District IX — Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming
- Colorado
- Kansas
- Nebraska
- North Dakota
- South Dakota
- Wyoming
Lamar Steen Memorial IMAC Challenge
One of District IX’s early-season events is the Lamar Steen Memorial International Miniature Aerobatic Club (IMAC) Challenge, organized by the Miniature Aero Sportsters (MAS) in northeast Denver. MAS has hosted this low-key competition for four years, and this was my second year to attend.
This well-organized, two-day event was capped by wonderful spring weather and—believe it or not—almost no wind. These people know how to do it right. What a great time: good friends, good flying, and strong competition.
One particular bright note was Chris Phillips. Chris is a high school student and hotshot pilot who took second in Basic in his first competition. I see a great flying future for this young man.
As for me, about the only good thing my flying did was give a bunch of people the right to say they beat the district vice president (VP). My thanks to Larry Ott and Dan Underkofler for organizing the event, to all of the MAS members for their hospitality, and a special shout-out to whoever made those wonderful pulled-pork sandwiches.
Rocky Mountain Aeromodelers — Carrier Deck Project
If you want to see some value in your AMA membership, think about all the ideas and ingenuity among our members. I watched this project unfold in the pages of the Probable Cause newsletter of the Rocky Mountain Aeromodelers in Arvada, Colorado. Tony Livaudais, the club vice president, filled in the details.
To be able to fly Navy Carrier events at the club’s grass CL field, the members manufactured 12 carrier deck sections from oriented strand board (OSB) and engineered pins that both hold the pieces together and anchor them to the ground. A second set of pins allows quick installation of arresting lines.
Their work resulted in a sturdy carrier deck that can be quickly assembled and, when not in use, stored under a donated pickup topper near the club’s circle. It was a great project that turned out well.
Joe Nall Week
At the AMA Open Membership meeting the Thursday evening of Joe Nall Week, I was pleasantly surprised to see District IX well represented. Many of you stopped to talk and share that wonderful Joe Nall experience — thanks so much for that.
I never cease to be amazed at the growth of that flying event or the generosity of Pat Hartness, the host. Turn any direction and you’ll find neat airplanes and interesting, friendly people who are willing to share information about them.
There was a little rain this year, but it didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits. The noon shows were something to behold. Make sure you put this event on your bucket list.
More information
For more pictures or information on any of these stories, visit District IX on Facebook at www.facebook.com/amadistrictix.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
