District II — New Jersey, New York, Europe
Eric Williams — Vice President
- [email protected]
- 4242 Amanda Ln., Schenectady, NY 12303
- Tel.: (518) 356-2057
- www.amadistrict-ii.org
In my travels throughout the district I've learned plenty about our AMA clubs. While some modelers prefer to fly with wires, others with radios, and some use neither, all of us have something in common—more than we may realize. Flying together, sharing our hobby, and helping others are what we all do best.
Plattsburgh Radio Aeromodelers (PRAM)
A great example of our fellow District II clubs is the Plattsburgh Radio Aeromodelers (PRAM). This past June PRAM held its 10th Annual Hospice/Make‑A‑Wish Fun‑Fly, raising more than $3,300 for the two charities. During the event club members and visiting pilots flew everything from foamy trainers to turbines.
Many spectators received the hands‑on experience of flying a trainer, and they were invited to come back for another lesson. The nicest part was having a fun time and bringing new people into our hobby.
PRAM was busy this spring. As a prelude to the charity event, several club members visited with second graders from Ausable Valley Central School and talked with students about aeromodeling.
To widen interests at the flying field, PRAM installed an RC car track. The new facility has increased club membership, brought new families to the field, and offered a new dimension for modelers.
Binghamton Aeros — IMAA Rally of Giants
District II was fortunate to have the Binghamton Aeros host the International Miniature Aircraft Association's (IMAA) national Rally of Giants June 21–24, 2012, at the Chenango Bridge Airport in Chenango Bridge, New York.
IMAA President Frank Fels, various IMAA officers, and AMA AVPs from several districts were on hand. The weather cooperated with the big aircraft flying all four days.
With more than 100 registered pilots, approximately 300 airplanes were at the event. It was great to see the high level of participation, as well as a renewed interest in large‑scale model aircraft.
Syracuse Thunderbirds Aero Radio Society (STARS) — CNY Heli Jam
The Syracuse Thunderbirds Aero Radio Society (STARS) once again held the CNY Heli Jam in Phoenix, New York, on June 30, 2012. In its fourth year, the western New York event attracted pilots from several states and Canada. The event could be viewed on the Internet via the Thunderbirds' live webcam, and the club provides Wi‑Fi access at the field.
STARS is one of a few clubs that offers both fixed‑wing and helicopter training programs. These are all great ideas for using technology and ingenuity to welcome new people to our hobby!
Until next month, visit District II's website for extended photo coverage of these and other events, and remember to view "AMA‑District‑II" on Twitter and "like us" on Facebook!
Remember, it's not about what we fly, it's about the people and the friends we make.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
