District VII 2014/01
Happy New Year, everyone! Here's hoping we all were good boys and girls and that your gift wishes were answered. When I was a youngster, all the kids' mothers in the neighborhood would remind us that if we didn't behave the only gift we'd find under the tree would be a lump of coal wrapped in an old shoebox. If your memory goes back that far, the hair color listed on your driver's license is probably gray.
Camp AMA — June 15–21, 2014
At the fall Executive Council meeting, the dates June 15–21, 2014 were announced for Camp AMA. AMA's Education Department holds the annual event at the National Flying Site in Muncie, Indiana. The camp typically features world-class pilots and AMA Youth Ambassadors RJ Gritter, Nick Maxwell, and Andrew Jesky teaching flight instruction, setup, and other aspects of R/C to youths ages 13–19.
- Students' skills range from beginner to advanced.
- Fees include all meals and lodging.
- Camp participants are fully chaperoned from arrival to departure by AMA staff.
- It's a wonderful opportunity for kids to learn, share their modeling interests, and make new friends from across the country.
For more information on Camp AMA, visit www.amaflightschool.org.
Camp AMA scholarship for District VII
As part of my commitment to Camp AMA, I will sponsor a lucky girl or boy from District VII to attend this year's camp. To be considered, please describe in 250 words or less why you would like to attend.
- Entries should be sent to AMA Headquarters to the attention of Jessy Symmes or emailed to [email protected].
- Deadline: March 1, 2014.
Water and Wheels Fun Fly — Bemidji, Minnesota
The Paul Bunyan R/C Flyers of Bemidji held its fifth annual Water and Wheels Fun Fly July 27–28. The event is billed as northern Minnesota's largest float-fly and was held at Moberg Air Base Airport in Bemidji, which features a full-scale landing strip and a seaplane ramp on Grassy Lake. This is an ideal site for model seaplanes and land-based model aircraft.
Event site features:
- Short-mowed grass runway for models.
- Concrete seaplane ramp and a dock for the retrieval boat.
- Two hangars with electricity for overnight aircraft storage, shelter, and visiting pilots.
- Plenty of room for motor homes, camping trailers, and tents behind the flightline.
- Close proximity to motels, restaurants, and major retailers.
- Lunch available both days; Saturday evening features a Texas barbecue (included in the landing fee) with beef brisket and all the fixings.
Pilots routinely attend from several states and Canada. Some arrive early to visit and fly with regular attendees before the event begins.
AirCorps Aviation tour
As part of this year's event, attendees toured AirCorps Aviation, one of the country's premier World War II warbird restoration facilities. AirCorps is currently restoring a P-51 Mustang, "Sierra Sue," an authentic WWII survivor. Shortly after our event, AirCorps was presented with the EAA Post WWII Reserve Grand Champion award in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, for its restoration of a Harvard 4 trainer. Tours are available throughout the year on Friday afternoons. More information is available at www.aircorpsaviation.com.
Notes and looking ahead
- District VII Associate Vice President (AVP) Bud Gorman is a regular attendee at our fun-fly. Bud is retired from his day job, so look for him at your events!
- Plan to attend next year's Water and Wheels Fun Fly, which will be held July 26–27, 2014.
For more information about this event and our club, The Paul Bunyan R/C Flyers, visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pages/Paul-Bunyan-RC-Flyers/92090452242.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
