Author: Jim Wallen
Edition: Model Aviation - 2012/08
Page Numbers: 152

District VIII—Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas

Jim Rice — Vice President

There is a change of associate vice presidents (AVPs) in District VIII. Jack Hogan, who has served us well as the North and East Texas AVP, asked me to find a replacement so he could slow down and enjoy his hobby.

Jack has set an example for other district officers with his innovative and energetic style. I had him do a presentation during a training session a couple of years ago to share his ideas and techniques with everyone in the district. I enjoyed his efforts and truly cherished his friendship throughout the years.

I convinced an old friend, who used to live nearby and who had served as an officer in my local club, to step up and replace Jack. Bobby Smith moved to East Texas several years ago. When I was looking for a replacement, he immediately came to mind. This is what he had to say about his experience with modeling:

"I have been involved in modeling since I was eight years old. I started with Comet and Guillow's rubber FF models and later got into CL and pursued that avenue until the mid-1970s when I was given a radio set by a friend and started RC.

"I served 26 years in the Air Force as an avionics specialist and 20 years in the same job as a Department of Defense civil servant. I look forward to serving the AMA and District VIII and trying to advance the cause of modeling."

When you see either of these fine gentlemen, tell them thanks for their volunteer service and shake their hands!

One of our local youngsters was invited to Top Gun to conduct a noontime demo flight for the spectators and competitors. Brian Strachan, who is 15, started flying with us when he was eight years old and has developed into a fine pilot in both freestyle to music and AMA pattern. Chuck Hochhalter took time off work to drive Brian to Florida and pit/spot for him during his superb demonstrations.

Benny Behrens, Leader Member in the Houston area, sent in a photo of the Alvin RC Club taken in May on the day the club had a rain event scheduled. The night before, they had near-record rainfall and the field had a foot of water standing at event time. By the time they got pictures taken, the water had gone down but you can tell it was still pretty deep. They rescheduled the event and asked for better weather.

Charles Castaing, Leader Member from New Iberia, Louisiana, told me about a sailplane event at his club that was restricted to Radian electric-powered gliders, each fitted with a motor cut-off system set to 100 meters altitude. Ryan Gonsulin was the contest director and all pilots had a great time. They plan more of these events in the future — sounds like good fun with an equalizer in the cutoff.

Three classes were flown in the sailplane event:

  • Advanced
  • Intermediate
  • Basic

Event format:

  1. Six flights each
  2. Highest four scores counted

I attended the Joe Nall fly-in and ran into more District VIII members than ever before. It was a record crowd and again was well organized and run by the Triple Tree event staff. This year they even had CL circles. Everyone should attend this event at least once — it just gets better every year. Thanks, Pat Hartness!

Have fun and fly safely! See you on the flightline.

Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.