District III - 2008/08
In order to increase membership services to District III in southeastern Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia, I have added two additional associate vice presidents (AVPs). I am proud to announce their enthusiasm for assisting you with AMA’s services. Each has provided an introduction so that you might appreciate their capable background in aeromodeling.
Mark Radcliff
My name is Mark Radcliff and I have been involved in this great hobby for more than 40 years with an emphasis on RC precision aerobatics. I was a four-time member of the first-place-winning United States Aerobatic Team from 1975 through 1981, competing in World Aerobatic Championships in Switzerland, the United States, South Africa, and Mexico. My greatest individual modeling achievement was placing third at the 1979 World Championships in Johannesburg, South Africa.
I was also a seven-time competitor at the Las Vegas Tournament of Champions from the inaugural event in 1974 through 1982. I have judged many local contests as well as the 1985 Masters Tournament and was a freestyle judge at the 2004 and 2006 Don Lowe Masters and the 2005, 2006, and 2007 Extreme Flight Championships.
I retired from competitive flying in 1982 to devote more time to my wife, two daughters, and my profession. I reside with my family in Saint Marys, West Virginia, and am employed as parts manager at C & C Dodge Toyota in Marietta, Ohio.
After being away from RC modeling for several years, I am again flying, attending various fly-ins, and demo flying at air shows. I’m currently a Team Futaba pilot flying a QQ Somenzini 102-inch Yak and I like to demo the Phoenix 8 I flew at the 1982 World Championships in Acapulco, Mexico.
I am enjoying learning to perform the new generation of 3-D aerobatics and just recently began flying a 46% Ultimate biplane. I am honored to be an AMA AVP for District III and look forward to meeting many modelers in the district. I will do my best to listen to you and voice your concerns to AMA.
Ken Karpinski
Hello, I’m Ken Karpinski. I’ve been involved with model aviation since I was 12, flying Cox RTFs and Scientific kits in the 1/2A CL size. While in high school I built a Fox 35–powered Sterling profile stunt Mustang and an AT-6.
I took a hiatus from models when I turned 16 and got my driver’s license to pursue other endeavors. After getting married and having two sons, I decided to get back into 1/2A CL with various kits and RTFs. Then, in 1985, a friend got into RC and sparked my interest.
After much negotiating with my wife, I purchased an Eaglet 50 kit, O.S. 20 engine, Futaba radio, and all the accessories needed to build and fly the plane. In 1985 I joined the Levittown Aerobugs and began learning to fly; I became a pilot that fall. I immediately pitched in and became the event coordinator, which meant I ran the fun-flys and cooked the food.
In the spring of 1986 I heard about a group of “gypsy” fliers who were flying at a field much closer to my home. The “gypsies” grew, became more organized, and in 1987 became a chartered AMA club of which I was one of the charter members. The Northeast Philadelphia Radio Control Club was born.
Since that time, I have been the event coordinator, instructor, field marshal, secretary, and newsletter editor. My greatest joy is helping new people become acclimated to our sport. Seeing that first smile of victory is truly priceless.
If your club would like to utilize the expertise of any of the leadership of District III, please contact them at the addresses listed in the column header.
Wing Nutz RC Club — Vidalia Sweet Onion Festival (May 3, 2008)
On Saturday, May 3, 2008, the Wing Nutz RC Club of Saint Marys, West Virginia, had an informational display at the Saint Marys Vidalia Sweet Onion Festival.
What do model airplanes and an onion festival have in common? Absolutely nothing! The community of Saint Marys hosts the festival annually to raise funds for various people and organizations in the area. Club president Jim Andrews thought it would be a good idea to set up an informational booth to acquaint folks with the club.
The club has been in existence in the community slightly more than a year and several members participated by setting up a couple of canopies with a sign, displaying models, and handing out informational brochures. Club members answered a number of questions and several prospective new members were cultivated. It was a great way for the Wing Nutz to educate the community about themselves and about model airplanes.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
