Hello again, everyone. As of this July 1 writing, as I’m sure most have you have heard by now, we’ve had a very disappointing development in the FAA’s interpretation of the Special Rule for Model Aircraft.
Although the executive committee and Headquarters staff have already sent along their strong objections in response to the FAA’s position, additional information and strategies are being formulated to be passed along to clubs and members. Be assured that everyone involved at AMA is working hard to resolve this.
My message to all of you is to continue as you have. Fly safely, responsibly, and observe the AMA Safety Code at all times.
Now on to more pleasant topics. I’ve managed to keep myself busy so far this year attending events and visiting clubs. As I mentioned in last month’s column, District VII fared well in securing Flying Site Development Improvement Grants this year. Check out the photos of a few of the check presentations. I’ll have more next month.
Before I hand this off for our event report, I want to remind everyone that you should soon receive your election ballots. This year, the office of executive vice president, and several other districts vice presidents, including District VII, will be on the ballot. Please take a moment to fill out your ballots and send them in.
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Here are the pictures I have awarding the Wright Flyers club its field grant from the AMA.
In the first picture (L-R) are Tim Jesky; Mark Robotti, District VII associate vice president (AVP); Jeff Nelson, club safety officer; Joel Dirnberger, club president; Leo Davids, club secretary; and Bud Gorman, District VII AVP.
In the second picture, the field is almost ready to apply the new matt.
Third picture is the club shelter. All pictures taken by Jean Davids, club newsletter editor.
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Tim Jesky presents the Flying Pilgrims its grant check.
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Wisconsin AVP Bruce Baier presents a grant check to the president of the Rainbow Aero Modelers Society.
The following text and photos came from Matt Komar of the Signal Seekers R/C Club, of Westland, Michigan.
Beautiful, clear skies over Metro Detroit provided a perfect backdrop on June 22 as the Signal Seekers R/C Club held its fifth annual Airshow for Autism.
The concession stand was ready with hot and cold summer favorites. Donated raffle prizes were stacked high, waiting to go home with a newly hooked modeler. Club members and local guest pilots filled the flightline with gorgeous models, as hundreds of visitors filed into the spectator areas for a show. Pilots thrilled onlookers throughout the four-hour event, showcasing our hobby’s variety in breathtaking fashion.
In 2011, our club began working with Burger School for Students with Autism in Garden City, Michigan. Cindy Crosby, a teacher there and a friend of club president Scott Paschen, introduced our hobby and club to students through hands-on activities during the school year. Getting to know these students made it an easy decision for our club to raise funds for this great local cause. Since then, our club has used its annual public event to generate autism awareness, while exposing others to the world of model aviation.
Highlights of this year’s event included extreme aerobatic flights by Chris Hass and Ashleigh Heath; 3-D helicopter flying by A.J. Jaffe, Jeff Orta, and Sang Un Lee; CL precision aerobatics by Bob McDonald; T-28 Pylon Racing; fixed-wing and helicopter turbine demonstrations; World War II warbird reenactment; multirotor and airplane FPV; and a candy drop from John Shoemaker’s 40% Hempel Cub.
A big thank you goes to all of our sponsors, volunteers, and pilots for putting together a stellar show.
Through all of their dedication and hard work, we met our 2014 fundraising goal of $1,500![dingbat]
[Picture 1]
The crowded flightline.
[Picture 2]
Chris Hass flies his PAU 100cc Extra 300.
[Picture 3]
Sang Un Lee flies his Align T-Rex 700N.
[Picture 4]
Kids run after the candy that was dropped from John Shoemaker’s aircraft.
[Picture 5]
Dave Fenrich shows some young passengers FPV.
[Picture 7]
Bob McDonald performs his routine.
If I had to pick four pictures I would choose 1, 2, 3 and 5 but I left that up to you and the space/layout that you are working with that would show up best.