District I Report - 2009/11
More AMA clubs in District I are recognizing the advantage of partnering with other area clubs to sponsor events and activities. These partnerships work well for small clubs that can share the cost, time, and work of putting on an event. The following report was submitted by Jane Walker, vice president of the Northeast R/C Model Club.
Event summary
On Saturday, June 27, under a low ceiling, the Northeast R/C Model Club and the Cape Ann R/C Club sponsored the Second Annual Plum Island Aerodrome R/C Flying Demonstration at the Plum Island Airport in Newburyport, Massachusetts. Despite the weather, pilots from several area clubs and many spectators came out to enjoy the day's events. Proceeds from the day benefited the historic Plum Island Aerodrome, museum, and airport.
Organizing committee
A committee coordinated the event and worked with airport manager Steve Noyes to ensure the day went smoothly:
- Ken Cook (event coordinator)
- Don Dodier (contest director)
- Harry Reifel
- Ted Wojcik
- Ken Walker
- Jane Walker
Participating clubs and representatives
- Host clubs: Northeast R/C Model Club and Cape Ann R/C Club
- Other participating clubs: R.C. Aces, 495th R/C Squadron, 107th R/C Flyers
- AMA representative: Associate Vice President Bob Kilmon
Notable aircraft and demonstrations
Many modelers impressed the crowd with spectacular flying. Highlights included:
- Herb Cotterly — Space Walker
- Ken Cook — PT-17 Stearman (exceptional example)
- Ted Kulik — scale Sopwith Pup
- Nader Mourao (Northeast member) — 30% Yak with smoke and a Spectra-G helicopter
- Cody Wojcik — 40% Carden Extra flown to music; also served as an instructor for buddy-box flights
- John Backhaus — 35% Aeroworks Extra 260 and a Great Planes Big Stik
- Raja Boltlosh — X-Cell gas-powered helicopter with onboard generator
- Bob Michaud (495th member) — Shock Jet trainer that experienced a flame-out but was safely landed
- Paul DiNoto (Cape Ann) — unconventional models of his own design, including a flying flag
- Neil Robinson (R/C Aces) — realistic scale flight with a Balsa USA 1/4-scale Fokker Dr.I triplane
Public engagement and instruction
Spectators were given the opportunity to try flying using a buddy box with the help of instructors (notably Cody Wojcik). The hands-on experience and visible cooperation between clubs helped promote the hobby and strengthened club ties by showcasing members' talents.
Conclusion
With effort, planning, and cooperation, two small clubs pulled off a successful, large-scale event. Organizers are already planning and looking forward to next year — now, if they could only order some sun.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
