District II - 2008/08

August 2008 169
THE CRADLE OF AVIATION Museum
is located in the Garden City area of Long
Island, New York. This jewel highlights the
wealth of history of aviation that exists on
the island. Most of the aircraft that were
designed and built in this region are
displayed in the museum in settings that
bring the flying eras together.
John Clarke is a modeler and a tour
guide of this facility and he provided a tour
filled with aviation information and history.
It was a most enjoyable day.
John Clarke was the tour guide.
Flight simulator experience.
Several clubs including the Silent
Electric Flyers of Long Island, Merokees,
Long Island Cobras, Whitman Flyers, and
Nassau Flyers had displays promoting their
clubs. The model aircraft on display ranged
from rubber-powered gems, discus-launch
sailplanes, racers, and scale warbirds. They
were often positioned beneath full-scale
aircraft such as the A-10 Hogwart and the F-
107 Thunderchief “Thud.”
Bob Bender with his rubber-powered
models.
Howie Applegate and his antique engines.
The event lasted two days and attracted
many families. What a beautiful venue to
display our hobby. Thanks to Associate
Vice President Ray Juschkus for the
invitation, arranging for the tour, and taking
the photos of this event.
In last month’s column, I wrote that I would
honor a special individual: Bob Dart. Fullscale
pilots know that Dart Airport in
Mayville, New York, is an interesting stop.
Bob is the airport’s owner and an avid
modeler.
Celebrating his 50th year in RC, Bob has
also been a strong supporter of any type of
model aviation including CL.
Dart Airport holds a mix of full-scale and
model aircraft.
On May 24, friends and fliers from
Ontario, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York
attended the Dart CL event and gathered to
help Bob Brown, District III vice president,
and me present Bob with the AMA District
Service award for his
lifetime of aviation.
Dart Airport is known in the full-scale
world, but not much is known about an
amazing collection of aircraft, engines,
covering materials, photos, magazines, and
radios from nearly every era of full-scale
and model aviation.
It is a treasure waiting to happen for
aircraft historians. You can get lost in the
hundreds of photos and memorabilia on
display. They even build full-scale J-3 type
aircraft. If you are in the western New York
area, Dart Airport is must-see.
Bob, thank you for the generations of
pilots whom you taught to fly, supported,
and showed how to build and repair their
airplanes. This award is long overdue.
Ray Mangin, corresponding secretary of the
Ocean County Modelers, sent this sad
notice: “One of the oldest and most
distinguished members of Ocean County
Modelers, Sal Cannizzo, was born on
January 2, 1928 and passed away on May
15, 2008. His many accomplishments in
model aircraft are noted in his biography on
the AMA Web site. He will be missed.”
A memorial gathering was held in June
to honor the memory of this man.
Tony Rossi from
Somerset, New
Jersey, is a new
associate vice
president in District
II. Tony will be
covering the eastern
shore of New Jersey,
Staten Island, and
Western Long Island.
He looks forward to meeting the club
members in his new territory. Welcome
Tony!
Until next month, keep ’em three in the
green.
District II
Gary Fitch, District II Vice President; [email protected]
New Jersey, New York, Europe
Gary Fitch
1298 Slab City Rd.,
Franklinville NY
14737;
Tel.: (716) 341-
2813
www.amadistrictii.org
For a complete listing of
district officers, please see
the District I1 Web site.
D i s t r i c t I I
Left: Bob Dart received
the District Service
award for his lifetime of
aviation involvement.
Below: Bob with a few
of his friends.