AMA News: District VIII-2011/12
HAPPY HOLIDAYS to all modelers. 'Tis the season to be thankful. We should all be thankful that we live in a place where we can enjoy our hobby freely, and remember our service members deployed around the world who allow us to continue that pursuit!
Huckfest — Hot Springs, Arkansas
Mark Smith, Andy Argenio, Jim Wallen, Dave Mathewson, and I attended the Huckfest in Hot Springs, Arkansas, in September. What a fine event, ably managed once again by Josh Price.
Larry Holcomb, president of Hot Springs RC Flying Club, said, "We had 55 registered pilots and a great effort by our club members to make the event safe and enjoyable for all. We had over 1,000 spectators pass through over Friday and Saturday. This is especially important because we rely on public support for our field. Several neighbors whose property is near the field were invited and given a special pilots' view of what we do.
"The Boy Scout troop made $200 managing parking, camped with the pilots over the weekend, and buddy-boxed with our instructors on Sunday. I'm happy to report that there were no safety issues."
Sleepy C told us the club would do something never seen before at Huckfest. As the "safety guy" I was worried. I asked him if it would be dangerous and he said, "Not for you." Then Joe Smith took off with his amazing skills and aircraft and hovered in front of the crowd with smoke pumping out. A crowd gathered with cameras—and I have to tell you I was half-squinting so I wouldn't see something I didn't want to see. When Joe turned off the smoke and pulled the aircraft up there was the sign that read: "Beth, will you marry me?"
Sleepy C was right — it wasn't dangerous for me but might have been for Brian Krietemeyer as he was down on one knee, asking Beth Wood to marry him. Beth said yes!
The Scouts worked hard throughout the day, parking cars and putting up the colors. When the dust settled and the drawing was conducted, 15-year-old Jake Kellar, one of the Boy Scouts, won the grand prize of a 50cc airplane ready to fly with engine and radio installed.
Ringmaster Flyathon
The 2011 Ringmaster Flyathon is in the books and we had 275 Ringmaster CL flights in District VIII. Breakdown by state/district:
- AR — 96
- LA — 38
- NM — 12
- OK — 42
- TX — 99
FAA Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM)
Keep your eyes open and computers on for the release of the FAA's Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in mid-February. We will need the support of all modelers and their non-modeling friends as we respond to the FAA during the public comment period. Don't leave it to someone else to do; get your family, neighbors, barbers, and ministers involved. They all want you to continue enjoying your hobby!
Renewals and Closing
Get your renewals in early so you can enjoy the first day of flying in the new year. I know many clubs and individuals try to get a short flight in on January 1, so make sure you are covered.
Have fun and fly safely. See you on the flightline!
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
