From the Copilot's Seat
Gary Fitch, Executive Vice President
Tony Stillman's November 2012 "Flying Site Assistance Column" was about the Jefco Aeromod'lers, from the Denver area in District IX.
I won't repeat what Jefco's Bruce Ream reported. It is available on AMA's website in our Model Aviation Digital Library section. I will touch on the accomplishment of this club and how it can impact others.
District IX Vice President Jim Wallen invited me to travel to Denver to meet with Jefco members at their club meeting and attend a presentation and award ceremony the following day. I arrived March 6 and met with organizer Lora Knowlton and her husband, Doug; Jefco club president, Bruce Hatfield; AMA Associate Vice President (AVP) Tom Neff and wife, Janice; AVP Norm Berger and his wife, Gail; and presenter Bruce Ream and wife, Linda, for a great dinner.
I was asked to speak at the club meeting—or more correctly, provide answers to some great questions primarily involving the FAA, FPV, autonomous flight, and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).
The club completed its business and then broke for coffee, donuts, and informal discussions about the show-and-tell projects that members brought. At least 60 members and many interesting aircraft were present. Bruce Ream discussed the meeting scheduled the next day, which involved making a presentation to the county commissioners.
I met with Bruce, Tom Elliott, club president Bruce Hatfield, Lora, Larry Bickel, and Mike Alexander at the AIS Education Center. Both Bruces and I were invited to have lunch with Ken Brink, Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW) manager, and Scott Roush, park manager of Chatfield State Park, where the Jefco Aeromod'lers has its field.
Part of the discussion concerned the tireless efforts of Bruce Ream, Scott, and Ken that brought about CPW signing a new, 10-year lease with the club, and requiring that anyone flying at Chatfield be an AMA member. We addressed the commissioners and showed them what Jefco, working through Ken and Scott, has accomplished. The club boasts one of the finest RC modeling venues in the US, with two large, paved runways, pilot shelter, storage barn, and bathrooms.
Bruce Ream put together a PowerPoint presentation, which allowed the commissioners to see what Jefco and Chatfield State Park had accomplished, providing a unique form of recreation. Ken Brink told the commission that the Jefco group was by far the best partnership that Chatfield Park has had.
Scott Roush noted that the park's relationship with Jefco was a win/win situation for the state and the community. He said that modelers are good stewards of the land.
I presented an AMA Award of Appreciation on behalf of AMA President Bob Brown to Commissioners' Chief John Singletary and to Scott Roush. Bruce Hatfield also presented award plaques to both on behalf of Jefco.
What can be learned here is that through dedication and determination, our clubs can successfully negotiate with government agencies. A positive attitude coupled with a defined goal and plan can create success. Governments want to see structure and a program that benefits constituents, without a major financial investment.
Congratulations to the Jefco Aeromod'lers for a tremendous effort and outstanding results!
I made an unannounced visit to the Bayou City Flyers in Katy, Texas, while visiting my daughter's family. The club's field is located in the huge George Bush Park and is provided by Harris County. This venue has a concrete 800 x 84-foot runway and solid pilot protection stations.
Last year, the Bayou City Flyers had more than 220 members. The club's primary focus is teaching people to fly. I met the vice president, Keith Dick, who showed me the new flight control clubhouse that cost the club thousands of dollars. The club is fortunate to have Harris County work with it.
I received an email from Ray Juschkus, AVP Emeritus, that his best friend, Walter Bellmer of Ocala, Florida, has died. In 1962, Walter took first place with 154.35 mph in Class B Speed at the Nats at Glenview Naval Air Station, with an original design. Walter taught Ray and many others to fly RC. He was 83.
Thanks for reading. Until next month, help secure our future and take a youngster flying.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
