District I Report - 2007/11

MOST AMA members are aware that much
of the work done by the Executive Council
and the AMA president is accomplished
through committees.
Changing demographics, competing
recreational activities, and longer working
hours have resulted in a declining
membership for many associations. To
combat the decline in AMA membership the
AMA Membership Development Committee
was established.
During 2007 the committee developed
several programs designed to encourage
members and clubs to promote
aeromodeling. The first program, known as
Take off And Grow (TAG) was introduced
early this year. The intent of the TAG
program was to grow club membership and
to introduce the local community to our
hobby.
Clubs willing to partner with AMA
requested an application package and
applied for hosting a TAG Model Aviation
Day. AMA provided flight simulators, RTF
fly RC aircraft, and buddy boxes. At the end
of the day the hosting clubs got to keep
these items as AMA’s way of saying
“thanks for helping us grow.”
The New Hampshire Flying Tigers was the
first club in District I to host a TAG
program.
This year only one club in District I
applied for a TAG event in time to be
selected. The following TAG report and
photos were sent to me by the event
coordinator, Bob Kilmon.
“The New Hampshire Flying Tigers,
from Londonderry, New Hampshire, offered
a no-cost, two-day, introductory RC flight
experience to anyone interested in aviation.
Handouts were placed in the local hobby
shops and supermarkets and ads in the
newspaper and on cable TV.
“The event started on August 4 and ran
from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. with a classroom
session in a conference room at the
Londonderry Police Station. The session
began with a slideshow presentation of the
club field and flying activities offered by the
club president, Rich Bono.
“Bob Kilmon talked about and passed
around the basic items used in RC flying
including transmitters, receivers, servos,
batteries, and engines. This was followed by
a question-and-answer period. The first day
of the TAG event ended with all participants
having hands-on simulator use and
instruction.
“The highlight of the event took place on
the second day at the club’s flying site. The
weather was perfect—not a cloud in the sky
with a slight breeze.
“All who participated in the program had
multiple opportunities to experience the
thrill of controlling the flight of a model
aircraft with the help of the club’s intro
pilots: Rich Bono, Glen Bolser, John
Lavery, Richard Mastalerz, and Bob
Kilmon.
“Club member John Clark did a splendid
job handling the food and drink concession.
In all, 20 people registered for the program
and numerous spectators watched the flying
activities. At the end of the program seven
new members joined our club.
Hobbico Nexstar airplanes and buddy boxes
were given to the club as an incentive for
hosting the TAG event.
The flightline was busy all day with
newcomers and their instructors.
“We anticipate that others who expressed
their enjoyment will be getting into the sport
at a future date. Our club waived the training
and initiation fees for the new members.
Everyone who completed the course
received a certificate of completion and gift
certificates from the local hobby shops:
Hobby Town and Treasured Toys.
“All of the club members had a great
time putting on this event and felt this was
an excellent program to get people interested
in the hobby and demonstrate to the local
community the values and enjoyment of
watching and participating in the sport of
aeromodeling.”
I congratulate the New Hampshire Flying
Tigers R/C Club for its successful
participation in this worthwhile program.
AMA will offer the TAG program again
in 2008 with slight modifications. I advise
all District I clubs that have an interest in
conducting a TAG program to wait for the
2008 announcement and apply early since
there will be a limited number of clubs
selected.
District I
Andy Argenio, District I Vice President; [email protected]
Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont
Andy Argenio
3 Sheila Ln.,
Smithfield RI 02917;
Home: (401) 231-6901;
Work: (401) 231-5380
District 1 Web Site:
www.amadistrict1.com
Associate Vice
Presidents
Ed Faria, Somerset MA;
(508) 678-6404; [email protected]
James Gilliatt, Concord MA;
(978) 369-9796; [email protected]
Ray LaBonte, Standish ME;
(207) 797-5196;
[email protected]
Patrick Libby, Ascutney VT;
(802) 674-2311;
[email protected]
Bob Wallace, Avon CT;
(860) 673-2000;
[email protected]
Contest Coordinator:
Barry Schubert
(401) 683-3933; 34 Potomac Rd.,
Portsmouth RI 02871;
[email protected]
Frequency Coordinator:
Joel Chappell, Milford NH;
(603) 673-6240;
[email protected]
District Safety Officer:
Les Watson, Riverside RI; lesleslie@
cox.net
D i s t r i c t I V o l u n t e e r s .
November 2007 155