AMA News District IX - 2007/07
Hi, folks! As you already know, I am bullish on the AMA Leader Club program. By completing the various points of the program, you can help ensure the viability of your flying site.
One of the most critical aspects of this program is community involvement as demonstrated by this great club that is home to Kansas University, as reported by Hank Darnell, Parade Float Chairman for the Jayhawk Model Masters.
Jayhawk Model Masters — Saint Patrick's Day Parade
Reported by Hank Darnell, Parade Float Chairman, Jayhawk Model Masters.
The Jayhawk Model Masters club is proud to announce that its 2007 Saint Patrick's Day Parade float won first place and more than $750 in prizes and cash in the 20th annual Lawrence, Kansas parade. The club participated in the parade in 2006, placing third out of 100 floats. The prizes of $150 cash and $200 in gift certificates and door prizes ignited our interest to reenter the following year.
The parade is attended by thousands of spectators, so promoting our events comes as an added bonus. The club members decided that in 2007 we would make a concerted effort to promote our club events as never before. We decided to build a near–full-scale airplane to really boggle their minds.
The airplane needed to tie into the parade theme in some way so it would make sense to the crowd. The new Ford CEO was announced as the grand marshal of the parade, so we decided to build a Ford airplane.
The Ford Tri-Motor was our first choice but was deemed a more complicated build. The Ford Flivver was a better choice for its size and construction. Its one-engine configuration was also desirable over the three engines in the Tri-Motor.
The Flivver was built from standard 2x4 studs and plywood and was covered in muslin and a mixture of glue and water. It was painted with silver and green paint (the green replaced the Ford blue to honor Saint Patrick's Day).
My nine-year-old son William was chosen to pilot the airplane since he was a near-perfect fit in the cockpit. Our members carved the propeller from a solid piece of pine and placed it on a turn crank that William cranked from the cockpit.
Several neighbors thought I was actually constructing a real flying airplane. One neighbor pulled out her rosary beads to pray for me!
The Flivver was a huge success. The float was dressed out with several models including the Red Baron and a dog and his airplane chasing the Red Baron. Our number-one goal was to wow the crowd with the Flivver replica and our display airplanes.
We were rewarded with a first-place trophy. More important was promoting our beloved hobby to potential new members. Club members walked with the float and handed out 3,000 toy airplanes affixed with club information and a calendar of events for the year.
What goes without saying is that without the hard work of volunteers and donated resources, this program would not have been the success it was. Good times are always at hand as a Jayhawk Model Master. Even with the intention of promoting the hobby, a program such as this brings existing members closer together as in no other way. It has created lasting friendships that will only make the club stronger.
Arvada Associated Modelers — Reunion of the Vintage and Old-Timers Fun-Fly
The Arvada Associated Modelers invite you to join them on July 28, 2007, for the third annual Reunion of the Vintage and Old-Timers Fun-Fly. A map and directions are on the club's website at www.arvadamodelers.com.
This traditional yearly and growing event will feature model designs from the past performing:
- aerobatic pattern flying
- climb-and-glide events
These demonstrations preserve the history and spirit of aeromodeling as it was in the past. The event flyer and registration forms are available on the website or from CD Travis McGinnis.
Contact:
- Travis McGinnis (CD)
- Phone: (303) 422-5720
- Email: [email protected]
Last year we held the District IX Fly-In at this event in Arvada. It was a great time and I encourage you to attend!
Closing
I'm glad to report that I have a very busy flying season planned and hope to see you at the field. Until then, have fun and keep in touch!
Mark
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
