District I - 2014/12
Franklin County RC Club (FCRCC) President Ted Toothaker contacted me in June about a unique event the club was having in August. I thought I had attended nearly every type of charitable event to benefit a particular cause. The FCRCC event, Flying for Food, was certainly different.
The food and money the club event raised were donated to the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. Sadly, one in eight people in the surrounding communities suffers from hunger or food shortages and needs assistance.
FCRCC members have built positive relationships within their community and with Turners Falls Airport, where their flying site is located. In March, the FAA Flight Standards District Office notified the airport that RC flying had to cease because the airport was federally funded. With support from the airport manager and local community officials, and guidance from the AMA, the FAA District Office recognized that this action was unnecessary and the club retained the site.
I have planned, run, and attended more events than anyone I know, so believe me when I tell you that FCRCC officers and members incorporated every detail and effort into having an outstanding air show. Despite lower-than-expected public attendance because of a Turners Falls town block party and craft exhibit, all who came to the FCRCC flying event had a great time.
Event highlights
The air show was free for spectators who donated food to the food bank and, in turn, received raffle tickets for prizes. AMA pilots participated in a show program that included:
- FPV (first-person view) flying with a link to a large monitor
- Ducted-fan jets
- Scale warbirds making high-speed passes
- RC Combat action
- High-energy helicopter and airplane aerobatic flights
International Miniature Aerobatic Club (IMAC) champion Dean Lampron was the hit of the show.
Check out FCRCC’s website at www.franklinrc.com for future events.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
