AMA News District V - 2010/02
Tangerine Airfest 2009
By the time you read this, 2009 will be in the history books. We will remember it not for the tragic economy, or the war, or the scandals, but for the triumphs we achieved in our hobby.
The Remote Control Association of Central Florida (RCACF) has put the Tangerine Airfest 2009 behind it and begun a new chapter in this ever-changing world. This year the RCACF teamed up again with The Orlando Remote Control Helicopter Society (TORCHS) to put on one of the largest helicopter gatherings in the country: the Orlando Helicopter Blowout 2009.
This cooperation between two very different clubs is vital to the survival of our sport. It demonstrates that all disciplines in the hobby are compatible with each other when proper planning is involved.
Tangerine Airfest events
As part of a month-long celebration of our sport, the Tangerine Airfest includes events for a wide variety of disciplines, including:
- Pylon
- Pattern
- Helicopters
- Electrics
- International Miniature Aerobatic Club (IMAC) aircraft
- Many other disciplines
There is also an air show in which we demonstrate to the public what we do, and we do it in a socially engaged manner.
Public outreach and mentoring
Participating in the airshow are some of the world’s best pilots as well as those aspiring to be. We involve all skill levels in the show, and we even have a buddy-box set up for members of the general public to try their hands at flying. This public exposure helps ensure your voice when it comes to acquiring and retaining flying fields. Keep local businesses interested in what you do and support the economy of your local flying area.
Our hobby is not dying, despite what some may say. While some people do drop out for various reasons, that has been happening since model aviation began.
Do your part to encourage young men and women to join your organization. Mentor them through their solo flights and enjoy the satisfaction of watching new model aviators head for the sky.
Club visits
Recently I made a swing through South Florida and visited a few clubs. This was the first time I was able to get that far south in Florida since becoming the District V vice president. I actually made it all the way down to the Keys and visited some members there.
On the way back to Georgia I visited several clubs in the central part of the state. Here are a couple of pictures for you to enjoy.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
