District II - 2011/06
As I write this it is still March with snow on the ground, but by the time you read it, hopefully we will have forgotten about this unending winter and be flying under warm, sunny skies.
Insurance update
As of April 1, AMA modified our insurance program. Associate vice presidents, CDs, contest coordinators, team managers, and other volunteers will now have primary liability insurance coverage when they are acting in their official capacities. This is one way to thank our members for volunteering for these positions.
- Associate vice presidents
- Contest directors (CDs)
- Contest coordinators
- Team managers
- Other volunteers acting in official capacities
Ray Stacey and promoting the hobby
By now nearly everyone who is a helicopter enthusiast knows of world-famous Kyle Stacey. His dad, Ray, sets up Kyle’s helicopters, and Ray is also an accomplished helicopter and fixed-wing pilot.
I mention Ray not because of his or his son’s flying ability, though, but because of the way he helps promote our hobby. At many events Ray purchases—at his own expense—multiple arm-lengths of model-related raffle tickets to give away. He doesn’t give them to just anyone; he looks for youngsters with that special gleam in their eyes when they are watching the flying events and surprises them with free tickets.
You should see their faces when they learn they have a chance to win a flying machine! What a great idea for the rest of us, Ray. You are a true ambassador of our hobby.
RAMS events
Ray’s club, the Rochester Aero Modelers Society (RAMS), holds a well-attended funfly. One week later the club hosts District II’s premier helicopter event. Pilots from several states and Canada attend, and it is a great time with relaxed flying, world-class demos, friendly people, and great food.
The field is located in rural Macedon, New York. Macedon isn’t a large city, but the club does draw spectators to these impressive events.
Top O’ New Jersey R/C Club
I received a nice letter from Patrick Rizzuto, president of the Top O’ New Jersey R/C Club of Great Meadows, New Jersey. Pat said the club’s membership is most appreciative of what AMA is doing on its behalf and for all of model aviation in our dealings with the FAA.
Club members sent letters to their elected officials and, to help offset the cost of this effort, the club donated $150 to AMA for our FAA efforts. To all of the Top O’ New Jersey R/C Club members: thank you for setting the pace and helping out!
In memoriam
The Pine Barrens of Barnegat, New Jersey, sent notice of the passing of William R. (Bill) Kramer. Bill was a lifelong builder of radio-controlled aircraft, was actively involved in his club, always attended meetings, and was willing to lend a hand. Bill was 83 and will be missed by all.
Help secure our hobby. Take a youngster flying.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
