District III - 2006/11
EVERY YEAR the Southern Tier Aero Radio Society hosts an open house at the club's field. This year the event was special because they presented me with the AMA Hall of Fame Award. I express my extreme gratitude to my family, Gary Fitch, Dave Mathewson, and to all of my friends during my lifetime of aeromodeling. Undoubtedly, we encounter the greatest people in the ultimate sport of aeromodeling.
Obituary — Jim VanSant
Aeromodeling has lost another great modeler. Jim VanSant of Penndel, Pennsylvania, passed away on July 29, 2006. Jim was a world-class CL Speed flier with a competition record that will be admired for decades. He was a member of the Delaware Federation of Model Airplane Clubs, Bucks County Radio Control, and the Levittown Flying Bucks.
The modelers of AMA extend sincere sympathy to Jim's family. He will be missed.
Upper Valley Fun Flyers — Fourth Annual Fly-In (Piqua, Ohio)
Earl Jones provided the following report:
The Upper Valley Fun Flyers of Piqua, Ohio, held its fourth annual fly-in at the Sidney Municipal Airport August 12–13, 2006. Joe Hahn was the CD and was ably assisted by Doug Manson and the rest of the club members.
Forty-three pilots enjoyed two wonderful days of flying on one corner of the airport. On Saturday, the crowd enjoyed a noon show that included:
- turbine jets
- several warbirds
- Giant Scale Aerobatic airplanes
- the Buckeye Aero Squadron, an AMA Show Team
Earl Jones flew his new Robbe RC parachuter Jumping Joe several times but the chute did not open properly. Fortunately, Ol' Joe was not hurt. Bill Lehn flew his Round-To-It with a rudder that looks similar to Snoopy; this aircraft is always a crowd pleaser for the kids.
Terry Hahn returned from assignment in Iraq. Terry does a phenomenal job with his 40% Extra 260. Unfortunately, he is scheduled to return to Iraq in the near future. Dave Chew flew his turbine-powered Ziroli Panther and Sean Saddler put on an impressive display with his turbine-powered EuroSport with smoke. Sean performed maneuvers that most jet pilots just don't do.
There were many spectators who enjoyed continuous flying action all day. The Upper Valley Fun Flyers club wants to invite everyone to join them again next year.
Wyoming Valley R/C Flyers — Float Fly (Moon Lake County Park, Luzerne County, PA)
The Wyoming Valley R/C Flyers hosted a Float Fly at Moon Lake County Park in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. There were 30 registered pilots and many local and not-so-local clubs represented. This was the club's third float fly on the 50-acre lake that is part of the park where the club has its fixed flying site. Moon Lake County Park Director Cliff Madrack graciously allows the Wyoming Valley R/C Flyers to host a semiannual float fly each April and September.
Wings Full of Wishes Air Show and Car Cruise — Make-A-Wish Benefit
Mike Losh of the Wyoming Valley R/C Flyers (an AMA Gold Leader Club) provided information about the club's sixth annual Wings Full of Wishes Air Show and Car Cruise to benefit the Make‑A‑Wish Foundation of greater Pennsylvania and southern West Virginia. An Army National Guard Black Hawk Helicopter, flown in from Fort Indiantown Gap by CW3 Russ White, was the main attraction. This was also the fourth year for the popular Car Cruise.
Attendance was good and so was the weather. The club:
- raffled off a large number of items
- held a bake sale
- offered face painting
- sold event T-shirts and food concessions
- took donations
A couple of Make‑A‑Wish families also attended.
This year fliers from eight area clubs helped with the flying:
- West End Wings
- Tuscarora RC Club
- Black Sheep Squadron
- Wings Over Williamsport RC Club
- Northeast Valley RC Club
- Abington Sport Flyers
- Tri‑County Wing Snappers
- Wyoming Valley R/C Flyers
All of the pilots did a great job and everyone seemed to have a good time.
The club raised $3,700, making the proceeds for the entire six years more than $20,000 donated to Make‑A‑Wish. The money raised this year will be used to grant a wish to a five‑year‑old girl from Luzerne County named Kaianna. Her wish was to go with her family on a Disney cruise.
Thanks to the sport of model aviation and everyone involved with this event.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
