AMA News District IX - 2012/10

Warbirds are always a fan favorite. Bruce
Ream submitted the following article:
The Andrews sisters?
“This year was Jefco Aeromod’lers 8th
annual Warbirds Over Denver. Each year
the event has gotten bigger and better.
The weather smiled on everyone.
“We had more than 80 pilots and
roughly 150 airplanes. This year brought
several jets and some outstanding
airplanes and pilots who know how to
fly them.
“We had a visit by a group of veterans
from a veteran’s home who told us how
much they look forward to this event
every year.
“We started Saturday morning with a
flyover of a full-scale AT-6, a flag-raising
at 9 a.m., and the pilots’ briefing. Flying
lasted until sundown. During lunch, CD
Lora Knowlton arranged for a singing trio
that imitated and dressed as the Andrews
Sisters and sang songs from World War II.
“On Sunday, flying stopped at 2 p.m.
and the awards program got underway.
Several people were recognized for their
volunteer work and then pilots and their
airplanes received awards. This year’s
awards were special and unusual. Lora
and Doug Knowlton attended the 70th
reunion of the Doolittle Raiders and,
through a connection, were able to get
several cowl flaps from B-25s. These cowl
flaps were engraved with the award and
handed out to the winners.
“If you love warbirds, don’t miss next
year’s event.”
Some nice warbirds indeed.
Pattern flying is becoming popular in the
District IX area. The following article on
the 2012 Colorado Pattern Challenge
(CPC) was submitted by Joe Pirozzoli:
“The CPC is an annual two-day, AAA,
RC Aerobatics (Pattern) contest hosted
by the Arvada Associated Modelers. It
is the only Pattern contest in Colorado
and one of only a few in the surrounding
states. Sixteen competitors participated
including two from Albuquerque, New
Mexico.
“The 2012 CPC was a fantastic success
because of the teamwork that went into
it. This was our third CPC since 2009.
I want to acknowledge the tremendous
support and assistance from Co-CD
Lanny Hansen, and our chief judge/
flightline organizer, Dan Underkofler.
“Another important ingredient
of a successful event is sponsorship.
This year’s sponsorship amounted to
nearly $1,700 in merchandise and gift
certificates. Sponsors included: Hobby
Town, AeroWorks, Plus RC, Action RC,
Thompson’s Hobbies, Heli-Port Hobbies,
Smart-Fly, Horizon, APC, Atlanta Hobby,
Graph Tech, Castle, Tower Hobbies, and
Radio South.
“The classes broke down to six in
Sportsman; four in Intermediate; four in
Advanced; and two in FAI/F3A. Electric
airplanes are decidedly the norm in
Pattern these days, but there were still
four glow-powered airplanes. Included
were two old-school airplanes (60-sized
ballistic style). Lanny Hansen flew a
scratch-built Bridi Escape, and Henry
Butler flew a Phoenix 7 (a Don Lowe
design) ARF by Hangar 9. The Hangar 9
Phoenix 7 has become quite popular in
Classic Pattern circles.
“The Andrew Jesky-designed Osiris by
3DHobbyShop was a popular airplane.
The model is economical and has
emerged as the airplane of choice at the
entry point into Pattern.
“The latest thing in Pattern is the
Contra Drive System. The Contra
System has dual, contrarotating
propellers which are designed to
minimize the issues of torque and P
factor. Dan Underkofler had a Contra
Drive in a unique airplane, the Cation,
designed by Chip Hyde.
“Thanks to everyone who helped make
the 2012 CPC such a huge success. See
you next year!”
Joe Pirozzoli landing with a beautiful mountain
background.
Dan Underkofler flying with Chuck Shone
spotting.
Associate Vice Presidents: Norm Berger, Parker CO; (732) 763-0301; [email protected]; Bob Hatch, Montrose CO; [email protected]; Zac Hes