District VIII 2013/07

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www.ModelAviation.com July 2013 Model Aviation 143
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Last month we were in the middle of
proposed state legislation in Texas,
Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Arkansas.
Of those bills, only the one in Texas is
still moving forward. The other states
have finished their legislative sessions for
the spring and will not return until the
fall.
We have been lucky that these bills
have not limited our ability to operate
our models. But we are our own worst
enemy in that regard. Someone from
the hobby will likely do something that
attracts the national spotlight again.
Please spread the message that we as
aeromodelers should be careful of how
we represent ourselves in the news and
in online postings. All of our reputations
could be jeopardized if we are not
vigilant.
I attended the Austin Heli Fest April
5-7. The event garnered 101 pilots.
The 100th pilot was an older gentleman
named Lloyd who was working the event
for the club. When they hit 99 pilots, he
signed up to be the 100th.
Joe Doran was the CD and did an
outstanding job. Everyone learned
something new and what he or she could
do better next time around.
The event had many sponsors. Gaui’s
team and well-known pilot Curtis
Youngblood, conducted demonstrations.
Several hobby dealers were there selling
goods.
The Austin, Texas, club has a nice
field and we met many nice people.
One thing to note about this event is
that if you are having problems with
something, someone is always there to
help. A group I know from the Abilene
RC Society came and we set up next to
them for the weekend. We had a great
time and hope to make it back next year.
The last event on Saturday was drag
racing. And with the event done, some
backward inverted drags were in order. If
you have the Model Aviation app you can
see them.
Ray and Luis from the Abilene RC Society had fun
and helped those in need. Thanks, Ray and Luis!
Joe Doran receiving a Making a Difference award.
April 20-21 I visited members of the
Triple D RC Club of Dumas, Texas, and
went to the club’s fun-fly. The event
attracted 37 pilots and the weather was
outstanding. I was amazed that the wind
did not blow while I was there.
Cliff Town was the CD and did a great
job. He also serves as an associate vice
president for the Texas Panhandle. I saw
many members of the Amarillo club
and it was good to see them again. Cliff
had several events for everyone to try
throughout the weekend.
All of the events had good
participation. Johnny Cavitt won the
Top Gun Trophy and Cliff gave a
Making a Difference Award to Terry
Widick and Tim Trayler for the hard
work they do for the hobby and the club.
Johnny Cavitt holds the coveted Top Gun Trophy.
(From left) Terry Widick, Mark Johnston, Cliff
Town, and Tim Trayler. Tim and Terry received
Making a Difference awards.
The entire group at the field. Thanks to all!
Chase Lee getting help from Gail Nash.
Hope to see you all at the field!
Associate Vice Presidents: Bill Holland, Edmond OK; (405) 562-1327; Jim D Marshall, Alton TX; (956) 984-9474; Jon Martin, Rayne LA; (337) 783-2759; Jack Matlock,
Live Oak TX; (210) 413-4846; Brian Regan, Albuquerque NM; (505) 872-2661; [email protected]; Randy Ritch, Magnolia TX; (281) 701-3121; Bobby Smith, White
Oak TX; (903) 759-1905; [email protected]; Doug Staines, Belton TX; (254) 780-3512; Ron Stanfield, Maumelle AR; (501) 851-1697; Cliff Town, Dumas TX; (806) 935-3063;
[email protected]; Pat Willcox, Kingwood TX; (281) 358-1750. Frequency Coordinator: Gene Kent, Tomball TX; (281) 255-4805. AVP for Safety: Jim Rice, San Antonio
TX; (210) 657-6604; [email protected]. RC Contest Coordinator: Douglas E. Powell, Wichita Falls TX; (940) 691-8348; [email protected]. CL/FF Contest
Coordinator: Bill Lee, Chandler TX; (903) 852-5599; [email protected]. AMA Display Coordinator: David Johns, Deer Park TX; (281) 476-4820.
Mark Johnston
Vice President
District VIII—Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
[email protected]
6608 Beck Dr. NE, Albuquerque NM 87109
Tel.: (505) 823-0158;
www.amadistrict-viii.org
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