Author: Tim Jesky
Edition: Model Aviation - 2014/07
Page Numbers: 139

District VII—Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin

Vice President

I want to thank the district members who stopped by at the Toledo Expo. In addition to catching up on the latest in the industry and seeing some incredibly well-built models, the Toledo Expo has always been a place for me to catch up with old friends and make a few new ones. I'm happy to report that 2014 was no different.

I wanted to pass along some significant achievements by District VII clubs and members. Of the 32 clubs awarded Field Improvement Grants nationwide, District VII accounted for eight. The grants were for the full amounts applied for.

Another achievement in the district goes to Eric Gilkey, winner of the top Charles Hampson Grant Scholarship. Eric comes from an aeromodeling family and is active in the hobby.

The Best in Show winner in the Toledo Expo's static model competition was George Maiorana and his stunning C-133A Cargo Master. George hails from the metropolitan Detroit area. My congratulations go out to all.

Don't forget National Model Aviation Day on August 16. Clubs and individuals wishing to participate can register at nationalmodelaviationday.org or contact Mandee Mikulski at (800) 435-9262, extension 277.

Michigan Associate Vice President — Noel Hunt

Noel Hunt shared the following information from events he attended.

Winter months for many AMA members in the northern states are a time to go to the workshop. It's a time to deal with summer's infractions against the law of gravity and create new airframes to defy it.

But for some, the desire to fly is just too strong. Then we discover a new RC flying experience: flying off snow. New Year's is a great excuse for clubs to gather at the field. The Skymasters held their annual New Year's Eve Krazy Snow Fly. This year there was relatively little flying because of the temperature and the wind, but the members enjoyed the gathering.

A core group of two dozen members continue to enjoy flying throughout the winter. If the snow on the field gets rough, they sometimes drag a piece of lumber behind a vehicle to smooth it out for flying.

The Radio Control Club of Detroit (RCCD) constructs a temporary enclosed shelter late in the fall to facilitate winter flying. The club gathers every New Year's Day to see who will be the first member to fly that year—and hopefully not the first to crash. A potluck spread and the shelter provide a way to extend the morning despite the cold.

Members of the Pontiac Miniature Aircraft Club (PMAC) got together for a Snow Fly later in January. Aircraft with skis or floatplanes ruled the day, doing cool touch-and-gos in the deep, fluffy powder. EDFs got a snoot full of snow in their intakes when they landed. PMAC held an Ice Fly with a model boat club in February, as the frigid temperatures continued.

I'm glad I'm not the only crazy one. If you have not tried it, consider these tips:

  • Dress warmly.
  • Wear thin, soft gloves so you can feel the sticks.
  • Find a buddy to join you for safety.
  • Leave the workshop for a couple of hours and give it a try.

Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.