District VII - 2011/04
Spring and the Expo
As I write this column, I'm staring out the window at 14 inches of that fluffy stuff called snow. Yuck!
Although my thoughts are inspired by the fact that April, for me, is the start of our season for enjoying our hobby/sport, the most important factor is the annual Toledo Weak Signals Expo. This year's expo will be April 1–3.
I will be there with the AMA contingency and floating around, meeting and speaking with District VII members and old friends, and attending a few meetings. If anyone would like to meet with me, stop by the booth and let them know to contact me so we can get together.
Technology and market trends
The ever-increasing technology of today, especially on the electric side of our hobby, is really interesting. The new crop of batteries being offered now is like night and day compared to what was available only a few years back.
The constant influx of ARFs with lighter airframes and engines is also exciting. The importation of airplanes, helicopters, motors, and gas engines has made our hobby a very competitively priced market. If you're in the market for equipment, shop around — you might end up with a sweetheart deal.
Preparing for the season
As a reminder of what spring and summer might look like, here are a few shots to whet our appetites for the upcoming flying season.
In the meantime, start checking your equipment now rather than at the field. Be prepared. You know the drill: safety is no accident. Practice it:
- at the field,
- on the highway,
- and at home.
Final thoughts
Till next time — fly safely, have fun, and get a youngster involved in modeling. It will be your legacy to our hobby. See you in Toledo.
C.A.V.U.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
