District IX - 2006/09
The Kansas and Nebraska District IX Fly-In was reported by Hank Darnell, president of the Jayhawk Model Masters of Lawrence, Kansas.
Kansas/Nebraska District IX Fly-In
“We were extremely happy with the two-day event and only our second AMA-sanctioned event. The weather held off and we had a great turnout for both the fly-in and the Saturday night dinner. I believe we had more than 43 registered pilots flying and the dinner at the Hereford House attracted roughly 65 people.
“We gave away more than $900 in prizes and still made some money for the club. Several members chipped in with $25, $50, or $100 to help buy prizes and we appreciate their generosity.
“The events of both days started with Patrick’s drop of ‘Mike,’ the skydiver, and the American flag. The Saturday drop, with the national anthem and no wind, saw Patrick nail the center of the runway with little Mike.
“There was constant fun and flying with everything from 1/2A models to 33%-size monsters. One of the special features was George W. Jones’ Dr.I. George said, ‘The basic airplane was scratch-built and painted by Clifford Boughman from Wamego, Kansas, and built from Nick Ziroli blueprints. I installed all of the electronics and engine. I successfully made the maiden flight on May 5, 2006, and flew it May 6–7 at the Jayhawk Open—the AMA District IX East Regional Fly-In at Lawrence, Kansas.’
“Oh, let’s not forget the fine folks from the Topeka area who came to give us a demonstration of some really cool control-line (CL) flying.
“We want to thank all of our sponsors who generously donated cash or gave large discounts to the club. They included:
- Kalscott
- Rauckman Builders
- George’s Hobby Shop
- Hobby Haven
- Dee & Mee Hobbies
- Advanced Auto of Lawrence
- Several of our own members”
Denver RC Eagles — Membership Drive
The following was reported by Terry Godwin, president of the Denver RC Eagles:
“On May 13, the Denver RC Eagles held its second annual membership drive. Much preparation and planning went into this event. Flyers were put in all the local hobby stores, schools, libraries, and other locations. The public was invited to come fly an RC airplane with an instructor. The object was to increase public awareness of our hobby and have people experience the thrill of actually flying an RC airplane.
“The club had approximately six trainers ready at the field with radios and buddy boxes. Club-designated instructors took each person up for an 8- to 10-minute flight. The people were allowed to pilot the airplane with an instructor on the buddy box.
“We had 33 people show up and register for the flights. The prospective pilots ranged from 10 years old to retirees. Even one of our park rangers enjoyed a flight. Everyone got at least one and in some cases two flights. Each prospective flier was given a club brochure and membership application along with a small booklet explaining all about flying, safety rules, and information about the hobby.
“The day went very well despite increasing winds late in the morning and into the afternoon. The winds made takeoffs and landings a challenge but since all the pilots were instructors, no problems occurred. The winds buffeted the students around but this was hard to differentiate from inexperienced pilots’ tendencies to over-control.
“The only flight problem occurred when the wing bolts on one aircraft snapped and the wing fluttered down with the fuselage becoming a lawn dart. Fortunately, this occurred several hundred yards clear of the pilots and spectators.
“A free lunch of hamburgers and hot dogs with pop was served to the public and club members. A good turnout of club members aided in registration, food preparation, pilot briefing, airplane fueling and charging, and in making the people feel welcome.
“The Denver RC Eagles signed up four new members and hope to sign up as many more in the next few weeks. We are already starting to plan this same event for next year.
“The DRCE has scheduled open fun-flies on the fourth Saturday of June, July, August, and September. Any fliers from our area are invited to attend and join in the fun.”
That’s it for this month. Until next month, have fun and keep in touch!
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
