District I - 2012/12

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 was also planned.
Ray sought sponsorship from his
hobby business, the hobby industry,
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 US
possible.
The Sanford Airport provided an enormous open space to
accommodate the events. The gathering showcased the skills of the
best RC pilots and drivers in the world. Spectators were treated to a
spectacular air show featuring full-scale flights by aerobatic champion’s
Matt Chapman and Rob Holland.
More than 20,000 spectators, including 700 students from area
schools, and 300 pilots, drivers, and helpers attended. “Try-me” stations
were set up for attendees to try their hands at the controls of RC
buggies and model airplanes.
AMA presence included Bob Brown, Gary Fitch, Dave Mathewson,
and District I officers. Plans for 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.
The event was a tremendous success and the AMA thanks Horizon
Hobby, Ray & Robin’s Hobby, and all whose efforts contributed to creating a positive public awareness of our