Education is fundamental to aeromodeling and AMA clubs. Hawks Junior RC Aviators is the youth program of the Oswego Valley Modelaires (OVM). Started in 2002 and lead by instructors Dennis Redhead and Tim Pease, the program has “graduated” more than 120 students! Club visitors are invited to try a demo flight, so hundreds more have experienced flight!
The OVM supplies aircraft and all equipment for students to fly. Dennis and Tim do this for the sheer enjoyment of instructing. Support from Hawks’ secretary, Mark Lytle of Precision Sign and Grahics, and Hawks’ treasurer, Marty Chipkin, the owner of Redneck RC, goes a long way.
The program’s goal is not to have a club full of young adults, which would be nice, but to plant seeds and share an experience with students who come back to the hobby as they get older.
While visiting western New York last summer, it was my pleasure to see 13 year old Eric Davis of Central Square, New York, Hawks student pilot #119, receive his Hawks’ Bush Pilot Certificate. With this certificate the Hawks recognize that Eric can visit any local club and be able to do all that is necessary to fly safely.
Another education story is that of Jesse Aronstein of the Mid-Hudson Model Masters (MHMM) of Poughkeepsie, New York. A retired electrical engineer, modeler, mentor, and champion of model aviation, Jesse has helped countless people of all ages.
He has volunteered extensively at Science Olympiad programs, as well as New York State Teachers conferences. On Friday, January 25, it was my honor to present Jesse with an AMA District Service Award at the annual MHMM dinner.
Thank you, Jesse, for your vast contributions!
The 22nd annual STARS/ARCS Model Aircraft Forum at the Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School, was held January 26, 2013. AMA President Bob Brown, Executive Vice President Gary Fitch, District II Associate Vice President Perter Seiffert, and I attended.
Sponsored by the Syracuse Thunderbirds Aero Radio Society and the Aero Radio Club of Syracuse, the event combines indoor flying with information sessions, static displays, and a swap shop. The event is a great opportunity for modelers to combine flying and learning from each other! Put the STARS/ARCS Model Aircraft Forum on your 2014 calendar!
As you may have heard, District II AMA member Harvey Landis passed away in January. The family patriarch of three generations of model aviators, Harvey was the grandfather of expert AMA pilot Dan Landis and father of Commemorative Air Force member Caren Landis.
Harvey’s son Rich is well known as an AMA CD and modeling supporter and Harvey’s granddaughter, Lisa, is an AMA member, too! A B-29 crew member in World War II, Harvey instilled his love of flying in his family. Thousands have learned the joy of aviation through his children and grandchildren.
Thank you, Harvey. May the wind always be beneath your wings! All our sympathies go to Harvey’s wonderful wife, Ruth, and the entire Landis family.
Remember, it’s not about what we fly, it’s about the people and the friends we make
