District I - 2012/12
Overview
Ray Labonte, District I associate vice president, contacted me in October 2011 to discuss his plans for the 2012 Maine Jet Rally. Ray decided to expand the event to include RC helicopter, micro electric, CL Combat, night flying, and RC truck driving. An air show was scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, and Saturday night fireworks and a lobster-and-steak barbecue were also planned.
Sponsorship and partnership
Ray sought sponsorship from his hobby business, the hobby industry, the AMA, the Maine Office of Tourism, and others. Horizon Hobby has been doing an event in Europe called Horizon Air Meet Germany, which mirrored the type of event Ray was planning. His meetings with Horizon and a visit by Horizon executives to the Sanford Regional Airport resulted in a partnership for Horizon Air Meet USA 2012, which included a Maine Jet Rally. Horizon’s participation, primary funding, and marketing made the first and largest event of its type in the U.S. possible.
Location and attractions
The Sanford Regional Airport provided an enormous open space to accommodate the events. The gathering showcased the skills of some of the best RC pilots and drivers in the world. Spectators were treated to a spectacular air show featuring full-scale flights by aerobatic champions Matt Chapman and Rob Holland.
Attendance and activities
- More than 20,000 spectators attended, including 700 students from area schools.
- About 300 pilots, drivers, and helpers participated.
- “Try-me” stations were set up for attendees to try their hands at the controls of RC buggies and model airplanes.
AMA involvement
AMA presence included Bob Brown, Gary Fitch, Dave Mathewson, and District I officers. Plans for the AMA to provide attendees with flight simulators, informational handouts, and hands-on building of Delta Dart airplane kits were foiled when the AMA trailer was involved in an accident en route to the event. The trailer and its contents were destroyed.
Outcome and thanks
The event was a tremendous success. The AMA thanks Horizon Hobby, Ray & Robin’s Hobby, and all whose efforts contributed to creating a positive public awareness of our sport. The AMA will continue to support these events and, as an AMA officer, I look forward to attending future events.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
