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.
At the fall Executive Council meeting, June 15-21, 2014, was announced as the dates 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 RC to youths ages 13-19.
Students’ skills range from beginner to advanced. It’s a wonderful opportunity for the kids to learn and share their modeling interests and to make new friends from across the country. Fees for the camp include all meals and lodging, and camp participants are fully chaperoned from arrival to departure by AMA staff.
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 Jessica Symmes or email [email protected] no later than March 1, 2014. For more information on Camp AMA, visit www.amaflightschool.org.
The only thing flying around here now is mostly snow, so please take a moment to enjoy this report from last summer’s activities in Bemidji, Minnesota. Thanks to Fred Sanford and the Paul Bunyan RC Flyers for contributing the article and photos.
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. It was held at Moberg Air Base Airport, in Bemidji, which features a full-scale landing strip and seaplane ramp on Grassy Lake. This is an ideal site for model seaplanes and land-based model aircraft.
The grass runway is mowed short for our models and the concrete seaplane ramp has a dock for our retrieval boat. Two hangars with electricity provide plenty of space for overnight aircraft storage and shelter and for visiting pilots and their families. There is plenty of room for motor homes, camping trailers, and tents behind the flightline. Some arrive early to visit and fly with regular attendees before the Saturday and Sunday event begins.
Pilots routinely attend from several states and Canada. Moberg’s Airbase is close to motels, restaurants, and major retailers, so there is plenty to do in addition to flying.
Lunch is also available both days to pilots and spectators. Saturday evening’s meal is a Texas barbecue, which is a Water and Wheels tradition. The meal is included in the landing fee and features beef brisket with all the fixings.
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 WW II survivor!
Shortly after our event, AirCorps was presented with the EAA Post WW II 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 about this unique company is available on its website at www.aircorpsaviation.com.
District VII Associate Vice President 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.
