AMA News-District II - 2009/01
HAPPY NEW YEAR and welcome to 2009!
Club programs and resources
Now is the time of year for club leaders to check out AMA’s many programs that assist clubs and individuals to grow and develop. Available programs include:
- Flying Site Grants
- Take Off and Grow (TAG)
- Intro-Pilot Program
- Park Pilot Program
- Club Recognition Program
- Scholarship Programs
- Leader Club Program
Information and applications are on AMA’s website. Pay close attention to the deadlines that are required. If you have any questions, contact AMA headquarters (AMA HQ), your district associate vice president, or me.
Western New York Sailplane and Electric Flyers
The Western New York Sailplane and Electric Flyers put on a relaxing event at Erie Community College in Orchard Park, New York. Where else can you go to fly while sitting in your chair with your feet up, as Event Director Marty Timm did, enjoying his electric-powered aircraft? I had the privilege of taking the sticks of Harold Becker’s highly modified ducted-fan Zagi, where the “duct” is a Comet can. It flew well and was great fun! Enthusiasts from all over western New York gathered to enjoy this informal event.
Lazy Eight Radio Control Club (Johnstown, NY)
The Lazy Eight Radio Control Club of Johnstown, New York, had its origins in the 1950s. Fran Reed reported on this great club:
“Community service has become part of our mission. Two miles of state highway was adopted about 10 years ago and members clean up the roadside at least twice each year. Our annual giant scale fly-in, which is held the third weekend in August, has been promoted as a charity model air show for the last three years, with all gate receipts going to a local animal shelter.
“Sponsors are also obtained from local business and the amount raised, less promotion expense, goes to the shelter. A total of $2,300 was donated this year. The shelter assists with promotion through its weekly TV cable program. The club plans to continue its relationship with the shelter.”
The group also holds several other fun-fly events. Many clubs contribute to charities, but few to the extent of the Lazy Eights.
Pennsylvania Avenue Remote Control Society (PARCS)
When you think of Brooklyn, you generally don’t think of model aviation. In fact, one of the district’s largest and most active clubs calls Brooklyn’s Floyd Bennett Field home. The Pennsylvania Avenue Remote Control Society (PARCS) has the largest contingent of turbine fliers in the district and promotes model aviation with everything from park flyers to 40% 3-D aircraft.
PARCS president Michael Casey and the club officers and board members have guided their club through the politics and reality of full-scale commercial traffic, allowing PARCS to flourish and grow. The club sponsors an annual jet rally, and this year, for the first time, held a fun-fly event inviting other clubs to fly with them. There was an excellent turnout. This club has its act together and a great flying venue.
Till next month, keep 'em three in the green.
Gary Fitch District II Vice President [email protected]
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
