging from small electrics, scale models, giant-size electric, and International Miniature Aerobatic Club competition aircraft. Among them were truly outstanding pilots including the world-class Jason Shulman, Dan Landis, Chris Maier, Dave Lockhart, and our own Trent Schneider and Adam Lilley. They all put on dazzling flight demonstrations.
“All of this was only a part of what made this happening so great. Camaraderie was one explanation. Another was getting to meet and socialize with rarely seen old friends and acquaintances. Don Shugard, to our delight, came down from Binghamton, New York, to join us again with his lumbering Mud Duck. Bob Green was up from Accident, Maryland, and Model Aviation Hall of Fame member Leon Shulman was on hand to watch grandson Jason do his thing.
“Rob Kallok and Stu Katz handled registration and impound and all went along without a hitch. Despite the number of pilots, there was little waiting time between flights. It all took place so smoothly.
“The most hectic place at the field was the refreshment stand handled by Mark and Kristine Nettleingham, Frank Beshears, Bill Buck, Jim Baye, and Darryl Schlosser. Their duties included not only providing picnic food during the day but also the free dinner courtesy of AMA District II at suppertime. The size of the crowd and its hunger had been grossly underestimated, requiring repeated trips to the store to get more food and drink. AMA District II VP Dave Mathewson, who was delighted at how well the event had gone, presented Stan Berger with a nice plaque for the club’s efforts.
“For me, the best part was when I introduced myself to Jason Shulman and mentioned that I had witnessed his first solo RC flight up at Jamesburg when he was about six years old. As the CD (Contest Director), I had also allowed him to fly in our sanctioned Pattern contest at age eight over the objection of some. Whether true or not, Jason insisted that this experience hooked him on contest flying and he had a photo taken of us together.
“Of all the pilots and spectators I spoke with during those two days, not one had a complaint and all said they were having a wonderful time.
“Few members can appreciate all the work, the sweating of details with the park, the AMA, publicity, etc., that ate up so much of Stan Berger’s time to put this great event together. I can only thank him repeatedly.”
Highlights
- Participating states: New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Florida.
- More than 100 pilots registered.
- Aircraft types flown:
- Small electrics
- Scale models
- Giant-size electric
- International Miniature Aerobatic Club (IMAC) competition aircraft
- Unique aircraft such as the Mud Duck
- Notable pilots:
- Jason Shulman
- Dan Landis
- Chris Maier
- Dave Lockhart
- Trent Schneider
- Adam Lilley
Volunteers and Organization
- Registration and impound: Rob Kallok and Stu Katz.
- Refreshment stand and meal service:
- Mark Nettleingham
- Kristine Nettleingham
- Frank Beshears
- Bill Buck
- Jim Baye
- Darryl Schlosser
- AMA District II VP Dave Mathewson presented a plaque to Stan Berger for the club’s efforts.
Closing
Thanks to all JCSF members for an outstanding event. More pictures and video are on the JCSF website: www.jcsportfliers.org.
Next month: an indoor fly-in held in Syracuse, New York; an award presented by District II AVP Alex Szemere; and updates on new AMA programs designed to introduce community members to model aviation.
Flying season is here. I’ve already had to call in a parts order for my T‑Rex. See you next time.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
