District VII - 2012/12

In reflecting on my first year as District
VII vice president, I can’t say enough
about the hospitality, kindness, and
words of encouragement I’ve received
from people as I traveled across the
district. I’m humbled and honored for
having the privilege to serve in this
position.
Although our enthusiasm for things
that fly was what first brought us to
aeromodeling, I’m convinced that
the camaraderie we share and the
friendships we make are the glue that
holds us all together.
Because they are just around the
corner, I wish you all a healthy and
happy holiday season. And if you get
that special gift you were hoping for, so
much the better. Again, thank you for a
great year.
The following comes to you from Ed
McIntosh of the Benzie Area Radio
Controllers (BARC). I had the pleasure
of attending this event this past summer
at Ed’s invitation and enjoyed a day of
beautiful weather and great flying.
The club is situated in the Grand
Traverse Bay-Crystal Lake area of
Michigan’s Northern Lower Peninsula.
If you find yourself in that part of the
district next year, you’d be hard-pressed
to find a better time or more beautiful
setting. I’ll let Ed tell you more about it.
The Benzie Area Radio Control
Club (BARC) held its 15th Annual Air
Show at the airport in Thompsonville,
Michigan, on August 25. I was invited
to attend, and was impressed with
the large turnout of AMA pilots
from many parts of Michigan. I had a
chance to meet many of them as the
day progressed, and the exchange of
comments was an added bonus for the
trip.
BARC’s Air Show is becoming more
popular every year. The club again
established a new record turnout; more
than 1,000 spectators enjoyed the show.
BARC members put on this annual
show as a fundraiser for the operation
of the airport, and in turn they enjoy
the use of those grounds throughout the
season as their home field. They also
host a major fun-fly at the same location
each spring.
The airport sports a new 2,900-foot
blacktop runway, which is a great draw
for visiting pilots, especially those with
jet-powered aircraft. The venue is wide
open with trees set well back, and
parking, both for pilots and guests, is
easily accommodated.
Because of the enormous amount of
land available, the air show is actually
two shows—one for fixed-wing models
and one for helicopters. Each group
enjoys its own airspace, pits, and
parking. Spectators can easily move
from one show to another.
The event was well organized and run
by a 14-member event management
team headed by BARC CD Edward
McIntosh and Fred Stafford, BARC
president. I witnessed several novel
show-control procedures, which
enhanced the safety of the program
and provided for easy enjoyment by
the guest pilots. They employed an
“orange paddle” system at the flightline,
raised by the spotter when his or her
pilot is about to take off or land his
or her aircraft. This is a great visual
communication idea for others with
airplanes in the air.
BARC maintains a computerized
database for all guest pilots, making
show registration quick and easy.
The registration desk also provides a
premade identification badge for each
pilot, enhancing identification, and
socializing of fliers among themselves
because they come from many parts
of the state and some are first-time
visitors. BARC provides guest pilots
with a free lunch.
Everyone had a great time with good
weather and a well-prepped field.