District I - 2014/10
White Hills Eagles Radio Control Club (WHERCC): Boy Scout Troop 27 Event
There is nothing more rewarding for AMA clubs and members than engaging community members in club events and activities. The following event report came from Associate Vice President (AVP) Andrew Figler.
The White Hills Eagles Radio Control Club (WHERCC), in keeping with its mission to introduce community members of all ages to the sport of model aviation and its recreational and educational values, hosted an evening event for Boy Scout Troop 27 of Shelton, Connecticut. Arriving shortly before 6 p.m. to a finely groomed, well-fenced, and well-protected field, 20 Scouts (ages 11 to 16) and eight dads learned the basics of the sport of RC aeromodeling.
Club members showed the Scouts and parents their RC systems and demonstrated how they were used to control a model aircraft's attitude and flight path. The Scouts saw a variety of model aircraft types and learned about aircraft construction and how and why aircraft fly. Each Scout, and some of the dads, received hands-on RC flight simulator instruction and practice. The Scouts were also told the famous history of the Chance Vought Corsair made at the Army Engineering plant in Stratford, Connecticut.
During a brief rain shower, everyone enjoyed hot dogs and drinks prepared by the Scouts. After the rain stopped and the wind subsided, WHERCC members offered their personal airplanes as trainers and, using a buddy box, the Scouts had the opportunity to put into practice what they learned on the flight simulator.
The Scouts had a ball experiencing RC flying and, with the help of seasoned instructors, acquired some basic skills. Even Scoutmaster Frank Turechek had a turn at flying and did quite well. As the evening came to an end—much too soon for the fun we were all having—the Scouts showed their appreciation by performing a Boy Scout "class one salute" to their hosts.
As AVP for Connecticut, I want to thank the WHERCC membership for their dedication to community service and the club's outstanding history of inviting Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, World War II veterans, and the elderly to flying events and cookouts, and for providing aviation knowledge and history to so many.
The WHERCC currently has 44 members. It was started a decade ago by:
- Dr. Carmen Luciano (club president)
- Wes Wheeler (treasurer)
- Andy Figler (membership chairman)
- Jack Ellison (member)
District I closing note
As the District I flying season comes to an end, my friends at the Woodstock RC Club, who have hosted a number of district-sponsored events in the past decade, are holding an open fun-fly for all AMA members. Come on down and join us at this community flying event.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
