May 2007 177
HI, FOLKS! When you read this, the
weather should be breaking and we’ll be
flying those new airplanes we’ve been
working on this past winter—finally! It
seems to me this has been a long winter and
I have three new models to fly.
As you may recall from the last two
years, I want to share the most unusual
January 1 freeze-fly photo from our district.
This year, Brenda Schuette, associate vice
president (AVP) from Auburn, Kansas,
provided the winner.
“We did it again! The Topeka Control
Line Association (TOPCLASS) celebrated
by flying the old year out and the New Year
in. With special permission from the City of
Topeka Parks Department, several of our
members met at our flying circle in Gage
Park around 11:30 p.m. on December 31 to
get their airplanes ready for the last/first
flight of the year.
“Our club started this tradition in 1988
after visiting with an RC friend of ours from
Detroit who told us about his club and how
they celebrated New Year’s Eve. While the
number of participants has varied over the
last 18 years, it is a tradition that we have
found enjoyable and hope to continue.
“This year we had four pilots on the
asphalt circle and one in the grass field all in
the air when the clock struck midnight
signaling the beginning of 2007. With the
spectators who arrived to help us celebrate
the event, there were 17 participants.
The brave TOPCAT fliers Bob Henningsen,
Jim Lee, Melvin Schuette, and John Bender
are among others who brought in 2007.
“Weather is not an excuse for missing this
event. This year it was cool, damp, and
breezy but for a December in Kansas, it was
beautiful. We have had years when we have
had to shovel snow off the circle for a takeoff
strip and others where we were in
shirtsleeves. After the flying, many of us
went to IHOP for breakfast and visiting.
“The club traditionally gets together on
New Year’s Day for more flying and
camaraderie. Six club members were at the
circle flying and visiting the next day. What a
wonderful way to start the New Year!”
I attended the annual Jefco auction again this
year and was able to spend a lot of time
meeting new friends and catching up with old
ones from across the district.
This year’s event was bigger and better
than ever. Joining me were Jim Cherry,
AMA’s new executive director, District II
Vice President (VP) Dave Mathewson, and
District X VP Rich Hanson. District II
includes New York, New Jersey, and Europe
while District X covers the western states
including California and Arizona. Both men
are running for president of AMA this year.
Each is quite capable and would do a fine job.
Presidential candidates Rich Hanson (L) and
Dave Mathewson are in the front; Jim Cherry
(R) and I are in the back.
The Jefco club has many hard-working
volunteers and Lora Knowlton is at the top of
the list. She organized a dinner reception for
us on Friday evening and we were able to
relax and talk AMA stuff. Travis McGinnis,
former District XI VP and AVP, made
special awards for some of the attendees that
were filled with laughs and fun.
Saturday we met for breakfast with the
Denver Metro Council. Jim and Dave made
presentations on the new marketing programs
that are in the mix for 2007 and the rest of the
day was spent at the Jefco auction in the
District IX booth that was newly renovated
thanks to AVP Jim Wallen.
This was a great time to meet many of
you and receive feedback about how we can
improve this great hobby. This is one of the
highlights of the year for me and thanks to all
who helped make it a wonderful weekend!
From Jim Tiller comes this report of a
respected member of the Propbusters.
“Lowell Hamilton, a member of the
Propbusters in Rapid City, South Dakota,
received the club’s Founding Father Award
during the club’s Christmas banquet. Lowell,
78, received the award commemorating more
than 60 years of involvement with the
Propbusters, AMA, and the community.
“He began modeling as a child and
continued throughout his days at the South
Dakota School of Mines where he earned an
engineering degree. His association with the
Propbusters began in 1949 when he and Clark
Besancon formed the club and developed a
CL flying site at what is now Story Book
Island.
“Lowell competed in CL Stunt contests
for many years and as a member of the
Propbusters, he put on shows and exhibitions
at area fairs, schools, and city events.
“In one memorable contest, Lowell, his
wife Adeline, and a few other local fliers
made the trip
to Omaha to
compete in an
AMA event.
Lowell said
he flew pretty
well but on
landing his
airplane hit
one of the
judges on the
foot.
According to
Lowell, that
pretty much
finished his
chances for a
ribbon.
“In the late
1950s Lowell
and Clark began to explore RC flying in a
meadow on what is now the site of West
Middle School. Lowell began entering Pattern
competitions and gave shows and exhibitions.
One crowd-pleasing maneuver he performed
was a 100-turn spin. He remarked that once
the 89th spin ended in the ground but most of
the time it went well.
“Lowell brought his son Robert into the
hobby and proudly watched him compete in
local events. He often mentions other fliers
with whom he shared company in the early
days of RC including Buzz Sawyer, Dean
Miller, Steve Powers, Rod Renz, Don
Smith, and Doc McGuigan.
“Lowell still enjoys the hobby and,
although he sold most of his airplanes, he is
still an active AMA and Propbuster member.
We salute you Lowell and also your lifelong
flying partner Adeline for your
contributions.”
Take care, keep in touch, and have fun!
District IX
Mark Smith, District IX Vice President; [email protected]
Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming
Mark Smith
Vice President
14632 W. 50th St.,
Shawnee KS
66216
Tel.: (913)
568-4347
For a complete
listing of district officers, please see
the District 1X Web site at
www.amadistrict-ix.org.
District IX
Lowell Hamilton received
the Propbusters Founding
Father Award at the club’s
Christmas banquet.
Edition: Model Aviation - 2007/05
Page Numbers: 177