District I
Andy Argenio, District I Vice President; [email protected]
States
- Connecticut
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- New Hampshire
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
What makes an AMA club great?
What makes an AMA club great? The answer is the few—"special members"—who give their time to address the challenges and issues that face their club with a positive attitude and a determination to do whatever it takes to make their club the very best it can be. These are the people who do the work, take on the responsibility to be officers, and provide leadership and motivation to accomplish goals and objectives. They understand that flying sites are not permanent and that, to ensure the club's future, they need to be proactive in promoting the value of their club and sport to the community.
Special members typically:
- participate in mall shows, fund-raising events, and educational activities;
- enthusiastically welcome spectators and new members to their flying site;
- understand and enforce safety guidelines, club rules, and site restrictions;
- take on leadership roles and the work required to keep the club healthy.
Northern Connecticut RC Club (NCRCC)
This month I want to honor the Northern Connecticut RC Club (NCRCC) for being one of District I's great clubs blessed with special members. Because of these members' efforts and accomplishments, NCRCC continues to be an inspiration and role model for other district clubs.
NCRCC was founded in 1962 and used several flying sites until 2002 when, through the efforts of special members, the club was able to purchase its own flying field.
NCRCC produces several of the premier RC events in our district, including:
- an electric fly-in;
- a World War II fly-in;
- the Q-500 Two-Day Championship Race;
- an International Miniature Aircraft Association (IMAA) World War I Dawn Patrol Fly-In;
- New England's largest RC Auction and Swap Shop (which celebrated its 25th anniversary this year).
Having attended and purchased many items at this auction throughout the years, I highly recommend you don't miss the one in 2007. Check the club's Web site at www.ncrcc.org for the latest information on future flying events and activities.
I had planned to attend the NCRCC Dawn Patrol Fly-In but my AMA schedule had me traveling to Muncie, Indiana, for a strategic planning meeting. Thanks to Bob Wallace, associate vice president, who supplied the following event report.
Dawn Patrol Fly-In — Event report
July 9, the NCRCC flying field in Ellington, Connecticut, was the scene of the Dawn Patrol Fly-In, which has become an extremely popular annual event for early-aviation RC scale aircraft. While any scale aircraft up to and including the Golden Age of aviation is welcome to fly, the emphasis is on World War I aircraft.
It was a perfect summer day with ideal flying conditions that were enjoyed by all in attendance. An excellent variety of finely crafted scale aircraft was flown without any serious mishaps throughout the day.
In addition to a busy but not overcrowded flightline, refreshments were available, and the club raffled off a new Futaba radio system and a large-scale ARF World War I Fokker triplane. Dawn Patrol 2006 commemorative T-shirts were on sale, and a pilot's drawing was held. All who entered received a prize.
Anyone who has an interest in vintage RC scale aircraft—and especially World War I types—should keep this highly popular scale fly-in in mind when planning 2007 RC activities.
Great clubs such as NCRCC and their special members, events, and activities are our best promoters and ambassadors of aeromodeling. Clubs like NCRCC will be the ones, despite obstacles, to ensure the future and survival of our wonderful sport of aeromodeling.
As you read this column, the New England flying season will be coming to a close and many of us will be looking to attend indoor flying activities. Please send information about any activities for posting to the AMA District I Web site and for future MA columns.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
