District News
Andy Argenio Vice President
[email protected] 3 Sheila Ln., Smithfield RI 02917 Tel.: (401) 231-6901; www.amadistrict-i.org
The National Model Aviation Day weekend had Associate Vice President Steve Brehm and me attending several events. This month I'm reporting on the Hampshire County RC (HCRC) club's Wings Over Hadley Scale Fly-In. This was my third time attending this event in a number of years.
HCRC has all the flying site amenities for pilots and spectators to have a first-class event. Nearly all of the notable Scale pilots from District I attended with some of the best Scale aircraft you're likely to see anywhere. The weather was perfect and the flightline was busy all day.
On Sunday, Fox TV 40 showed up and the club asked me to do the interview. We made the evening news with a plug for model aviation. We spent some enjoyable time talking with the club's officers Dave Lampron and Mark Mundie and many others.
I highly recommend attending this annual event. Check out the club's website at www.hampshirecountyrcc.org for a slide show of hundreds of photos of the Scale aircraft at the event.
District II—New Jersey, New York, Europe
Eric Williams Vice President
[email protected] 4242 Amanda Ln., Schenectady NY 12303 Tel.: (518) 356-2057; www.amadistrict-ii.org
The Northeast Electric Aircraft Technology (NEAT) Fair is always a high-energy event, and this year was no exception. Aircraft of all shapes and sizes converged in the sleepy southern Catskills of Downsville, New York, September 12-15, 2013, for the country's foremost all-electric event.
The gathering is hosted by the Silent Electric Flyers of Long Island (SEFLI) and excellently managed by CD Tom Hunt. In a short time NEAT has become a legendary, bucket-list event for all modelers to attend.
A standard at this year's NEAT Fair was the Bergen County Silent Flyers' hospitality tent where attendees were treated to excellent, expert seminars on various aeromodelling topics. I attended a standing-room-only seminar conducted by Eric Giorgiantonio of Beacon Adhesives, makers of Foam-Tac glue. Eric demonstrated making hinges for foamies with only glue and other tricks.
In addition to hosting a plethora of fantastic electric aircraft, modelers, and vendors, numerous AMA Model Aviation Hall of Fame members including notables such as Keith Shaw, Joe Breshar, Nick Ziroli, Jeff Troy, and Fred Marks, have attended NEAT fair throughout the years.
This year we had the honor of having six Hall of Fame members present. Before Saturday's noontime demonstrations, I had the privilege of introducing Bob Brown, Dave Mathesow, Tom Hunt, Bob Aberle, and Ray Juschkus.
Bob Brown, AMA president, presented the Hall of Fame plaque to 2013 inductee, Ted Strader. Ted is widely known as a well-published author, designer, kit producer, and a significant contributor to early Galloping Ghost RC systems.
Hall of Famer members are the pioneers, like Ted, who built primitive radios from components, designed classic aircraft from blank sheets of paper, built significant airplanes from scratch, dedicated decades of service, achieved competition recognition, and made other landmark contributions to model aviation. These are the people who made our hobby what it is today. Thanks to those who paved the way!
On September 28, 2013, I had a great time attending the Ithaca Radio Control Society's first all-biplane event. The event had all sizes and eras of biplanes with a fantastic pilot turnout. CD Jim Rundle did a good job of getting the word out and attracting pilots from Districts II and III.
I was accompanied by AMA Executive Vice President Gary Fitch, who brought his 23-year-old 1/3-scale Fly Baby biplane that I got to fly at the District II Fun-Fly in 2011. It truly is a baby to fly.
Club building suggestion: Be certain your field entry signs are inviting to the public. As a wise man once said, "A club without signs is a sign of no club!"
Remember, it's not about what we fly, it's about the people and the friends we make.
World record claim for electric RC endurance flight: On Sunday, August 4, 2013, three Ohio RC pilots launched a large, electric-powered airplane into the sky shortly before 7 p.m. and made model aviation history when they flew for 18 hours, 6 minutes, 13 seconds, landing on Monday, August 5, 2013, shortly before 1 p.m.
The name of the airplane is Exactly and the pilots included Andre Mellin, Dave Brown, and Joe Mekina. An official claim was submitted through the proper channels for a new FAI world record for RC Electric-Powered Duration, FAI Class F5 Open, sub class 171 S, for aeroplane models with electric motors with rechargeable batteries. Ratification of this record by the FAI is pending.
