AMA News District II - 2007/07
Dave Mathewson, District II Vice President; [email protected]
Central New York Model Forum and Electric Fly-In (Syracuse)
Mike Moore sent the following report detailing an event held in Syracuse, New York.
On January 27, 2007, the Aero Radio Club of Syracuse (ARCS), the Syracuse Thunderbirds Aero Radio Society (STARS), and the Central New York Indoor Flying Society (CNYIFS) joined forces to host the 11th annual Central New York Model Forum and Electric Fly-In.
Using proceeds from the event, the clubs were able to make a considerable donation to the charitable concerns of the Syracuse Academy of Science, where the event has been held for the last two years. This year the donation to the school was slightly less than $1,000. The school generously allows the clubs use of its entire facility, including the 80 x 60 x 24 gymnasium.
Pilots attended from throughout New York. In addition to extensive indoor flying, vendors displayed a large array of products and building supplies. A static display of high-quality models numbered in the dozens.
To help keep visitors from getting hungry, the Syracuse Academy’s Parent Teacher Organization ran a full galley featuring burgers, hot dogs, chili, donuts, coffee, chips, and soda. On the flight deck, organization and impound control were first class. There were helicopters and foamies of all kinds flying during the day.
One pilot was demonstrating a Silverlit Picoo Z helicopter while her dad looked on and offered encouragement. Victoria Poyneer has been flying simulators and her helicopter for slightly more than six months and enjoys flying her Park Shark outdoors. Victoria controlled her Picoo Z with precision, performing dips, turns, spins, and nice landings.
All I can say is, Kyle Stacy—watch out. Victoria is only five years old.
Mercer County Radio Control Society (MCRCS)
The Mercer County Radio Control Society (MCRCS) flies from Warren Krause Field, located in the Assunpink Wildlife Management Area near Imlaystown, New Jersey.
MCRCS is an active group hosting several events each year. Two of the club’s better-known fly-ins are:
- MCRCS Jumbo Jamboree — held every year on Memorial Day weekend
- Warbirds Over Jersey — held the third weekend in September
MCRCS is also heavily involved in community activities, conducting an annual Aviation Merit Badge course. Over the years, the club has donated more than $10,000 to the Sunshine Foundation, a charity for permanently or terminally ill children.
Partnering with the Mercer County Library System, MCRCS began conducting free model airplane ground school classes to introduce members of the community to model aviation. The three two-hour sessions include an overview of RC modeling, basic aerodynamics and flight procedures, radio control systems, engines and motors, how to build a model from a kit, and preparation for first flight. MCRCS member Dave Vale directs the ground school program and says that it is exceeding everyone’s expectations.
Sky Rovers Mall Show (Phelps)
Thanks to Dave Reid for the following about his club’s recent mall show.
On March 10, 2007, the Sky Rovers Flying Club of Phelps, New York, put on a mall display at Eastview Mall in Victor, New York. Fifteen members of the club brought a large array of models, from small electric-powered models to gasoline-powered Giant Scale airplanes.
Spectators were able to view the spectrum of modeling and observe the fine work and craftsmanship that goes into the aircraft.
In addition to the models on display, two flight simulators were set up for spectators to use. One simulator featured RC models and the other full-scale airplanes. Lines formed in front of the simulators all day long. By the end of the show, the club had roughly a dozen prospective new members. Others who were not necessarily interested in joining left with a better understanding of the hobby and sport.
The Sky Rovers club has been in existence since 1965 and has put on many mall displays, flight demonstrations for youth groups, and other shows. Several other events are scheduled for the balance of 2007.
AMA Take Off And Grow (TAG) Program
AMA’s Take Off And Grow (TAG) program is off and running. Nearly 190 applications were received from AMA clubs to participate this year. By the time you read this, at least one club in our district will have held its event. A follow-up report will appear in a future column.
See you next time.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
