District II - 2012/12

It’s fitting that two of the biggest
District II events, the Northeast
Electric Aircraft Technology (NEAT)
Fair and the Rhinebeck Jamboree
cap off the end of our outdoor flying
season. Both of these events have
loyal followers and attract pilots from
numerous eastern states and Canada.
The 46th annual Rhinebeck
Jamboree, presented by the Mid-
Hudson Radio Control Society
(MHRCS), once again brought
together early-era modelers to the
historic Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome this
past September. Once known as the
IBM Club for its members’ connection
with the well-known computer
company, the MHRCS members and
their friends have kept the Jamboree
alive for more than four decades.
Legend has it that the Aerodrome’s
founder and AMA member himself,
the late Cole Palen, immediately
embraced the concept of the
aeromodeling event nearly 50 years
ago.
“From the start, Cole was an
enthusiastic supporter,” according to
Dick Allen, one of the event’s early
pioneers who attended this year’s
Jamboree.
The Rhinebeck Aerodrome was
damaged significantly by Hurricane
Irene last year. Through the efforts of
members, friends, and volunteers, the
MHRCS provided significant labor and
help in rebuilding Cole Palen’s historic
aviation facility.
In recognition of the MHRCS’
longstanding contributions and
relationship with the Aerodrome, it
was my pleasure to present the club
with the AMA Award of Merit at
the Jamboree. MHRCS President
Warren Batson was also awarded the
AMA District Service Award for his
outstanding leadership and guidance
in directing the club’s assistance to the
Rhinebeck Aerodrome.
While at the Rhinebeck Jamboree,
it was my pleasure to meet Jonathan
Elie. Jonathan attended Camp AMA
this summer, courtesy of the MHRCS
and its members’ generosity. Jonathan
returned the favor by successfully
running a club fun-fly. Jonathan has
earned his full-scale license in both
powered and sailplanes.
Our hats are off to the MHRCS
for supporting Jonathan and his own
accomplishments in aviation. Jonathan
is a testament to model aviation as the
“seed ground” of America’s aviators!
Eric Williams with Jonathan Elie at the
Rhinebeck Jamboree.
The Northest Electric Aircraft
Technology (NEAT) Fair again
drew a near-record number of pilots
to the Sleepy Valley Campsites in
Downsville, New York. Officially
scheduled for September 13-16, 2012,
some made it their NEAT Week. Many
pilots arrived earlier in the week to
enjoy the mountain air in the Catskills
and get ready for one of the nation’s
biggest electric fun-flys.
With nearly 400 registered pilots, all
types and sizes of electric aircraft flew
at NEAT. It is District II’s largest flying
event and there’s no lack of friendship
and fun at NEAT. A hospitality tent
was provided by the Bergen County
Silent Flyers, with seminars and
assistance for modelers. If you’ve never
made it to the NEAT Fair, it’s a mustattend
event for 2013.
An interesting Twin at the NEAT Fair. Fred
Backhaus photo.
Our thanks to retiring District II
Associate Vice President (AVP) Terry
Terrinoire, who is moving out of the
district. Serving members in New
York’s southern tier, Terry has been an
active volunteer in the Vintage Radio
Control Society, the Aero Guidance
Society, and worked as a District AVP
since the early 1990s. We hope Terry
can now take some time to enjoy more
flying with his friends!