Some modelers may recognize the name of at least one of the pilots: Dave Brown. Dave, former AMA president, RC Aerobatics champion, and my good friend, was also involved in the legendary Maynard Hill's successful transatlantic flight that occurred 10 years ago, nearly to the day.
I met Joe Mekina many years ago when he, Dave, and I were employed by World Engines in Cincinnati. Joe has a FF competition background, which I'm sure came in handy for this endurance attempt. Andre Mellin, the designer of the airplane and propulsion system, began the quest for this record a couple of years ago and his dream finally came to fruition.
Congratulations to these men and their supporting crew on this historic model aviation achievement.
West Virginia RC Pattern Championships: I began this month's column reporting on making model aviation history and I would like to continue on that same subject.
The Wing Nutz model airplane club in St. Marys, West Virginia, made model aviation history by having its first-ever Pattern contest: the West Virginia RC Pattern Championships.
The event was held during the July Fourth holiday weekend and resulted in a good turnout. The weather could not have been any better and the food and fellowship was second to none.
All of the current Pattern classes were flown with the winners claiming bragging rights to being crowned "state" champions. As CD of the event, I would like to thank all who competed and all of the Wing Nutz members and their families. Also, a special shout out to St. Clairsville club members Bill Kutchell, Scott McNickle, and their wives for helping with field layout and scoring.
The Wing Nutz are planning another Pattern event next year, so practice your flying and come join the fun in wild and wonderful West Virginia. Maybe you will be crowned State Pattern Champion!
Until next month, go fly and have fun!
District IV—Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia
Steve Borden submitted a report about the Sandhills Model Aircraft Club's 4-H RC Orientation Day.
On Saturday, April 13, 2013, the Sandhills Model Aircraft Club, of Cameron, North Carolina, hosted a model aviation orientation for the local 4-H chapter. Approximately 15 kids—ranging in age from 5 to 15, along with their parents—visited the field and were provided the opportunity to see various model aircraft up close.
The group enjoyed a presentation on the basics of how an airplane flies, the functions of the flight control surfaces, and how the RC components function to allow an aircraft to be controlled.
Following the presentation, each 4-H member had the opportunity to fly one of the club's trainers on the buddy box with our instructors. We had two trainers flying, so there was little waiting for a chance to experience RC flying firsthand. Several of the youngsters were naturals and quickly got the hang of flying a model airplane.
After the orientation flight, we provided lunch for everyone and they were treated to a flight demonstration of a 50cc Extra 300.
Our club enjoyed the opportunity to introduce the kids and their parents to model aviation.
Scott Richlen sent in this report:
August 3, 2013, was my club's CL Stunt clinic to prepare us for the following weekend's Eastern Shore Aeromodelers Club's Jim Coon Memorial Stunt Contest. I arrived at the field at approximately 9:45 a.m. and pilots soon began showing up.
Beginning CL Stunt fliers often ask how/where they should hold their left hands while flying. Depending on the flier, there are many variations. Some pilots like to hold their hands along their sides, but some hold them up across their chests.
I have to credit Gerry Glier with taking most of these pictures. He is getting better at capturing good pictures of our crew members and their airplanes.
The Middle Tennessee R/C Clubs Association hosted its eighth annual Giant Fall Air Show September 14-15, 2013. This was the third year that it was sponsored by the Beechcraft Heritage Museum at the Tullahoma, Tennessee, airport.
The event was blessed with beautiful weather, and 78 pilots from three states participated. The site featured a 1,000-foot paved runway and an adjacent 700-foot grass runway.
All variations of RC aircraft were flown including park flyers, sport models, Giant Scale, turbines, and helicopters. Among this year’s participants were members of a local CL club, which was busy giving introductory flights to many youngsters and some not so young.
With excellent weather and plenty of airspace, the flightline was busy all weekend.
One outstanding feature of the event was a guided tour of the Beechcraft Heritage Museum, which was located a short distance from the pit area. This excellent facility contains many historically significant aircraft.
Contributing to the success of the event was the superb support we received from our primary sponsors: the Beechcraft Heritage Museum, Daniel’s Hobbies, and Family Hobbies.
