AMA News District VIII
Jim Rice, District VIII Vice President; [email protected]
District
- Arkansas
- Louisiana
- New Mexico
- Oklahoma
- Texas
Officer changes
Activity is high in District VIII. Charles Stevens, the Associate Vice President (AVP) for the Greater Houston area, has elected to retire and let a new volunteer take over. He has served for many years as AVP and has been a faithful supporter of AMA activities. Charlie and his wife Marilyn have provided years of loyal and dedicated volunteer service, attending events and visiting modelers across the Southwest. I appreciate their tireless efforts and they will be missed.
As Charlie steps down, a respected and energetic volunteer has accepted my offer to assume his duties. Pat Willcox, president of the Jetero Club in Humble and a longtime modeler, is our new AVP for the area. Pat was highly recommended by modelers around the district and I am glad he accepted the challenge. I look forward to Pat joining our team and providing new energy and perspective to the district. Please let these men know you appreciate their efforts.
Events
#### Texas Indoor New Year (TINY) The First Annual Texas Indoor New Year (TINY) event was held in San Angelo, Texas, on February 10. There were more than 50 participants and a large number of spectators. Slow flyers to 3-D machines filled the Coliseum. Activities included:
- Impromptu pylon races
- Manufacturer demonstrations
- Hover-off competitions
- An evening Pattern competition
Extensive videos and pictures are available from our district videographer Steve Koelle at www.icanflyrc.com.
#### Tri-City Flyers swap meet The Tri-City Flyers' swap meet in Garden Ridge, Texas, was a huge success both for traders and as a fundraiser for the club. Organizer George Sheffield did a great job, and there was plenty of excitement and eagerness to find just the right item.
#### Flight Fest — Edinburg Jack Matlock and I attended the Flight Fest in Edinburg, Texas, which may have been the last day of flying on the field at the local airport. City officials advised that the field would be closed after the event, so everyone made an extra effort to enjoy the field they have used for the last 12 years. Forces are rallied to try to save the field. Even if it is lost, the Tejas RC group will survive because they have a great core of modelers who will make it happen.
Roughly 50 pilots enjoyed 96°F temperatures and superb flying conditions in February. Everything from small indoor-capable electrics to a 50-pound, twin Quadra 75–powered Grumman F8F Tigercat flown by Rick Michelina were on display. Jason Danhakl made five demonstration flights, wowing the crowd with extreme 3-D maneuvers and freestyle routines to music. Contest Director Bert Hahn did a great job and the huge crowd of spectators appreciated the flying.
I made 12 flights with four biplanes that I brought. Eight-year-old Ricky Martinez was the youngest pilot I saw flying; he made several flights with an electric park flyer in winds that would challenge any pilot. I hope by the time you read this the club has a viable field and is planning its 2008 Flight Fest. Jack Matlock provided the photos below.
Have fun and fly safely. See you on the flightline.
Jim Rice Vice President 118 E. Wright Blvd., Universal City, TX 78148 Tel.: (210) 213-0299 (evenings) www.AMA-Dist-8.org
For a complete listing of district officers, please see the District VIII Web site at www.AMA-Dist-8.org.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
