District V Report - 2003/04
Jim McNeill Vice President
Gateway Radio Control Club (Club of the Month — December)
I attended the Gateway Radio Control Club swap meet and fly-in. Chas Brooks was the contest director. This fine organization is our Club of the Month for December. It has been in existence for 40 years.
The club has a new field with a 500-by-60-foot paved runway and extensive facilities:
- a very large pavilion with tables
- a big enclosed building with restrooms and hot water
- sewer, electricity, and a kitchen
The City of Jacksonville, which encompasses the entire county, mows the grass at the field every six weeks.
The outgoing president is Pete Rickard; the new president is Buford Howard. The club’s treasurer, Dave Keller, explained that the club spent more than 26 years at its old field and now has this new one. A deputy sheriff reportedly lives right next door. The club entertains Boy Scouts annually with Hobby Day, exhibits airplanes in mall shows, and is involved in community affairs.
The event was listed as a swap meet and fly-in in Model Aviation. It was cold for Florida and very windy that day, so there was almost no flying.
A framed plaque honoring the Gateway Radio Control Club is being mailed with my signature and that of our AMA Executive Vice President. Also, 100 cloth patches are being mailed to Dave Keller for the members.
Markham Park Pilots Association (Club of the Month — December)
The Markham Park Pilots Association in Fort Lauderdale is another December Club of the Month. This large club flies from a county park, formerly an airport, on more than 90 acres. It was started 10 years ago. Broward County mows the grass and keeps the facilities in good condition. The county has provided an enclosed building and a paved area for fliers and spectators. The club allows jet-powered models.
Tom Anderson from Boca Raton brought his RF Extra; it flew well. Tom teaches fourth grade at Coconut Creek Elementary School.
The Markham Pilots Association runs an annual Delta Dart program for Cub Scouts. It participates in events at Pompano Park with the Air Force Association, displaying both static and flying models. Last year the club hosted the AMA FAI Team Trials for pylon racing; Jim said they received a gold cup from the National Miniature Pylon Racing Association (NMPRA). I am mailing 150 cloth patches to the club signifying its induction into Club of the Month for December.
Contest Coordinator
Your Contest Coordinator for Florida, Judi Dunlap, stays quite busy. She is also the official chairperson for advertising and promotion for her Ocala Flying Model Club.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