Don Wise submitted this report:
The Flying Tigers R/C Club held its Event of the Year on Saturday, September 21, 2013, in Scranton, South Carolina. The event, organized by club president Tony Turner and CD Joel Jones, featured two grass flightlines—one classic and the other 3-D—and a dirt track for off-road RC cars.
Eighty pilots and approximately 170 spectators attended. The club had raffle prizes valued at $5,000 and included a separate drawing for women for three jewelry items. The prizes were loaded on a trailer and parked in a hangar. Everyone was encouraged to look at all of the prizes hours before the drawing and decide what they liked. If your number was drawn, you could pick any prize still on the trailer, but it had to be done in 20 seconds or a small prize was picked for you. It sped up the raffle and was fun to watch.
The event attracted many types of fliers and aircraft. There were foamies, Scale (airplanes and helicopters), 3-D aircraft, turbines, and sport aircraft. There were also aircraft of all types powered by electric, gas, and nitro.
Anyone who likes to fly, have fun, be around friendly people, and possibly win a prize, put the Flying Tigers’ 2014 Event of the Year on the calendar.
District VI—Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri
Randy Cameron Vice President
[email protected] 2134 S. Hillcrest Ave., Springfield MO 65807 Tel.: (417) 830-9211; www.amadistrict-vi.org
This has been a fast summer. I've been lucky enough to attend many events, some that I normally attend, and others such as the St. Joseph Barnstormers' open house and the Sunchasers Model Airplane Club's open house and fun-fly, both in Missouri, where I got to meet many great modelers.
Both of these were great, well-organized, fun family events. There was plenty of great flying, designed to entertain and hold the public's and modelers' interest. Great job, everyone.
Donation to the Wounded Warrior Project: It looks as though National Model Aviation Day's final tally will be more than $75,000. This has turned out to be a fantastic start to an annual event. Stay tuned for next year's dates. I will pass them along as soon as they have been determined.
Safety: After witnessing an accident this past weekend, I would like to remind everyone to keep safety in mind.
With most of today's programmable radio systems, it is possible to mix the throttle to a switch. This will allow the switch to hold the throttle to the minimum position so it basically becomes a kill switch. This can help with any form of power plant: gas, glow, or electric.
Ensure that when you are setting up the radio on an electric-powered airplane, to either disconnect the motor from the speed controller or remove the propeller. Also make sure that the throttle on a glow or gas engine is not reversed before starting it the first time.
Fortunately, in this past weekend's incident, the individual starting the engine had a good hold on the airplane and was not hurt.
Never be shy about asking someone to hold the airplane while you start it. If you notice someone getting ready to start an airplane without a restraint, offer to hold it for him or her, or better yet, just do it. You may make a new friend, but more importantly, save someone from serious injury.
The Western Kentucky/Southern Illinois (WKSI) Stunt Championships were flown in much nicer temperatures. The average temperature was 75°. We dodged rain showers on Saturday and had no rain during contest time on Sunday. Twenty-nine pilots (one more than last year) came from 10 states and flew eight events throughout the two-day contest time schedule.
August 16 and 17, the third weekend in August, will be the dates of the 2014 WKSI. Put it on your calendar for next year.
Program of the Month
An Introductory Pilot Program is available to chartered clubs. Qualified pilots may participate. Instructors can train non-AMA members to fly during a consecutive 60-day period and students are covered by the liability provisions of the AMA insurance policy. Details are available from the AMA Membership department.
Happy flying!
District VII—Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin
Tim Jesky Vice President
[email protected] 2886 E. Country Ln., Monroe MI 48162 Tel.: (734) 384-6085; www.amadistrict-vii.org
Whew! The Thanksgiving turkey has barely worn off and here comes Christmas. I hope to someday have arms strong enough to push myself away from the dinner table during the holidays.
The National Model Aviation Day, benefitting the Wounded Warrior Project, was a resounding success. As of this writing, donations raised by AMA members have exceeded $75,000. Well-deserved congratulations go out to you for your outstanding efforts. I can’t tell you how proud I am of all of you for making this happen.
