District III Report
WOW! The computer age is upon us. I'm dictating this column to my computer. The computer is recognizing my voice and typing the material. I've heard of talking a pilot into a landing, or talking through a maneuver, but I wonder how long it will be until we talk an airplane through a complete flight.
Scouts to the Skies — Lakehurst Naval Air Station
In October of last year, the Delaware Valley Federation of Model Airplane Clubs participated in a Scouts to the Skies program at Lakehurst Naval Air Station. More than 800 Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts participated in the daylong event.
Former dirigible Hangar 1 supported the indoor activities while an abandoned runway serviced the Control Line fliers. Members of the following federation clubs participated:
- East Coast Indoor Modelers
- Scale Old Timers Society
- Washington's Crossing RC Flyers
- The Philly Flyers
Thanks to Tom Haake for the accompanying picture.
Franklin Institute — 100 Years of Flight
Philadelphia's Franklin Institute of Science opened an exhibit on 100 Years of Flight in October 2003. The exhibit centers on the science of flight with numerous experiments for youth to experience.
The Scale Old Timers Society was asked to fly indoor models in the main lobby of the institute. Several hundred museum visitors who attended the official opening of the exhibit were astounded by the makeup of the models. Thanks again to Tom Haake for the pictures.
District Activities and Personal Notes
Dan Luchaco, associate vice president in District III, had an eventful summer. He attended several meets, repaired his shoulder, and enjoyed his daughter Melynda's wedding. The following pictures, provided by Dan, illustrate the activities.
AMA Programs Director Jay Mealy's son Chris, Ronnie London, and contest director (CD) Rocky Rachau participated in the Selinsgrove Fun-Fly.
Valley R/C Club Fun-Fly — Sayre, Pennsylvania
The 31st Annual Competition Fun-Fly was hosted by the Valley R/C Club of Sayre, Pennsylvania. The club had nine entrants age 16 or younger out of 35 total entrants. This was Jim Champion's first great year as the CD.
The Valley R/C Fun-Fly continues to create new interest. Shown is Alex Turner from the Toledo, Ohio area.
NCFFA Nationals — Eutawville, South Carolina
The National Competition Fun Fly Association (NCFFA) Nationals was held in Eutawville, South Carolina. District III winners included:
- Skipp Turner
- Scott Turner
- Rocky Rachau
- Ryan Nau
- George Nau
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
