178 MODEL AVIATION
AMA’S FORMER PRESIDENT, Dave
Brown, served 28 years on the Executive
Council (EC), with the last 12 as our
president. Dave was a true leader and the
Academy is what it is today because of his
strength, guidance, and foresight. Current
and future generations are indebted to this
man.
I have only recently gotten to know Dave
personally and I am looking forward to
spending more time with him as he continues
to serve Academy in other areas. Best of
luck in retirement Dave, and thank you for
everything you have done for all of us!
Most of you are aware that Dave
Mathewson has been elected president of
AMA. Please join me in congratulating him
on his inauguration to AMA’s highest
office! Dave was one of the finest District II
vice presidents (VPs) to hold this office, and
I know he brings that same management
style, leadership, respect, and ability to
develop a consensus of opinion to the EC.
Dave has asked me to step in and
complete his term as VP, based on our
experience working together. I recognize
this is no small task; he will be a very tough
act to follow!
I am one of you. I have been an AMA
member since 1979 and an associate vice
president (AVP) in the southwest and southcentral
New York region of District II for
more than six years. I can appreciate the
challenges faced by flying clubs today with
flying site retention and membership
growth.
My bride Diane and I intend to travel
throughout District II and meet as many of
you as time allows. As your representative
to AMA, I need to understand your
concerns and perhaps more importantly,
your constructive ideas for our
organization. Please don’t hesitate to
contact me.
This past summer was a busy one
throughout District II. One of the oldest
events is the Southern Tier Aero Radio
Society (STARS) Scale Rally, held every
July at the Olean Airport in western New
York. Pilots from Ohio, Pennsylvania,
Florida, New York, New Jersey, and Canada
attended the 29th annual event.
More than 130 aircraft were shown and
flown. Each of the five flight stations had a
STARS member with a radio headset
keeping everyone, including the announcer,
in communication. This promotes a safe
flying pattern.
These photos are courtesy of Chris
Brown of Emporium, Pennsylvania.
The flightline at the STARS site had five
flight stations.
Above: Dave
Reid and John
Gee fire up
Dave’s Kinner
Sportster.
Left: CD and
air boss Jim
G o o d e m o t e
used an ATV to
travel the fullscale
flightline
and airport.
The Ithaca Radio Control Society (IRCS),
in central New York is active in promoting
our hobby. The club sponsors a mall show
in April to introduce the public with model
aviation and promote the club.
In June the members invite the
community to join them at the annual open
house where they offer free flight instruction
and an opportunity to try RC flying first
hand. IRCS is a good example of a Gold
Level Leader Club!
Members of the IRCS and friends.
Dan Stomka displays his Pitts Monster.
Until next month, keep ’em “Three in the
Green.”
District II
Gary Fitch, District II Vice President; [email protected]
New Jersey, New York, Europe
Gary Fitch
1298 Slab City Rd.,
Franklinville NY 14737;
Tel.: (716) 341-2813
www.amadistrictii.org
Associate Vice
Presidents
Roy A. Brown, USAE
AFCENT CMR 460 BOX
585 APO AE 07903;
[email protected]
Sal Calvagna, Holbrook NY;
(631) 737-6327; ncalvagn@
suffolk.lib.ny.us
Ray Juschkus, St. James NY; (631)
862-5589; [email protected]
Eric Henderson, Mount Laurel
NJ; (856) 439-6281;
[email protected]
Jim Lewis, Ogdenburg NY; (315)
393-2580
Tom Murray, Basking Ridge NJ;
(908) 766-5656;
[email protected]
Ernie Nikodem, Lockport NY;
(716) 434-8350;
[email protected]
Bill Poythress, Saugerties NY;
(845) 246-8850
Adam Sattler, Latham NY; (518)
783-8929; [email protected]
Peter Seiffert, Baldwinsville NY;
(315) 635-6370;
[email protected]
Alexander Szemere, Kendall
Park NJ; (732) 821-5641;
[email protected]
Frequency Coordinator:
Dan Williams, Liverpool NY;
(315) 652-7740;
[email protected]
Webmaster: Doug Crawford,
Oswego NY; webmaster@
amadistrictii.org.
D i s t r i c t I I V o l u n t e e r s .
Edition: Model Aviation - 2008/02
Page Numbers: 178