District I
Besides the events that I attend and write about in this column, I receive event reports from district associate vice presidents (AVPs), club officers, and SIGs. Most often we report on activities within our district and occasionally national events that we attend.
This month I received the first event report from someone outside of our district. The following report came from a District II member, Henry Haffke, who was motivated to write to me because he wanted to compliment some of our District I members who attended a District II air show.
Report from District II member Henry Haffke
" I attended an AMA event near my home in Malta, New York, which had an unusual situation which I must tell you about. The meet was the Hoosick Aeromodelers Fun-Fly in the small town of Buskirk, New York. With a forecast of bad weather and rain, only one local RC pilot and I registered.
"This event would have been a disaster if it were not for the group of members from the Concord Aero Guidance Society and the Concord Sky Hawks who attended and flew in spite of the weather. The pilots were members of both District I clubs. These brave aviators arrived in a fleet of several travel trailers, packed with giant-scale warbirds, the evening before the event.
"The first morning of the event started with mist and a low ceiling but the rain held off for a few hours, allowing time for pilot registration and getting their planes ready to fly. They came prepared with pop-up shade/rain structures and covers for their models.
"Check the event photos for a look at what was a perfect site for these warbirds on a full-scale grass airstrip with a road running parallel to it. A sign on the roadside read 'Free Air Show' and attracted passing vehicle occupants to stop and view the flying.
"And did District I pilots ever put on an awesome air show, sometimes continuing their flights in the rain. During a noontime break, the spectators were allowed on the field for a closer look at these spectacular model airplanes. The fun didn't end even when the pilots gathered under their trailer awnings for lunch. They continued to fly micro electric planes in the parking area. Eventually the rain got heavier and flying was stopped and replaced with good conversation.
"Sunday morning was dry, but more rain was on the way. Four of the large-scale biplane pilots arranged to do some formation flying which proved to be the biggest crowd pleaser. We managed five good hours of flying before the rain arrived and pilots started to pack up.
"I have been flying in events for well over 50 years and I can honestly say this was one of the most enjoyable events I have attended due to a great bunch of guys from District I. We never heard one of them complain about the weather; they just made the best of it and created a memorable weekend for all who participated or stopped to watch."
District I response
Thanks, Henry. I am pleased to hear that District I members did us proud while enjoying the event and hospitality of the Hoosick Aeromodelers. The District I mission is all about friendship, flying, and having fun. Happy holidays from the entire District I team of officers.
For all those AMA clubs and members who organized, promoted, and directed events during 2010, thank you. We appreciate all that you do for the AMA clubs and members.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
