AMA News: District IX-2007/12

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! I trust you have all
been good little boys and girls and that Santa
has placed some special modeling goodies
under the tree for you!
It’s been a very busy month, so let’s take
a look at three great events from around the
district.
Planes over El Dorado: June 30-July1, the
Wichita Radio Control Club in Kansas hosted
this annual International Miniature Aircraft
Association (IMAA) event CDed by Loren
Tregalles.
Although the
weather did not
cooperate, we had a
great time at the El
Dorado airport with
manager David
Wiebe and his family.
The weather
broke on Sunday and
a few of us braved a
couple of flights.
Loren even flew one
of his racers! Thanks
for the great
hospitality!
Airport manager David Wiebe and his wife
Vic.
Beresford Area Radio Flyers: Celebrating
freedom from flying fields as reported by
David Larsen.
“For several years some members of
Beresford Area Radio Flyers have celebrated
the Fourth of July by casting off their
dependence on flying fields and venturing out
into the world. In the past most of that crosscountry
flying has been bi-state trips between
the flying field near Beresford, South Dakota,
to the airport at Hawarden, Iowa. That
distance was about 25 miles on various gravel
and secondary roads.
“Three years ago Brad Jensen designed
and built a seating arrangement for the bed of
his pickup truck that includes two bucket
seats with seat belts. It is all attached to the
fifth-wheel hitch and is very solid. Two pilots
sit facing forward and the driver attempts to
control the vehicle speed so it matches the
speed of the models flying. It works great and
vastly increases the safety and comfort for the
flying pilots.
“For 2007 the planners devised a tri-state
route that would take in about 54 miles of
roads. The trip started in Nebraska at the
south end of the Vermillion bridge. The route
skirted the west side of Vermillion, South
Dakota, and headed north. It went east past
Alcester before again heading north. The
final segment was east and south to land at
the Hawarden Airport.
“None of the route was through any towns
or cities. Almost all of the roads were rural
and secondary highways with minimal traffic.
Problems with landing for fuel were
simplified since there was little traffic. In
fact, the only problem encountered on the
journey was the visibility while looking
toward the sun while flying east. In the future
a later start time will be planned so the sun
will be higher in the sky.
“Brad Jensen flew the entire journey with
his Sig Four-Star 60. Dave Larsen flew the
first half of the journey with his modified
Tower Hobbies Uproar and Paul Winterton
flew the second half with his Great Planes
RV-4 ARF.
“We would like to report that all seven
fuel stop landings were uneventful. The three
intrepid pilots achieved independence from
being confined to flying field on July 4.”
ProBro Event at Northern Knights: As many
of you know, I am a big advocate for the
ProBros since they always strive for
maximum fun and those participating
generally average 20 years younger than at
most fun-flies. I think we need to ensure our
future by supporting the youth in our hobby.
August 17-19 the Northern Knights
hosted a ProBro event with CD John
Salmons. One of the participants was 8-yearold
Tanner Nakonechny who did a great job
flying 3-D!
Unfortunately, I was able to attend only
the Friday event. As usual, the Northern
Knights are soooo hospitable and welcomed
all. The evening included night flying ProBro
style! On Saturday, the club organized a
dinner at the field.
Thanks and keep up the great work!
Eight-year-old pilot Tanner Nakonechny flew
3-D with the big boys.
CD John Salmons (R) with Mark Smith at the
ProBro event.
As I reflect on the year, I have been blessed
with many friends and a wonderful,Loren Tregellas was
CD for the event.
supporting family. My wishes for each of you
are heath and happiness.
Until next month, have fun and keep in
touch! Mark.