District VIII—Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
Jim Rice
Vice President
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: 4810 El Gusto, San Antonio, TX 78233
- Tel.: (210) 213-0299
- Website: www.amadistrict-viii.org
Big Bird Fly-In (San Antonio Prop Busters)
I attended the Big Bird Fly-In put on by the San Antonio Prop Busters. It was the first such event the club has run in several years, mostly because of the loss of its primary field and the development of a new, smaller field.
William Wuest was the contest director (CD) and the well-run event had perfect weather conditions. Twenty pilots registered and everyone won a drawing prize. Humberto Perez amazed the crowd with his terrific 3‑D flying, and the food was outstanding.
I hope this is the return of this Big Bird event to our schedule for many years to come!
Visit to Wichita Falls — Doug "Chief" Powell
On the way to Weatherford, Oklahoma, Jack Matlock and I stopped in Wichita Falls to visit Doug "Chief" Powell and his wife, Jean. I told him I wanted to take them to supper for all the great work he has done over the years, but when we got there, Jean had made a chicken spaghetti casserole that was outstanding.
We enjoyed the food and drink and toured their renovated home and Chief's workshop. Then I surprised him with a Distinguished Service Award plaque for all of his years as an associate vice president (AVP) and a MAD certificate for all he does for AMA and as District VIII's RC contest coordinator. What a great modeling couple and gracious hosts!
Weatherford Event — Petromat Runway Celebration
We made it to Weatherford Friday night in time for a power walk from the hotel to Braum's Ice Cream and back — you know Jack and I are fitness fanatics.
We arrived Saturday at the flying field to a nice group of folks and a stiff breeze. By the end of our stay I would estimate there were more than 30 pilots, 100 aircraft (helis, fixed wing, turbine, gas, glow, and electric), probably in excess of 120 cars, and many spectators thanks to the good advertising campaign leading up to the event.
The mayor and state representative were there for the noontime introduction of VIPs and sponsors, and the good food was ably prepared by the president's wife and kitchen crew.
The event celebrated the completion of the club's new Petromat runway, which was funded by the city. Demonstration flights of turbine airplanes and heli and fixed‑wing 3‑D routines entertained the crowd.
The runway is beautiful and the site well manicured. As you drive in, you face a farm of wind turbines less than half a mile away. Those things indicate that some scientist believes there will be wind across that hilltop — and there was!
I started flying CL, FF, and single‑channel RC in Oklahoma, so I was able to cope with it. I presented MAD certificates to the club's board of officers as well.
This kind of month is what makes being a district vice president enjoyable: great folks, good flying, and support from local leadership.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
