District IV—Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia
District Vice President
Hank Mausolf Vice President [email protected] 12204 Dell Way, Fredericksburg, VA 22407 Tel.: (703) 517-9860 www.amadistrict-iv.org
National Aviation Day was held August 19, 2014, at Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina. The event was hosted by the First Flight Society to celebrate general aviation, space travel, model aircraft, and many other aviation-related interests. The site where the Wright brothers made their first flight provided a perfect venue.
This was the first time that the AMA had a major presence at an event hosted by the First Flight Society. Two years earlier, the late District IV vice president Bliss Teague began the process that made our participation possible. It was also the first time the National Park Service allowed model flying at this site.
AMA presence and activities
AMA staffed two tents and provided a static display adjacent to Radio Active Airshows. One tent was staffed by AMA President Bob Brown and me, with handout materials explaining who we are and our mission. We answered questions from the public about the AMA and our role in aviation.
The second tent was staffed by three volunteers from the Fredericksburg Aeromasters to run the AMA make-and-take program for children. Small balsa airplanes bearing the AMA logo flew throughout the facility. The make-and-take tables were very popular—sometimes three people deep—and adults frequently joined in.
Demonstrations and displays
Radio Active Airshows brought a simulator trailer and an airshow team. The simulator line was long throughout the day. Radio Active Airshows presented a noon flying demonstration, a first for Kill Devil Hills.
- Jeff Phillips (Radio Active Airshows) flew an Extra 300 and performed a magnificent aerobatic routine.
- Jonathan Walker flew a 3-D helicopter routine with fast, complex maneuvers.
- Kwang Ko of Hobby Hangar flew a turbine-powered KingCat.
Although the demonstration was only 20 minutes, it included everything typically seen at an airshow and was clearly a highlight for many spectators.
The static display area featured models of all types provided by Radio Active Airshows, the Fredericksburg Aeromasters, and many attending modelers. David Jones of CoastalPlanes.com encouraged local clubs to participate.
Former astronaut Dr. Don Thomas was on site to discuss current and future space programs and to conduct science experiments for children.
Participants
- EAA Young Eagles
- Civil Air Patrol
- Representatives of North Carolina State's UAV program
- NextGen Aircraft
- Power Paragliders
- Kitty Hawk Kites
- General-aviation aircraft on display for full-scale enthusiasts
Outcomes and acknowledgments
The AMA and Radio Active Airshows were well received. The National Park Service and the First Flight Society have invited us back. What we learned this year will help us put on a bigger and better show next year and help the public understand and appreciate the contributions aeromodeling makes to the aviation community.
Thanks to Phil Woodruff, president of the First Flight Society, for inviting us; and to Jim Braithwaite, Dan Hayworth, and Brian Mausolf of the Fredericksburg Aeromasters for helping with the make-and-take program. It was also good to have Bob Brown on hand to answer questions and greet spectators.
Jeff Phillips, the National Park Service, the First Flight Society, and I have already started planning for next year. If you are in the area, come out and see a first-class event where aviation got its start.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