Also, our new District VII website is up and running. Please take a moment to visit www.amadistrictvii.org. It is a work in progress and a key ingredient to its success is your input. Articles, photos, event flyers, tips, and tricks may be sent to: [email protected].
I want to thank the webmaster and AMA member Nikolei Zinsli for his work in rebuilding this site.
I suspect that for all but the hardiest of us, the outdoor flying season has nearly ground to a halt in our district.
Where I live, we occasionally have a December day where a pilot could sneak in a flight or two, but that is rare. Indoor flying sites have become common. If you haven’t considered indoor flying, you owe it to yourself to give it a try. It’s a great way to keep in touch with your flying buddies during the long winters and it’s never been too cold, too windy, or too dark for me to fly.
In reflecting on 2013, I’m grateful that I was able to see plenty of my old friends and to make many new ones at the events I attended. Thank you to all who stopped by to say hello and for your kind words of encouragement.
Our newest District VII Associate Vice President (AVP) Dave George and I went to the Canton, Michigan, area to the Flying Pilgrims RC Club’s annual Fall “Phase Out” for Fun and the club’s 30th birthday celebration.
I’m not sure which club member ordered the beautiful weather, but he or she deserves a thank-you. Dave submitted a report about the event:
AVP Dave George was all smiles.
This year, again the Flying Pilgrims R/C Club, of Ypsilanti, Michigan, hosted its 30th annual Fall Phase Out for Fun. The event was held on the weekend of September 14 and 15, and what an event it was!
The morning broke with beautiful, blue skies, temperatures in the mid 60s, and calm winds. I was in modeling heaven.
The Pilgrims’ facility is one of the best model airfields in the Detroit area and has approximately 200 members. The club’s site is a combination of a parallel close-cut grass and 500-foot paved runway.
The parking was plentiful, the event ran smoothly, and the field was immaculate. The public turned out in numbers greater than I have seen (locally) in years. There were approximately 450 spectators.
The pit and line bosses kept the flying safe and organized. The flying activities were action packed and back to back, and kept all heads turned upward to the best air show I have seen all year.
Although this air show featured larger-scale military models, a variety of aircraft were displayed and expertly flown. Everything from our calm-weather foamies to our high-performance turbine-powered jets were there to keep our attention. All of us were amazed by the more than 80 superbly crafted models.
I only witnessed one accident in the six hours I was there. During the foamy demonstration, two of the aircraft tried to fly in the same place at the same time. I have never seen a rain of model airplane parts such as this. I am sure parts are still falling at the club’s beautiful facility!
This year’s show was definitely a five-star performance. I offer my congratulations to the Flying Pilgrims and all of the pilots for a job well done. You are all superb model aviation representatives—not only to the AMA, but also the hobby we all love.
Take a kid flying!
District VIII—Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
Billy Trosclair belongs to the Cajun Blacksheep flying club and is starting to look at other models. He builds with his father and grandfather, which makes it a family love affair.
The Elk City Flying Aces RC Club had its annual fly-in event in September. This year, the club got to have the event with one fewer obstacle: some power lines that used to be approximately 50 yards from the end of the runway, which kept everyone from flying when the wind blew from the wrong direction.
The club was awarded an AMA Flying Site Assistance Grant to help in moving the lines underground. The city, the club, and the AMA grant all helped in getting the project done. Dale Walker, the project's mastermind, spent the year working with the city manager, Anita Archer, to get it done.
While I was there, I was given the opportunity to give an appreciation plaque to Anita with the help of Bill Holland, associate vice president (AVP) for Oklahoma, and Dale Walker of the Elk City club.
For everyone who has been to Bomber Field in Monaville, Texas, we lost a great modeling icon. B.B. Weber, owner of Bomber Field, passed away last September, just one week before the 25th annual B-17 gathering.
B.B. started Bomber Field roughly 30 years ago and it is the premier flying field in the Houston area. With all of the things that B.B. did for the modeling community, it was with great pleasure that AMA presented the club with a brick with B.B.'s name and Bomber Field on it to be installed in the AMA Walk of Fame in Muncie, Indiana.
We have had a good year flying and reveling in our hobby. While you are looking back and enjoying the holidays, please remember all of those whom we have lost.
Please be careful at the field, regardless of what you fly, and always think of safety first. Hope to see you all at the field!
