District VIII
Winter modeling
As I write this, most modelers are experiencing snow and freezing weather. Building and indoor flying are the way most pursue their hobby during that time.
For those new to modeling, I challenge you to take up building as a very enjoyable part of our hobby. ARFs get you flying quickly with a generally good-looking, well-flying airplane, but you miss out on the real satisfaction of having your creation in the air for the first time. It gives you an adrenaline rush like no other if you will just try it.
Randolph AFB Air Show — Tri-City Flyers
The Tri-City Flyers participated in the Randolph Air Force Base Air Show on November 3–4, flying for an hour on Saturday and longer on Sunday. Greg Ermatinger did a superb job as CD, ensuring safety and encouraging members to bring more than 50 beautiful aircraft for static display.
Club members visited with countless spectators who passed through the hangar. The drawing for a ParkZone Cessna Centurion had more than 450 entrants, and more than 360 spectators voted on static aircraft to choose the best one on display.
Big Bird event — New Iberia, LA
Andy Clapp and I traveled to New Iberia, Louisiana, for a Big Bird event. What a great field and wonderful event! Forty-two pilots and a wide variety of aircraft spent the day flying and wowing the many spectators from the surrounding area who came to the annual fundraiser. CD Ryan Gonsoulin received the Dirty Dozen award for his outstanding efforts in organizing and running the event.
Night fly — Humble, TX (Jetero field)
We traveled back to Humble, Texas, to the Jetero field for the club's night fly on November 10. There was a good turnout, a lot of great food at the potluck supper, and some excellent flying. None of my pictures came out, but it was really great to watch the flying and visit with the likes of Pat Willcox, AVP in southeast Texas, and Horace Cain. I would like to return and fly next year in the night fly.
Flying Site Grant reminder
A quick reminder to all clubs: get your projects planned and priced out so you can apply for the Flying Site Grant Program.
- Applications are due to the district vice presidents on or before March 1.
- Grants cover 10% of a project up to a maximum of $5,000.
Have fun and fly safely! See you on the flightline.
— Jim
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
