District IV Report - 2004/08
Contact
- Bliss Teague
- Vice President
- 625 5th Ave., SW, Hickory, NC 28602-2812
- Home: (828) 324-2164
- Fax: (828) 267-0956
- E-mail: [email protected]
Notices
This month I want to call your attention to my new e-mail address and a safety notice concerning Li-Poly batteries. These batteries are great but must be handled according to their instructions.
If anyone is interested in assuming the Contest Board position for Control Line Carrier, please give me a call.
Danville Science Center — Wright brothers tribute
On Saturday, December 13, 2003, the Danville Aeromodelers Club and the Gretna Aeromodelers presented a display and exhibition flying for the Danville Science Center in Danville, Virginia, as a tribute to the Wright brothers. Director Jeff Liverman and Assistant Director Sonya Wolen requested their participation and were very pleased by the efforts of the two clubs.
Flying and displays
The flying was provided by John Estlow, a Gretna club member, who flew a yellow electric Tiger Moth outdoors and a large helium-filled blimp indoors. The Gretna members provided roughly 10 aircraft and the Danville club provided about the same number.
Videos of flying events, including Warbirds over Virginia held October 24–25, captivated visitors. The various models ranged from the World War I Taube to more modern warbirds, including Larry Davidson’s attractive World War II Zero. John Estlow also included in his display a small electric model of the original Wright Flyer. Increasing winds made it unwise to fly that model, but John did fly two other airplanes.
Exhibits, demonstrations, and outreach
Visitors included Civil Air Patrol cadets, adults, and many young people. Joe Radle provided several photos of the activities. Joe also brought his grandnephew Tyrone, a ventriloquist figure (they hate to be referred to as “dummies”). Tyrone entertained the youngsters, hit on a few girls with no success, and generally seemed to enjoy himself.
Joe set up a suggested progression of airplane types, from a basic trainer (a Sig Señorita), through more advanced models and highly aerobatic aircraft, to a great-flying scale model — Larry Davidson’s Zero. He also provided handouts and advised getting help from model club members for anyone interested in flying. Each airplane in the series had information about power, use, and approximate cost, along with a description of its flight characteristics and the required flying ability of prospective pilots.
Newton Fest / AMA District IV booth
The Catawba Valley R/Cers staffed a booth at Newton Fest on Saturday, April 24, 2004. The AMA District IV booth was on hand, and many pamphlets were given out to inform the public about the great hobby and sport of model aviation.
Closing
Until next time, take a kid flying!
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