District IX—Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming
Jim Wallen Vice President
[email protected] 7322 W 82nd Way, Arvada CO 80003 Tel.: (303) 421-9061; www.amadistrict-ix.org
One of my more difficult jobs as your district vice president is notifying you of the passing of our District IX members.
Steve Peckar has shared information about the death of his father, Arnold Peckar. Arnold was an avid modeler and a full-scale flier. A celebration of Arnold's life was held in his hangar.
Arnold joined the Arvada Associated Modelers primarily because of his passion for youth in aviation. He will be missed.
Another District IX member, Mike Olson, of Fargo, North Dakota, also passed away. Mike was one his community's CL modeling pioneers and a charter member of the F-M Skylarks Model Airplane Club in the early 1950s. Mike was passionate about the hobby and loved to share it with his family.
Ed Paasch wanted to let you know about all of the good things that went on in Grand Island, Nebraska, this flying season.
The Grand Island Modelers club annually hosts the Big Bird Fun Fly—an outstanding event. The organization hosted its eighth event in June 2013, and many pilots from throughout the region participated in the weekend's festivities.
Billed as an RC airplane exhibition and as "Central Nebraska's Largest RC Aircraft Event," the Big Bird Fun Fly has quickly gained a reputation for providing a fun, relaxing, and good time for pilots of all types of RC aircraft.
Nebraska pilots from Hastings, Fremont, Omaha, and Lincoln drove to Grand Island for the weekend's events. Iowa pilots from Clarinda, Des Moines, and Council Bluffs made the trip as well. A group of pilots from Colorado also drove to Grand Island to check out the Big Bird Fun Fly.
The weekend in Grand Island began with intermittent thunderstorms. The rain didn't deter Omahawks pilot Jeff Pintt from catching plenty of flights. He stayed at the flying field with Rob and Wade Lyman from the Lincoln Sky Knights and flew electric airplanes whenever the rain let up.
Jeff and Rob couldn't seem to get enough flying time. On Saturday, they continued flying under the floodlights after dark, and until the early hours of Sunday morning.
On Saturday, the Omaha and Council Bluffs pilots were rewarded for making the trip. Grand Island was warm, sunny, and breezy with great flying conditions, while weather reports from eastern Nebraska showed rain and storms.
The Flying Boys of Iowa air show team from the Twin Cities Eagle Squadron took full advantage of Grand Island's great weather. Pete Rosas, Randy Fahn, Phil Eason, Leighton Smith, and Roger Niemitz all took to the skies with a variety of electric and gasoline-powered warbirds, along with their typical assortment of International Miniature Aerobatic Club aircraft.
Omahawks pilot Joey Thompson was a real showstopper. He drove up with his family so he could fly his JetLegend Viper model, powered by a KingKech K-100G kerosene-start turbine engine. He did a masterful job of taking off and landing on the Petromat runway, and displaying the speed and excitement of his turbine to spectators.
Another showstopper was event organizer John Boord Sr.'s spectacular scratch-built replica of a Lockheed Constellation. The Connie weighs approximately 54 pounds without fuel, sports a 138-inch wingspan, and has four DLE 20cc gasoline two-stroke engines.
Flown several times throughout the event by John's son, Bill, the Connie was the biggest bird at the Big Bird Fun Fly. The sound of those four engines running while the airplane did a high-speed pass over the runway with the landing gear retracted was truly impressive.
The Grand Island Modelers club members are terrific hosts, who run a well-organized event. Dozens of club members help manage the flightline and make guest pilots and spectators feel welcome.
The local HobbyTown USA store in Grand Island donated a Hangar 9 Alpha 40 DSM2 Ready-to-Fly trainer package to the club for the event. The Grand Island Modelers signed up spectators all weekend and flew them on a Hobbistar .60 club trainer.
On Sunday afternoon, all of the names of those who signed up for introductory flights were put in a hat and one name was drawn out. The Alpha 40 trainer was won by a young girl named Breanna, who came out with her dad to the Big Bird Fun Fly. To say that she was excited to win her own RC aircraft would be an understatement.
The grand prize for the pilots' raffle was a beautiful Aero Works Bravada 112-inch-wingspan ARF, which was awarded to Grand Island Modelers pilot Brandon Larson. Brandon had spent the entire weekend thrilling the crowd with plenty of spectacular 3-D aerobatic maneuvers, and winning such a stunning airplane was a nice way for him to finish up a great weekend of flying.
