AMA News District II - 2009/03
Gary Fitch, District II Vice President
[email protected] New Jersey, New York, Europe
FLAPS build and flight of the June Bug
As many of you read in last month’s Model Aviation, the Finger Lakes Air Pirates (FLAPS) of Geneva, New York, were commissioned by the Glenn Curtiss Museum of Hammondsport, New York, to build a scale rendition of the 1908 June Bug. This was a significant undertaking because no drawings were available, only a full-scale replica to scale. The Curtiss Museum wanted a flyable model to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the flight of the June Bug on July 5, 2008.
Dick Eaton and Bill Birkett put an aggressive schedule together to design, prototype a flying foamie, manufacture parts, assemble, test, and debug the June Bug. Manufacturing tasks were assigned to several club members, including:
- Duane Picchi
- Dave Mayne
- Joe Scott
- Tom Kelly
- Chuck Hanzel
- and others who built subassemblies and then brought the aircraft together.
The schedule was so tight that they received the electric motor and battery packs to power the June Bug shortly before the scheduled flying event. In fact, the aircraft was not successfully flown until the moment of truth.
In front of literally hundreds of interested parties and spectators, the FLAPS prepared the June Bug for its maiden flight. The Curtiss Museum even hired actors to portray the people of that day, adding realism to the occasion. Pilot Bill Birkett took off and masterfully flew the June Bug on its maiden scale flight of some 200 yards before settling the large model onto its landing gear. The applause and roar of the crowd was incredible as they recognized the FLAPS for this once-in-a-lifetime accomplishment. The June Bug was later successfully flown at the NEAT Fair in September.
Congratulations FLAPS members for an outstanding club effort and result! Your club epitomizes the best of District II!
Awards and recognition
Charles "Charlie" Scholeno was honored in October for his service to pilots and clubs in western New York. A member of at least four different flying clubs, Charlie founded and has served as president of the Jamestown Flying Aces since its inception in the 1970s.
I had the honor of presenting Charlie with the District II Service Award for his unselfish service to modeling. Thank you, Charlie!
Events
Bob Stinson and the Atlantic County Skyblazers in New Jersey sponsored the Heli Gathering September 6–7, 2008. The turnout was good and the helicopter flying great. Several vendors provided bargains and good food for this fun event! Check out this event in 2009!
In memoriam
On a sad note, I’m reporting the passing of two District II members. Tony Curcuruto of the Top O’ New Jersey R/C sent word about the passing of their 20-year radio impound person and all-around nice guy Rocky Leone.
Jim Messer, 2008 Model Aviation Hall of Fame inductee and personal friend, passed away in December. Jim was instrumental in the Giant Scale movement in the 1970s. Both men will be greatly missed!
Until next month, keep 'em Three in the Green.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
