District II Report - 2004/03

166
SEVERAL CLUBS in our district are
involved with introducing model aviation to
members of their communities, young and
old alike. Many include not only programs to
teach someone to fly but to build as well.
Programs such as these are often a source
of new members for the club or provide a
vehicle by which the club contributes
something back to its community. This
month’s column focuses on District II clubs
that have such programs.
Stu Baron of the Union Model Airplane
Club sent the following about a program he
helped organize.
“I contacted the recreation department in
our town about having a Radio Control
(RC) workshop for children ages 7-10. The
idea was to teach them the aerodynamics of
flight while we helped them build almost
ready-to-fly (ARF) trainers.
“As we worked on the control surfaces,
we taught the kids their functions and the
affect they have on the airplane. The models
were Super Kraft 40-size Astro Trainers.
The engines were Tiger Shark .52A 2cc
glow.
“The airplanes and engines were
supplied to us at distributor cost by Kangke
USA in Deer Park, New York. At my cost, I
provided four-channel Hitec radios with
buddy cords.
“The Union Model Airplane Club
provided the building instructors and the
Springfield Recreation Department
provided the space and printed and
distributed flyers to all area grammar school
students.
“Ten students signed up for the
workshop. Accompanied by their parents,
they completed their airplanes in six
evening sessions. Five of the students have
soloed and joined our club.
“I have been told that there are 2,100 RC
clubs in the AMA. If 500 clubs provided
similar workshops and retained five
students each, that could provide 2,500 new
members per year.
“Our hobby is aging and this is a great
way to attract young members and provide
a closer bond with their parents.
“If anyone needs more information I
would be happy to speak with you.”
Five new junior members joined the Union
Model Airplane Club as a result of the
club’s efforts.
Carl Smith wrote this piece about his club,
the Ithaca Radio Control Society (IRCS).
“The IRCS of Ithaca, New York, hold an
annual winter building project to help new
members learn proper building techniques.
At each session there are experienced
builders to show the correct methods to
achieve perfection. Each year the number of
participates varies.
“Our club has 75 members and some fly
all year including the winter months. We
developed what we call ‘The Nut Club.’ If a
member is nuts enough to fly all year, he or
she will be awarded with a trophy at our
annual banquet. I might mention that last
winter we had approximately 100 inches of
snow!
“Throughout the year we have several
activities including a Sno-Fly, Mall Show,
Open House, Club Picnic/Swap Shop, Fly-In
Brunch, and a bus trip to the Westchester
Radio Aeromodelers (WRAM) show.”
New members Pat Savolskis (L) and Dan
Stomka (second from right) learn building
techniques from IRCS members Arlo
English, Otis Drew, and Jim Rundle.
The Jersey Coast Sport Fliers (JCSF) is one
of District II’s largest and most active clubs.
The members know the value of being
involved in their community. Throughout the
years they have worked with several local
Scout groups and charitable organizations.
They are also part of the local Adopt-A-Road
program, maintaining a section of highway
near their field.
In the fall of 2003 JCSF organized and
ran a successful program as part of the
Monmouth County Park System to introduce
model aviation to young members in the
community. The six-week program was
limited to 16 students and filled up quickly.
The course syllabus included the history
of flight and basic aerodynamic theory
coupled with the building of several RC
models. The program culminated at the JCFS
field on October 16, when the class got
together to witness the maiden flights on
their models and get in some much
anticipated stick time.
The parks department was so pleased
with the results of the JCSF’s efforts that
they’ve been asked to run the program again.
The Jersey Coast Sport Fliers’ program
culminated at the club field with students
getting to fly the models they built.
Taking advantage of an opportunity! The
New Jersey Pine Barons’ club field is located
across the street from the South Jersey
Regional Airport. The airport is the home of
the Air Victory Museum and attracts large
numbers of middle- and high-school students
who visit during field trips several times a
year. Often the students are invited over to
take in some of the modeling activities.
Students enjoy their time at the Pine
Barons’ field.
Introducing young people to model aviation
is a goal that many of our clubs share. The
Pine Barons are doing their part as are the
other clubs mentioned above.
Does your club have a program to
introduce modeling to the youth in your
community?
This issue of Model Aviation should arrive a
few weeks before the annual Westchester
Radio Aero Modelers (WRAM) Show. I'll be
in White Plains, New York, there from late
Friday morning until Sunday afternoon. If
you get a chance swing by the AMA booth
and say hello.
See you next time.
District II Report
New Jersey/ New York/
Europe
Dave
Mathewson
Vice President
7271 State Fair Blvd.,
Baldwinsville NY 13027
Tel.: (315) 727-4275
Fax: (315) 635-1039
E-mail: [email protected]
District II Web page: www.amadistrictii.org
Note: For a listing of all district volunteer
workers please consult the previous issue of
Model Aviation or the above Web address.