The forecast of rain and thunderstorms on Saturday, May 10, at the airport in Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia, didn’t dampen the enthusiastic turnout for the RC and full-scale fly-in. Proceeds from airplane rides over Smith Mountain Lake, along with concession sales, netted more than $2,000 in donations to help the needs of the Smith Mountain Lake Christian Academy.
The Virginia AeroModelers of Bedford are to be especially commended for their terrific support. Roughly 20 members were on hand to help set up, host, and conduct RC flying demonstrations. The Virginia AreoModelers is an extremely active club with enviable membership participation.
Flight time was reserved in the morning for RC demonstrations. Larry Davidson, RC organizer and safety officer, took to the sky flying David Lindsay’s Shock Jet, followed by a stunning RC helicopter performance by Danny Dugger. Both of these flights were drew applause from spectators. Everyone enjoyed many other RC flight demonstrations by the Virginia AeroModelers.
Following the RC demonstrations, the runway was cleared for full-scale aircraft. Spectators paid a nominal fee for a 20-minute flight over beautiful Smith Mountain Lake. Pilots generously donated their proceeds to the Smith Mountain Lake Christian Academy.
This event was a worthy cause. It bought RC and full-scale aircraft together in a well-organized, fun, and safe event. It was an excellent opportunity for the Virginia AeroModelers to go beyond the boundaries of their home field and introduce itself to the general public.
Thanks to everyone who donated time, resources, and energy for this worthwhile, charitable cause.
The event is planned again for next year.
—Bob Sowder
On Saturday, May 10, the Patuxent Aeromodelers of Hollywood, Maryland, held its fifth annual community day and open house. This event continues each year as an opportunity to introduce kids of all ages to the joys of model aviation as well as demonstrate some of the educational benefits provided by the AMA.
This year, we were able to put more than 100 people on the buddy box, including local county and state government officials. We were fortunate enough to have AMA Education Department staff members, Jessy Symmes and Bill Pritchett, attend and bring the AMA Experience trailer.
Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t perfect and we dealt with off-and-on drizzle, but we pushed through and had a steady stream of newcomers trying their hands at flying. Every hour, we allowed the instructors to take a break for 10-15 minutes of demonstration flying, including war birds, helicopters, 3-D, candy drops, and parachute drops.
Small unmanned aerial system demonstrations were also included to allow visitors to see how they work and also to show some of their limitations with the hopes of alleviating possible fears associated with this growing technology.
Patuxent Aeromodelers members are already planning and looking forward to the sixth annual event on Saturday, May 9, 2015.
