District III - 2008/08

170 MODEL AVIATION
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.
“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, 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 2005, 2006, and 2007
Extreme Flight Championships.
“I retired from competitive flying in 1982
to devote more time to my wife and 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.”
“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 (girls). After getting
married and having two sons, I decided to get
back into 1/2A CL with various kits and
RTFs. Then, back 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 and 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 marshall,
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.
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 and 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 model airplanes.
The Wing Nutz’s display at the Onion
Festival.
Bob Brown
Vice President
35 Sanford St.
Bradford PA 16701
Tel.: (814) 368-7655
www.amadistrictiii.org
Associate Vice
Presidents
Randy Adams, Fairfield
OH; (513) 858-3154;
[email protected]
Mike Barbee, Delaware OH;
(740)362-5545;
[email protected]
Jeff Black, New Oxford PA; (717)
965-5634; [email protected]
David H. Ellis, Cross Lanes WV;
(304) 776-1408;
[email protected]
Nelson Gould, Macungie PA;
(610) 395-9159; [email protected]
Ken Karpinski, Philadelphia PA;
(267) 474-3575;
[email protected]
Dan Luchaco, Sayre PA;
(570) 888-1856;
[email protected]
Jim Martin, Franklin OH;
(937) 260-0143;
[email protected]
Mark Radcliff, Saint Marys WV;
(304) 684-2133;
[email protected]
Leo Rodriguez, New Stanton PA;
(724) 925-0159;
[email protected]
Matthew Turowski, Drums PA;
(570) 788-0661;
[email protected]
Joseph S. Vislay, Monclova OH
(419) 878-8843;
[email protected]
Frequency Coordinator:
Ron Morgan, Scotland PA;
(717) 264-7425;
[email protected]
D i s t r i c t I I I Volunteers
District III
Bob Brown, District III Vice President; [email protected]
Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia
Mark Radcliff is a new AVP
for West Virginia.
Ken Karpinski is the new
District III AVP for
southeastern Pennsylvania.
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