District VIII - 2012/08

There is a change of associate vice
presidents (AVPs) in District VIII. Jack
Hogan, who has served us well as the
North and East Texas AVP, asked me
to find a replacement so he could slow
down and enjoy his hobby.
Jack has set an example for other
district officers with his innovative
and energetic style. I had him do a
presentation during a training session
a couple of years ago to share his ideas
and techniques with all others in the
district. I enjoyed his efforts and truly
cherished his friendship throughout the
years.
I convinced an old friend, who used
to live nearby, and who had served as
an officer in my local club, to step up
and replace Jack. Bobby Smith moved
to East Texas several years ago. When
I was looking for a replacement, he
immediately came to mind. This is what
he had to say about his experience with
modeling:
“I have been involved in modeling
since I was eight years old. I started
with Comet and Guillow’s Rubber
FF models and later got into CL and
pursued that avenue until the mid-
1970s when I was given a radio set by a
friend and started RC.
“I served 26 years in the Air Force
as an Avionics Specialist and 20 years
in the same job as a Department of
Defense civil servant. I look forward
to serving the AMA and District VIII
and trying to advance the cause of
modeling.”
When you see either of these fine
gentlemen, tell them thanks for their
volunteer service and shake their hands!
One of our local youngsters was invited
to Top Gun to conduct a noontime
demo flight for the spectators and
competitors. Brian Strachan, who is
15, started flying with us when he was
eight years old and has developed into a
fine pilot in both Freestyle to music and
AMA Pattern.
Chuck Hochhalter took time off work
to drive Brian to Florida and pit/spot for
him during his superb demonstrations.
Benny Behrens, Leader Member in the
Houston area, sent in a photo of the
Alvin RC club taken in May on the
day the club had an event scheduled.
The night before, they had near-record
rainfall and the field had a foot of water
standing at event time.
By the time they got pictures taken,
the water had gone down but you
can tell it was still pretty deep. They
rescheduled the event and asked for
better weather.Charles Castaing, Leader Member from
New Iberia, Louisiana, told me about
a Sailplane event at his club that was
restricted to Radian electric-powered
gliders, each fitted with a motor cut-off
system set to 100 meters altitude. Ryan
Gonsulin was the CD and all pilots had
a great time.
They plan more of these events in the
future. Sounds like good fun with an
equalizer in the cutoff.
I attended the Joe Nall fly-in and ran
into more District VIII members than
ever before. It was a record crowd and
again was well organized and run by the
Triple Tree event staff. This year they
even had CL circles.
Everyone should attend this event at
least once. It just gets better every year.
Thanks, Pat Hartness!
Have fun and fly safely! See you on the
flightline.