Author: Mark Johnston
Edition: Model Aviation - 2013/03
Page Numbers: 141

AMA News: District VIII - 2013/03

District VIII—Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas

Mark Johnston

Vice President

As I write this, it is New Year's Day and my first official day as vice president (VP) for District VIII. It is an honor to be the new VP and I look forward to meeting and seeing as many of you as I can.

By the time you read this I will have been at several events and will have posted reports on the District VIII website.

I have several reports from associate vice presidents that I want to share this month.

East Texas Aeromodelers (ETAM) Toys for Tots Fun-Fly — Longview, TX (November 14, 2012)

Bobby Smith attended the ETAM Toys for Tots Fun-Fly in Longview, Texas, held on November 14, 2012. Despite the wind, 21 pilots attended and donated items for Toys for Tots.

Barbecue sandwiches and Frito pies (corn chips, chili, and cheese baked together) were served for lunch. This annual fun-fly is the biggest charity event held by the ETAM club. Several youngsters flew with the club's buddy box and trainer.

Rio Grande R/C Flyers (RGF) — Art Brock Memorial Fun-Fly (Bell Farms, McAllen, TX) (December 9, 2012)

Jim Marshall sent a report about the Rio Grande R/C Flyers club of McAllen, Texas, which hosted the third annual Art Brock Memorial fun-fly at its beautiful Bell Farms flying site on December 9, 2012.

Weather for the event was nearly perfect with temperatures in the low 80s, light winds straight down the runway, and scattered clouds. There were 22 registered participants, ranging from several Youth AMA members to many long-time members. They began arriving at 9 a.m. and soon filled the flight line with various types of aircraft, from turbine- and electric-powered jets to helicopters, competition gas Pattern airplanes, and myriad sport aircraft of every size and type imaginable.

The event attracted pilots from across the region, including some from other parts of the U.S., with two coming from Monterrey, Mexico. Soon, many spectators began arriving and the spacious club parking lot was filled by late morning.

RGF President Phil Johnson and his assistant, Bill Robinson, the organization's webmaster, grilled delicious hamburgers and brats. The RGF ladies' auxiliary unloaded all types of sweets and goodies. Art Brock would have been proud.

Tri-City Flyers Memorial for Bryan Kirby — Old Kingsbury Aerodrome (Kingsbury, TX) (December 8, 2012)

Jim Rice sent information about a small get-together the Tri-City Flyers had in memory of Bryan Kirby.

Bryan Kirby, the former club secretary of the Tri-City Flyers, passed away suddenly, leaving his family and the club bereft. On December 8, 2012, his wife, Lori Ann, asked that everyone join her at the Old Kingsbury Aerodrome in Kingsbury, Texas, to celebrate his birthday and enjoy a day of flying as his ashes were dropped over the aerodrome.

A large crowd, including family members, club members, and former colleagues—among them fellow police officers—enjoyed the flying, a great barbecue, and birthday cake. It was a sad occasion, but a great send-off for Bryan.

Third Annual Cajun Heli Fest — Crowley, LA (March 2012)

Jon Martin sent in the following about the Third Annual Cajun Heli Fest, sponsored by the Rice Area Modelers Society (RAMS) and held at the club's field.

More than 70 pilots attended the Cajun Heli Fest and the weather was fantastic. This small club of 25 members puts on one of the best events in the Southern U.S. The food at the event is better than my mother's cooking, and the hospitality is unsurpassed.

The Cajun Heli Fest is also the home of Cajun Heli Fishing. Pilots put fishing lines on their helicopters and "fish." Each pilot is given five minutes to catch as many fish as they can, and the largest fish wins. Fourteen fish were caught; this year's 2012 Heli Fisherman was Curtis Youngblood.

The Cajun Heli Fest cheerleaders were also a hit with their big, beautiful smiles and Southern charm.

The RAMS club has a wonderful flying site with plenty of parking for everyone. The 2013 Cajun Heli Fest is scheduled for March 22–23.

I hope to see you all at the field!

Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.