File: 11ChrisDixon.doc
The Carolina Sod Busters club, whose flying site is a sod farm, hosted the Sod Busters Warbird Rally on August 22-24, 2014.
The event, held in Rembert, South Carolina, was limited to Giant Scale warbirds only, in military or civilian paint schemes from any era.
The weather was great, although the temperatures were pushing 100° which is not unusual for August in South Carolina.
Gilbert Cofer was the CD for the rally, which attracted 26 pilots. Most of the warbirds were gas powered. A Halifax four-engine bomber was electric powered, and a turbine-powered F-16 was flown by Gary Jones, who flew the full-scale aircraft during his military service.
Despite the heat, everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. When not flying, the pilots sought shelter from the sun under the tents, and various aspects of our hobby were discussed including the demise of the International Miniature Aircraft Association.
The flying site is great, with the nearest airplane-eating tree at least a quarter of a mile away. Perhaps next year will bring a cold snap, down to the lower 90s.
—Don Wise
AMA District V associate vice president (AVP)
The following report was submitted by AVP Paul Frankum.
On August 16, 2014, the Tri County RC Flyers of Savannah, Georgia, held its second annual National Model Aviation Day to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project. The weather was fantastic and there was great attendance by both spectators and pilots.
Fifty one pilots registered and kept the flightline busy all day. There were noontime demos of 3-D flying by club members Tyler Heath and Justin Shaub, a turbine demonstration by Jose Melendez of Global Jet Club, and a 3-D helicopter demonstration by James VanHook. James is a SAB Heli Division team pilot who is also sponsored by iKon, OptiPOWER, and BK Servo.
Erick Millette, a speaker for the Wounded Warrior Project, told the crowd his story of combat and about his physical and emotional wounds. Erick attends events across the country to educate people about the organization. The club was honored to have Erick in attendance and his comments were moving and heartfelt.
Thanks to generous event supporters, there were plenty of great raffle prizes. One prize was drawn and announced every 15 minutes during the event, which was held from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. A noon meal was served and donations were accepted for the Wounded Warrior Project. It was amazing to see people give as much as $20 for a hamburger, chips, and a drink.
Kris Dixon, District V vice president, attended the event and set up and manned the AMA tent. Many new faces were exposed to the AMA and several signed up as new members.
Overall, the event was a success. The crowd totaled more than 500—many of whom had never seen a model airplane or heard of the Academy of Model Aeronautics. More than 50 first-time buddy-box flights were conducted, and most importantly, the club raised $10,535 for the Wounded Warrior Project.
savannah pics to follow