The club also gave away door prizes to all of the registered pilots throughout the weekend, generously donated by sponsors. None of the pilots left empty handed.
The 2013 Grand Island Big Bird Fun Fly was a memorable weekend filled with so many great moments that this article only scratched the surface. The Grand Island Modelers should be congratulated on organizing and hosting such a spectacular event!
This is the last month that I will represent District IX as your vice president. Jim Tillier, current associate vice president, is running unopposed and will likely take my seat after my term expires. Jim will serve you well. Please assist him in providing information about club activities in your area. Thanks again for all of your help in the past.
District X—Arizona, California, Guam, Hawaii, Nevada, Utah
I want to mention all of the other clubs that gave their time and money to make National Model Aviation Day the success that it was in our district. Other participants included: the Central Arizona Modelers, Sedona, Arizona; Yuma Aeromodelers Club, Yuma, Arizona; Casa Grande RC Flyers, Casa Grande, Arizona; Sonoran Desert Flyers, Oro Valley, Arizona; Valley Radio Control Flyers, Encino, California; Torrey Pines Gulls, San Diego, California; Santa Fe Dam Radio Control Modelers Club, Duarte, California; Wine Country Flyers, Santa Rosa, California; and the Tri Valley RC Modelers, Santa Maria, California. The Tri Valley RC Modelers deserve special recognition for raising $4,500 for the Wounded Warrior Project.
In addition, the following people and organizations made private donations to the effort: Jerome and Marilyn Weistphal, Jack Langholz, Joel and Nancy Futral, Michael and Susan Smith, Daniel and Elizabeth Smith, Dynamic Hobbies, American Legion Post 56, and Arminda Mance.
This made our first National Model Aviation Day successful beyond our hopes. The AMA will soon be promoting the 2014 event. Please discuss this within your club and join our efforts. There is no question that you'll find it a great endeavor.
I want to thank Roger Willis for his contribution to this column.
Until next month, may you have nothing but happy landings.
District XI—Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington
Mike Mosbrooker Vice President
[email protected] 533 Birch St., Oak Harbor WA 98277 Tel.: (360) 679-9139; www.amadistrict-xi.org
In late June, my wife, Helen, the dogs, and I paid a visit to the International Miniature Aircraft Association (IMAA) Rally of Giants near Medford, Oregon. This is the IMAA annual biggie, and from what I saw, it was a great success. There were nearly 90 pilots and each had at least three or four beautiful airplanes.
What do I remember about this gathering? It was well run by the Rogue Eagles RC Club. Club president Jay Strickland and CD Cliff Sands were everywhere. Jay was on the microphone all three days. Many vendors were there and the weather was hot.
There was shuttle service to an alternate site on a lake where one could camp and float-fly. I know how much effort is required to run something such as this event, and my hat is off to all of those who did the work.
I typically take my own pictures, but my camera died on our arrival. An angel arrived in the person of Laura Flett who had a camera as large as some of my airplanes and knew what to do with it. The pictures of this event are thanks to Laura.
Royce Tivel reported that the Sanderson Field RC Flyers held its inaugural Scale Fly-In on July 13, 2013, in Shelton, Washington. CD Richard Robb was assisted by Tom Strom Sr. There were 27 registered pilots from several Washington clubs and many spectators. Tom Strom Jr. coordinated the event from the registration desk.
After pilot registration, modelers displayed their aircraft to determine who would be awarded the Pilots' Choice trophy. The trophy was won by Ward Emigh from the Marymoor club. The winning aircraft was a beautifully scaled PT-23 powered by a seven-cylinder radial engine.
As an extra bonus for pilots and spectators, there were many skydivers landing adjacent to the flying field throughout the day. The skydivers provided a colorful addition to a great day.
As usual, the success of the event was largely determined by the volunteers who helped before and during the event. Tom Strom Jr. created a flyer announcing the fly-in that was distributed to clubs in the area. Robert Andrew, Charles Kentfield, and Gordon Osberg cooked and served a great barbecue lunch. Many others also deserve special thanks. Pictures courtesy of Royce.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
