AMA News District X - 2007/07
Charles "Chuck" Hollinger
Charles “Chuck” Hollinger of Costa Mesa, California, was inducted into the Model Aviation Hall of Fame in 2006. Unfortunately, Chuck passed away shortly before he could be recognized for this achievement at the 2007 AMA Convention. His good friend, Col. Earl Cayton, USAF (Ret.), of San Francisco, sent us the following photos in remembrance of Chuck’s lifelong contribution to model aviation.
Victor Valley R/C Flyers Youth Outreach Program
Barry Young sent in the following about the Victor Valley R/C Flyers Youth Outreach Program in Southern California.
With the club’s support, I created this program working with sixth graders in the Adelanto Elementary School. We started the program with one class twice a week and now have six classes in the school.
The only rules are that the kids must have a 2.5 grade-point average, help others, and stay out of trouble. One of my classes had four at-risk students, meaning they were about to be kicked out of school. None of these kids have been in any trouble since and their behavior and grades have improved.
The students learn to build and fly an ARF trainer. I also purchased six simulators and the students earn time to fly them. Once during each class we travel to the club field where the Victor Valley R/C Flyers take them up on a buddy box. The kids love it and even some of the parents get involved.
Some of my students have had the opportunity to fly in full-scale airplanes. I’ve also been able to get them free dental exams and I’m working on medical as well.
I have a very special student, Oscar, who has an inoperable brain tumor. Oscar and his brother Luis are building a donated ARF Piper Cub. When it’s done we’ll fly it then give it back to the donor.
The program receives support from numerous individuals and several companies have been very generous, including:
- Soaring USA
- Castle Creations
- APC Props
- Pacer Zap Glue
- Duralite Batteries
- 2DOGRC.com
- Busy Bee Hobbies (San Bernardino)
First Weedwacker Aero Squadron
First Weedwacker Aero Squadron of Lakeside, California, participated in the Lakeside Western Days Parade on April 28, 2007.
Till next time ... Keep 'em safe and Keep 'em fly'n.
Rich Hanson
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
