District I-2011/09

IT’S ALL IN the planning. Running a
successful event to promote the sport of
aeromodeling requires a good plan. This
should begin by identifying the target
audience you intend to appeal to and then
selecting the best ways to attract, educate,
and engage the attendees.
The following event report was a
compilaton of information I received from
longtime AMA member Charles Sylvia, and
Associate Vice President Robert Kilmon.
This is an excellent example of good event
planning, organizing, and execution.
Charles called me last year with the idea
of having an AMA Model Aviation Youth
Expo event to introduce the 10- to 15-yearold
age group in his area to the sport of
aeromodeling. To help him in this effort I
told him that District I would supply several
cases of Delta Darts, AMA literature, handouts,
caps, tops, and patches for the event. I
also asked Bob Kilmon to contact Charles
and help him in anyway needed.
Charles selected and rented the ice arena
at the Cheshire Fair Grounds for the event.
This indoor facility had sufficient floor
space and height to accommodate the
program activities and displays. In addition
to Charles’ club, the Hayward Brook R/C
Flyers of Keene, New Hampshire, Charles
contacted and received additional help from
the Ashuelot Valley Flyers of Walpole and
the Brattleboro Area Flyers.
Event advertising posters were created
and placed in local businesses and schools.
A small advertisement was placed in the
Sentinel newspaper which interestingly
enough resulted in a front page interview
with Charles that was conducted and written
by columnist Steve Gilbert. Charles talked
about his modeling experience, the AMA,
and the upcoming event. His passion for the
hobby and desire to introduce more youth in
the area to the joys of modeling was clearly
evident.
The event took place on Saturday, April
23, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Areas were
cordoned off within the building to separate
the displays and activities. The static display
area was populated with a variety of model
aircraft types and sizes from club members
who eagerly answered attendees’ questions.
In another area, club members provided
flying instructions on the several flight
simulators that were actively in use by
attendees all day. A larger model-building
area with building tables, tools, glue, and
Delta Dart airplane kits was staffed by club
members who provided direction to the
young people in building the models and
then flying them in the arena.
The hit of the event took place in the
demonstration area where two well-chosen
AMA youth members from the Flying
Tigers club in Derry, New Hampshire,
performed. Thirteen-year-old Tyler
McCormack, a seasoned aerobatics pilot
who competes in International Miniature
Aerobatic Club (IMAC) events throughout
the Northeast and 14-year-old Ricky
Schattuck, another skilled pilot, flew RC
foam airplanes all day, delighting those in
attendance with their superb skills.
Bob Kilmon answered questions, handed
out AMA literature, and directed interested
families and their kids to the AMA website
and to local clubs. Bob reported that 40
models were on display, more than 300
people attended, and 50 young people
participated in the aeromodeling fun and
learning experience.
Charles, Bob, and all of the others who
worked this event were successful because
of their dedication and planning. We thank
them for promoting the sport and AMA.
September 2011 135
Andy Argenio
3 Sheila Ln.,
Smithfield RI
02917;
Home: (401) 231-
6901; Work: (401)
231-5380
For a complete listing of district
officers and volunteers, please visit
the District 1 website at
www.amadistrict-i.org
D i s t r i c t I
District I
Andy Argenio, District I Vice President; [email protected]
Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont
This AMA Model Aviation Youth Expo event took place in Swanzey NH in 2011 to introduce
10- to 15-year-olds to the joys of building and flying model aircraft.
Tyler McCormack, 13, and Ricky Shattuck, 14, demonstrated aerobatic flying with RC
electric-powered model aircraft for the many spectators and participants.
Participants engaged in building and flying Delta Darts and flying on several flight simulators.
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