Author: Tony Stillman
Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/05
Page Numbers: 145

AMA News — District V (2009/05)

Tangerine Airfest 2008

Tangerine Airfest 2008 is in the books! This event is the Remote Control Association of Central Florida's (RCACF) premier event and it takes place during the four weekends of December.

  1. First weekend — Pattern
  • We saw Pattern take to the skies the first weekend with 34 registered pilots.
  • This event combined AMA/FAI Pattern with SPA/BPA (Senior Pattern Association and Ballistic Pattern Association), and it worked.
  1. Second weekend — Orlando Helicopter Blowout
  • The second weekend featured the largest event in the last decade for the RCACF.
  • In conjunction with The Orlando Radio Control Helicopter Society (TORCHS), RCACF hosted the 2008 Orlando Helicopter Blowout.
  • We had 127 registered pilots flying from sunup to sundown and beyond. Some pilots flew at night, and it was spectacular.
  • This is a great example of two different clubs working together to promote and grow the sport; this year promises to be bigger and better.
  1. Third weekend — Cliff Telford Memorial Pylon Race
  • The Cliff Telford Memorial Pylon race was magnificent. These speed merchants pull out all the stops and race.
  • If you have never been to a pylon race, do yourself a favor and attend one—you'll be awed at what fellow modelers do with these machines.
  • The event went smoothly, and Gary Freeman Jr. outdid himself as contest director (CD).
  1. Fourth weekend — Tangerine Airshow
  • The last weekend featured the Tangerine Airshow, open to the general public via newspaper invitations.
  • We had more than 1,000 spectators; in past years we have had more than 2,000.
  • That’s a lot of cars to park and a huge amount of food to sell, but the community enjoys it, and we showcase what the art of model aviation is all about.
  • The event also helps fill the coffers for next year.

We are growing and promoting model aviation — come fly with us!

Thanks to Jose Soto, Associate Vice President from Apopka, Florida, who reported on the 2008 Tangerine Airfest.

Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.