AMA News District IX - 2007/05
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.
Freeze-Fly Tradition — Topeka Control Line Association
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.
Brenda reports:
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.
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!
Jefco Auction and District Meetings
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
- Dave Mathewson, District II Vice President (District II includes New York, New Jersey, and Europe)
- Rich Hanson, District X Vice President (District X covers the western states including California and Arizona)
Both Dave Mathewson and Rich Hanson are running for president of AMA this year. Each is quite capable and would do a fine job.
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!
Propbusters — Lowell Hamilton Recognized
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 control-line flying site at what is now Story Book Island.
Lowell competed in control-line 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 radio control (RC) flying in a meadow on what is now the site of West Middle School. Lowell began entering pattern contests 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 area 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!
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
