District IV Report - 2007/11
Prince George’s County Radio Control Club Open House (May 12, 2007)
The Prince George’s County Radio Control Club (PGRC) held its 16th annual Open House at its Bowie, Maryland field on Saturday, May 12, 2007. The annual event is held to increase community awareness of the club and as a thank-you to the surrounding neighborhood.
Free food was provided, and spectators were encouraged to try flying on a computer simulator and with a buddy box. Open flying was available to anyone with an AMA card. A complete trainer aircraft package was raffled off, and this year a father with two young sons won.
Bouncing back from a disappointing rainout last year, this year’s participants were greeted with fantastic weather, and a large number of fliers took to the sky during the event. Contingents from several local clubs, including the DCRC and Charles County clubs, joined the fun.
Several club members provided trainer aircraft and buddy boxes, allowing a number of young people to enjoy a taste of RC flying. Following a brief period on the simulator to get an idea of the control movements, the youngsters were briefed on the airplanes and buddy boxes, then taken down to the flightline to experience the real thing. Big smiles from the instructors and the youngsters showed that all enjoyed the experience.
Two fun-fly contests were held in the afternoon to entertain the spectators:
- Dead-stick-landing contest winner: Mike Fitzgerald.
- Golf-ball-drop contest winner: Jonathan Baker, who coasted in and pulled into a harrier over the target with his 40% Yak.
Jonathan Baker also entertained the crowd during the day with several demonstrations of IMAC (International Miniature Aerobatic Club) and 3-D flying.
Mavericks R/C Flying Club Dedication (June 9, 2007)
The Mavericks R/C Flying Club from New Market, Maryland, dedicated its new flying site on June 9, 2007. I participated in the dedication starting on Friday night with a dinner at Perkins restaurant with the club officers, members, and their families. All had a great time enjoying the food and relating modeling stories.
This all started with some discontent. Some of the group felt they would be happier and enjoy their hobby more if they had another site. After much searching, they found one and began to work and make the site into a very nice place to fly. On Saturday we all met at the field, had lunch, and then the formal dedication took place. Afterward, there was flying and fun to fill out the day. Some of the visitors had a turn flying on the buddy-box system. I believe the club even obtained a few members from the event.
Sometimes what seems hopeless turns out to be a blessing after all. Just don’t give up. This club didn’t, and the members are happier for it. Thanks to the officers and members for their efforts.
Until next time, go take a kid flying.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
