District I Report - 2009/09

September 2009 163
CURRENT ECONOMIC and
employment conditions are factors
contributing to the decline of memberships
in association engaged in sports, hobbies,
and recreational activities. The AMA
recognizes that one way to combat
membership decline and ensure for the
future of aeromodeling is to introduce
young people to the sport and hobby of
model aviation.
A member of one of the AMA District I
clubs sent me the following report, which
provides an excellent approach to
accomplishing this goal.
“My name is Roy Thompson, and as a
member of the Pioneer Valley Radio
Control Club in Westfield, Massachusetts, I
was asked to develop and administer an
aermodeling educational program for the
104th Civil Air Patrol (CAP) cadets at the
Barnes Airport. The ultimate objective of
the club’s program was to provide the
cadets with a hands-on aeromodeling
experience to further their understanding
and appreciation of aeronautics.
“Volunteer members of the club assisted
the CAP cadets with the construction of
their first RC trainer. The group selected a
PT-40 kit rather than an ARF to ensure an
increased level of hands-on building
experience. The model was finished in the
red, white, and blue livery of the full-scale
CAP fleet.
“The first part of the program included
classroom discussion of the considerations
for selecting an airplane, engine, prop,
radio-control system, and construction
materials and tools. The second part
involved lessons on plans reading,
construction techniques, and participation in
hands-on building, covering and equipment
installation.
“Part three investigated aerodynamic
theory, flight control, and flying instruction
with the use of flight simulators. In part
four of the program the cadets learned about
the AMA safety code, club flying site
operations and rules, starting and tuning an
engine, and pre-flight checks.
“All of the 20 cadets in the final part of
the program received buddy-box dual flight
time on their finished model airplane and
each cadet was given a certificate in
recognition of their flight.
“The club president, Bill Andras, and I
want to thank Arnie Paye, Gene Paulson,
Dan Sears, Roger Dionne, Ron Milkay, and
all who were involved with the CAP buildand-
fly project. Without their help, this
project could not have been so successful.
“Additionally, it has been a pleasure
working with the cadets who have been such
a fine group of aviation-minded young men
and women. Several more flying sessions
are scheduled during the summer months
and this fall the cadets will begin the
construction of a second trainer airplane.”
Included in the CAP’s Aerospace
Education mission statement is “to educate,
inspire, and instill an appreciation for and
an understanding of aerospace in today and
tomorrow’s world.” I am convinced that the
efforts of this club helped accomplished this
mission for the CAP as well as the AMA
mission of introducing young people to
aermodeling. This was a definite win-win
for both associations and I challenge other
clubs to try similar projects.
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
For a complete listing of district
officers and volunteers, please visit
the District 1 Web site at
www.amadistrict-i.org
D i s t r i c t I
The Pioneer Valley Radio Control Club in Westfield, Massachusetts assisted the 104th Civil
Air Patrol cadets with the construction and flying of their first RC trainer airplane.