District I - 2006/08

August 2006 153
IT’S TUESDAY, May 16, 2006, at 6 a.m.
and the crew of Ed Faria, Barry Shubert,
Steve Brehm, David Villiard, George
Andoscia, and I are ready to leave behind
New England’s weeks of rain for the 925-
mile trip to South Carolina and the world’s
premiere RC event: Joe Nall.
Barry’s trailer was hitched to the Brands
Hobby Hummer and was packed the night
before with three airplanes—the 35% Extra
for main field flying, a 25% Cub on floats
for the pond, and an electric Ultra MiniStick
with digital spread spectrum (DSS) for night
and DSS field flying.
Four of us rode in the Hummer and two
in Steve’s car. We decided to take turns
driving the 16 hours straight through. What
it cost for gas at 10 miles per gallon was
offset by the complimentary hotel rooms
provided by Barry. We drove the scenic
mountain route and with plenty of snacks on
board, good conversation, and laughter we
arrived in South Carolina at 10:30 p.m.
This was my third trip to Nall and it is
true when they say the facility, the people,
and the flying just get better each year. The
first-timers in our group to Triple Tree
Aerodrome were in awe of everything from
the tremendous flying to the world-class
facility. It is one thing for me to be
expounding the virtues of Nall in photos and
stories but quite another for my friends to
experience the happenings firsthand.
During the four days in paradise, we
shared the airplanes and flew off the pond,
the main runway, and the new designated
area for DSS flying. This event gives the
average RC enthusiast a chance to fly, talk,
and receive answers to questions from the
pros.
What I enjoy most is being able to see
some of the new aircraft and the soon-to-bereleased
aircraft being flown by the team
and factory representatives.
Ray LaBonte (L) District I associate vice
president and composite ARF sales
representative shows me some new
airplanes.
This is where to get a glimpse of what’s
going to happen in the world of RC, whether
the products are in the vendor area or being
flown at the flying site.
We all attended the AMA membership
meeting on Friday night followed by the
barbeque of pork, smoked chicken, shrimp,
and beer. While eating we were entertained
with live music from a bluegrass band.
We reluctantly packed the trailer and
began the journey home Saturday afternoon.
This time we stopped for a last dinner
together and one night’s sleep in a hotel
before finishing the drive on Sunday.
Thanks to Pat Hartness, his family, and
friends for their exceptional hospitality and
the use of the best RC facility in the world.
We look forward to 2007 and the coming
together of this diverse group where a bluecollar
worker, CEO, beginner, expert,
young, and old can share the passion and
camaraderie of flying at Joe Nall.
Jason Shulman signs his autograph on David
Villiard’s plane. It’s a keeper now!
Don’t forget! The first of two AMA
District I flying events will be taking place
at Woodstock Airport, Connecticut, August
4-6. See you there!
District I
Andy Argenio, District I Vice President; [email protected]
Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont
Andy Argenio
3 Sheila Ln.,
Smithfield RI 02917;
Home: (401) 231-6901;
Work: (401) 231-5380
www.amadistrict1.com
Associate Vice
Presidents
Edward Grossheim, New
Hampshire;
[email protected]
Ed Faria, Somerset MA;
[email protected]
James Gilliatt, Concord MA;
[email protected]
Ray LaBonte, Standish ME;
[email protected]
Patrick Libby, Ascutney VT;
[email protected]
Frank Ponteri, Westerly RI;
[email protected]
Bob Wallace, Avon CT;
[email protected]
Frequency Coordinators:
Kevin Richards, Attleboro MA;
[email protected]
Joel Chappell, Milford NH;
[email protected]
Educational Coordinator:
Ed Spidell, Chepachet RI;
[email protected]
Webmaster:
Paul Costa, Attleboro MA;
[email protected]
Contest Coordinator:
Barry Schubert, Portsmouth RI;
Barry_N_Schubert@
raytheon.com
District Safety Coordinator:
Les Watson, Riverside RI; lesleslie@
cox.net
District News Editor:
Steve Brehm, Jamestown RI;
[email protected]
District 1 Web Site:
www.amadistrict1.com
D i s t r i c t I V o l u n t e e r s .
Joe Nall 2006: friends from District I (top row L to R) Andy Argenio, Steve Brehm, George
Andoscia, Barry Schubert, Ed Faria, and David Villiard; (bottom row) Judy and Paul Cormier.