AMA News District VII - 2009/02
Building in the hobby
In my December 2008 column, I wrote that no one builds anymore. It appears a few people took that statement too literally and it got a rise out of them. That was the reason I wrote it — to get input.
So far the response has not been overwhelming, except for a few who took the time to write. Yes, the free-flighters, electric flyers, glider/slope pilots, some control-line enthusiasts, and of course scale modelers build from kits and even scratch-build, but when you compare the numbers of builders to the rest of the modelers, you can understand why I wrote what I did. I have built from scratch and from kits and enjoyed both. I hope this will settle the issue.
In the meantime, for you builders, why not take a youngster under your wing and show him or her another part of our hobby? Who knows? It might be the catalyst to continue building.
Green Bay Model Airplane Club — Fun Fly/Corn Roast
The Green Bay Model Airplane Club, AMA chartered club #663, held its now-famous local Fun Fly/Corn Roast. This event has been going on for more than 25 years, and by the looks of the crowd it is a success.
Bob Bartz supplied the pictures. Highlights included:
- Buddy-box flights for youngsters and anyone else who wanted to try RC flying.
- A performance by the Northern Aces Show Team.
Manitowoc Flyers Ltd. — Museum display
Here is how a club gains recognition by performing community service. The Manitowoc Flyers Ltd., AMA chartered club #1008, put together a model display shown at the Rahr West Museum. Models ranged from the traditional "flying lawnmower" to a 40% Extra 260.
The display was part of "Point of View: Aerial Photography & History of the Manitowoc County Airport." More than a dozen models were on display, along with aviation art and aerial photographs. Thanks to Gene Pagel for submitting this report.
Alpena Aeromodelers — Community fly-in
Don Held, AMA District VII AVP, forwarded this report from Jim Baker, president of the Alpena Aeromodelers of Alpena, Michigan. The club invited the community to a fly-in to show that there is more to aeromodeling than a group of men flying toy planes. Folks from the local television station attended.
This type of activity is the spark our hobby/sport needs to educate the public and show who we are and what we do. If clubs don't get involved with the community, it leaves the door open to reasons that might cause loss of a field. The stronger the relationship, the stronger the bond in helping to keep the flying site.
The fly-in was well attended, and several youngsters had the opportunity to handle the transmitter for their first flight. Jim Baker adds that getting kids involved is a big factor. Giving them the experience of actually flying a model aircraft is rewarding, challenging, and fitness for the mind — not to mention the satisfaction the instructor feels in helping the youngster. Nice job, Alpena Aeromodelers.
Looking ahead
So here we are into another year. Hopefully automobile gas prices will continue to stay reasonable so more folks can attend fly-ins at other clubs and support our hobby/sport.
Don't forget: if something is going on with your club that might interest other District VII members, send it to me. Photo requirements:
- Digital images: minimum 300 dpi.
- Hard-copy prints: at least 4 x 6 inches.
Till next time, take a youngster to the field. They're our hobby/sport future and our legacy. See you at the field. Fly safely and have fun. C.A.V.U.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
