District I - 2014/09

In 2012, Associate Vice President Ray LaBonte formed a partnership with Horizon Hobby to sponsor the Horizon Air Meet in conjunction with the Maine Jet Rally. This union resulted in the largest RC ground and air show extravaganza we have had in New England.
The Sanford, Maine, event attracted several hundred model aircraft pilots and car/truck drivers who participated and viewed professional, world-class driving and flying demonstrations. It was estimated that approximately 20,000 spectators attended the four-day event.
The Maine Jet Rally and Horizon Air Meet is back for 2014. This will be a two-part event with open RC flying and driving on Thursday, September 4, starting at noon, and Friday, September 5, beginning at 8:30 a.m. On Saturday, September 6, from 8:30 a.m.-9 p.m., and Sunday, September 7, from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m., the event activities soar to new heights as selected world-class performers join the nonstop action.
Audiences of all ages will be thrilled and entertained by dazzling and daring helicopter performances, high-speed turbine and electric ducted-fan precision jet flights, fun-flying ultra micro aircraft, Combat and Stunt action CL flying, and the popular and exciting RC vehicle off-road dirt track racing.
Each category of activity has its own exclusive site location. The 2,500-foot main flightline will be used for full-range electric and turbine-powered jet model aircraft flying. Aerobatic model aircraft will only be flown during the noontime air show.
On Saturday and Sunday, Matt Chapman, full-scale national and world aerobatic champion, will treat all to his fabulous aerobatic show.
A 600- x 1,200-foot grass area with multiple flight boxes for nitro, gas, and electric-powered helicopters will be open for pilot flying and demonstrations each day.
RC vehicle drivers will have a gigantic off-road track with elevated driver stations for nitro and electric 1/8- and 1/10-scale vehicle driving and competitive racing.
Designated areas for micro electric and CL aircraft will be open for flying throughout the event. At random times during the weekend, attendees will be invited to join in on the fun with “Try Me” activities that provide hands-on RC racecar driving and model airplane flying.
AMA officers will be in attendance to answer spectator and member questions. Come to beautiful New England to enjoy or participate in this spectacular air show. Additional event information, hotel accommodations, and pilot registration links can be found at www.usairmeet.com and www.mainejetrally.org.[dingbat]