District VIII - 2006/01

January 2006 167
SOON we will be changing the calendar to
2006. It is my hope that this New Year be
even more joyous and productive than 2005.
To one and all, may the happiness of this
season—the building season—be with you
and yours. Wishing you light breezes and
happy landings.
For a long time I used the following phrase
in this column: AMA is the glue that bonds
modelers together. I am firmly convinced that
now, more than ever, this is a fact.
Our hobby/sport is changing faster than
ever. Each month as I open this publication
and read it, there seems to be a pace of change
within aeromodeling that is delightful to
behold and difficult to even keep up with!
But now more than ever, the united voice
of modeling is needed to stand tall and present
our activity to the nation and the world. Yes,
now more than ever, AMA is the glue that
bonds modelers together.
On September 17-18, 2005 at Benbrook
Lake, Texas, the Cowtown International
Miniature Aircraft Club (IMAC) Challenge
was held at Thunderbird Field. The CD was
Rick Byrd (2544 Creekwood Ln., Fort Worth
TX 76123; [817] 291-7752 [day]; [817] 294-
2048 [eve.]; E-mail [email protected].)
Plaques were awarded, first through third
place, in each of the events including
Freestyle. J, S, and O were combined. These
photos are from this great event.
During Labor Day weekend 2005 our
District VIII RC Contest Coordinator and
associate vice president, Doug “Chief” Powell
and his dear wife Jean attended the following
modeling event. Chief took all of the
accompanying photos and the report is
courtesy of Chuck Andraka who served as the
event director.
“The Albuquerque Radio Control Club
(ARCC) celebrated its 50th year in existence
with its 50th annual Fly-In and Air Show. The
event was held at the city-owned flying site,
which also has been in operation for 50 years!
“Mayor Martin J. Chavez of Albuquerque,
a metro area approaching one million in
population, addressed the event and received
an AMA District VIII Historic Field
commendation from AMA Vice President Dr.
Sandy Frank. Mayor Chavez and his
administration have continued to be strong
supporters of the sport and the airfield.
“The event drew 70 pilots and more than
300 airplanes from throughout the large state
despite record gasoline prices. The landmark
anniversary caught the attention of local press,
so spectator attendance was phenomenal—
estimated to be more than 2000.
“Sandy worked the crowd, promoting our
hobby to eager visitors. His example in
promoting the hobby was an inspiration to all.
Hobbies n Stuff, a fine local shop, set up a
booth and donated all profits from sales to the
Katrina Relief Fund, raising nearly $3,000.
“The flying site and club were established
in 1955 by scientists from Sandia National
Laboratories, who helped pioneer early
advances in radio-control technology. Frank
Hoover, the ‘F’ in F&M Electronics,
developed one of the earliest proportional
radio systems here.
“The ARCC works closely with the city of
Albuquerque to maintain, schedule, and
upgrade the public facility. The Airpark is one
of the most heavily used parks in the city’s
system.”
SANE: Safe Aeromodeling is No accidEnt !
Dr. Sandy Frank.
Associate Vice Presidents
Buzz Averill, Albuquerque NM;
(505) 298-6870
Lester L. Barry, Bethany OK;
(405) 789-5373
Max Blose, Waco TX;
(254) 662-5587
Bill Fulmer, Gretna LA;
(504) 392-3620
Bill Lee, Chandler TX;
(903) 852-5599
Jim D. Marshall, Mission TX;
(956) 585-6446
Douglas E. Powell, Wichita
Falls TX; (940) 691-8348
Jim Rice, Universal City TX;
(210) 945-8221
Ron Stanfield, Maumelle AR;
(501) 851-1697
Charles Stevens, Pasadena TX;
(713) 473-4995
Frequency Coordinator
North: Joe DuMond, Ft.
Worth TX; (817) 457-6685
South: Gene Kent, Tomball
TX; (281) 255-4805
AMA Display Coordinator
Karen Hopkins, Arlington TX;
(817) 467-9211
D i s t r i c t V I I I Volunteers
District VIII
Dr. Sandy Frank, District VIII Vice President; [email protected]
Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas