District II Report - 2004/06

166
ANOTHER LONG WINTER is almost
over here in District II and I’m sure we’re
all looking forward to the upcoming flying
season. So you don’t forget too soon what
we’ve just been through, I thought this
picture sent by Ken McCaughin would be a
good way to start this month’s column.
Ken writes, “The Hoosick Aeromodelers
of Hoosick Falls, New York, began the new
year by having a small cookout and flying
session at the club field on New Years’ Day.
“Five club members met at 11 a.m. After
some hangar flying and hot dogs, it was
decided that despite the strong breeze and
temperatures in the mid-20s, some flights
would be made. Three members completed a
total of four successful flights.
Hoosick Aeromodelers club president Jim
Daris; Ken McCaughin, vice president;
and secretary, Ray Wrubleski.
“With chilled fingers, we congratulated
each other on our flights and headed for the
warmth of home.”
The annual Binghamton Aeros’ Giant-
Scale Fun-fly was held August 9-10, 2003,
at the Chenango Bridge Airport. Fifty
registered pilots attended from several states
including New York, New Jersey,
Connecticut, and Massachusetts.
This long-running event has a history of
drawing a fair number of spectators, many
of whom are local modelers who enjoy
watching the large aircraft fly. As was the
rule in District II in 2003, weather hampered
much of the flying.
Rain threatened most of the day on
Saturday and finally arrived mid-afternoon.
Sunday flying was delayed while a severe
stormed passed through in the morning.
Charles Yaindl flew this outstanding
Newport 17 at Chenango Bridge.
Despite the bad weather, a lot of flying
took place and all the participants had a
good time.
Aeros’ club president Chris Dascano said
that the long history of success at this event
was due to the hard work of the entire
Binghamton Aeros membership.
Event director Chris Dascano (L) thanks
the owner of the Chenango Bridge airport,
Larry Haskell, for his continued support of
the Aeros.
District II associate vice president (AVP)
Gary Fitch sent the following about the
Southern Tier Aero Radio Society (STARS)
26th Annual Scale Rally that was held at the
Olean Municipal Airport July 12-13, 2003.
“The City of Olean, New York, gives the
STARS permission to close the airport for
one weekend each year to hold one of the
largest Scale RC events in District II.
“Preparation for the Rally actually begins
more than a week before the event when all
of the club members come to the airport to
cut the full-scale grass runway. It takes a lot
of effort to make a full-scale runway look
like a well-groomed RC airstrip.
“Thursday is the day that many of the
more than 50 motor homes, campers, and
tenters come and set up their camping areas
and position their flightline shades to get the
best spots. Friendships are renewed and new
ones developed during the two days prior to
the rally.
“Saturday morning is hectic. The fullscale
runway is closed and flying starts at 10
a.m.
“There are six flight stations manned by
STARS members equipped with radio
headsets. Every takeoff, special maneuver,
and landing has to be requested by the pilot
and doesn’t take place until permission is
given. This type of control provides for safe
flight operations and actually increases the
numbers of flights that take place.
“The announcer has a headset and keeps
the spectators informed of what is happening
with each aircraft, identifying the pilot and
home city. It all makes for an interesting
event for both pilot and spectator.
Milt Peacock’s AT-6 flew several missions
at the STARS Rally.
“More than 80 pilots and 130 aircraft
were registered. The number of registrants
was low this year as quite a number of pilots
didn’t sign in due to Saturday’s weather.
“Sunday’s flying was halted and the
flightline was opened to allow the spectators
to look at the models and vote for their
favorite aircraft and pilot. The winner was
International Miniature Aircraft Association
(IMAA) District II representative, Vince
Quartararo and his big 40% Extra.
“An estimated 2,500 spectators watched
the flying demonstrations during this
weekend and the Hinsdale Fire Department
kept everyone fed both days.”
Another crowd pleaser was this Stearman
owned and flown by Pat Dechamps.
Plans are coming together for the 2004
District II Fly-in. The Jersey Coast Radio
Control Club will host the event at the club’s
field in Wall Township, New Jersey.
The date will most likely be toward the
end of the summer or early fall. Notices will
be sent to all of our district clubs and
updates will be continuously posted on the
district Web site at www.amadistrictii.org.
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.
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