District VIII
Dr. Sandy Frank, District VIII Vice President; [email protected]
- Arkansas
- Louisiana
- New Mexico
- Oklahoma
- Texas
Soon we will be changing the calendar to 2006. It is my hope that this New Year will 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.
Cowtown International Miniature Aircraft Club (IMAC) Challenge
On September 17–18, 2005, at Benbrook Lake, Texas, the Cowtown IMAC Challenge was held at Thunderbird Field. The contest director was Rick Byrd (2544 Creekwood Ln., Fort Worth, TX 76123; (817) 291-7752 (day); (817) 294-2048 (evening); Email: [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.
Albuquerque Radio Control Club — 50th Anniversary Fly-In and Air Show
During Labor Day weekend 2005, our District VIII RC Contest Coordinator and Associate Vice President, Doug "Chief" Powell, and his wife Jean attended the following modeling event. Chief took all of the accompanying photos. 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 at more than 2,000.
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
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
