AMA News District VIII - 2009/03
Hope everyone has survived the winter well. We should be getting back into the full swing of flying soon.
Preflight Reminder
Do a complete preflight on each aircraft before taking it flying. Treat it like it is its first day ever to go flying; that way you will check everything.
- Cycle batteries.
- Check control lines for fraying.
- Check timers to make sure they will cut off and dethermalize on time.
- Inspect hinges for fatigue from last year’s use.
- Check fuel tanks and lines for problems caused by drying out.
Be ready when the time is right.
Tournament of North Texas (TNT) — October 2008
Jack Hogan sent the following report with pictures by Hal Ussary.
“The Soaring League of North Texas hosted the 23rd annual Tournament of North Texas (TNT) for three days in mid-October 2008 at the famous Southfork Ranch. Cool nights and warm, cloudless skies created great competitive soaring weather.
“Soaring pilots from the West Coast to the East Coast gathered to compete during the three-day TNT event.
“To emphasize the level of competition, out of a possible 11,000 points, 402 points separated the top five contestants in pursuit of the Overall Champion, with only 1 point separating the top two pilots. Fred Weaver left with the revolving trophy with a point score of 10,497.”
AVP for Louisiana — Personnel Changes
Bill Fulmer, associate vice president (AVP) for Louisiana, has decided to retire from his duties after serving for five years. He has attended many events and provided reports and information on them. Unfortunately, family concerns require him to turn his attention elsewhere. We thank him for his years of service and wish him well.
We welcome an energetic and talented new volunteer: Don “Pete” Boudreaux of Verdunville, Louisiana. Pete brings 56 years of modeling experience and 32 years of crop dusting to the job.
He has flown rubber power and control line, but is especially fond of giant-scale warbirds (single and twin) and float planes. He is a member of several clubs in Louisiana and Texas.
If you see him, don’t be surprised—he has been known to wear two different colored shoes and occasionally have painted toenails. He has survived 17 full-scale airplane crashes, two heart attacks, and has raised two sons. With that kind of fortitude, I won’t question his foot treatments.
Pete Boudreaux is our new AVP for Louisiana. His motto is “Have planes will travel.”
Much thanks to both of these guys and to all of the other volunteers in the district who give of their time and energy to help keep our great organization running and focused on membership and member services. When you see any of these volunteers, shake their hand and say thanks.
Have fun and fly safely! See you on the flightline.
Jim
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
