Author: Dave Mathewson
Edition: Model Aviation - 2004/06
Page Numbers: 166

District II Report - 2004/06

Region

New Jersey / New York / Europe

Dave Mathewson — Vice President

Note: For a listing of all district volunteer workers, please consult the previous issue of Model Aviation or the district Web site above.

Hoosick Aeromodelers — New Year's Day

ANOTHER LONG WINTER is almost over here in District II and I'm sure we're all looking forward to the upcoming flying season. To remind us of 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 Year's 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.

"With chilled fingers, we congratulated each other on our flights and headed for the warmth of home."

Binghamton Aeros — Giant-Scale Fun-Fly

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 storm passed through in the morning.

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.

STARS — 26th Annual Scale Rally (Olean Municipal Airport)

District II associate vice president (AVP) Gary Fitch sent the following about the Southern Tier Aero Radio Society (STARS) 26th Annual Scale Rally 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 full-scale 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.

"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."

2004 District II Fly-in

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 ... DM

Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.