District X - 2010/07
Finding and keeping flying sites
Finding and keeping flying sites is possibly the most important issue for us modelers. I have known good clubs that have lost their flying fields for any number of reasons—some theirs, some not.
Although much of the information I'm going to write was published in your District X newsletter, I wanted to make sure as many of you as possible are aware of what I am doing about this.
I am gathering as much information as I can about how clubs obtained their flying fields—where they got them, what they went through to get them, and who helped them. I will collect as many positive letters or articles as possible on clubs' relationships with city, state, or federal land managers; on private property arrangements; on wetlands; and on co-existence with wildlife. The AMA already has such a database. I am adding to it and obtaining new, fresh articles to give to clubs to take to these agencies to help them attain or keep their flying site.
Imagine a group or club going to a city office and asking for a place to fly that has wildlife living on it. The members bring nothing but themselves and a desire to fly. Another club does the same thing, but brings five or six letters from other cities in the area that have good relations with a flying club, plus five or six letters of recommendation from various wildlife agencies or letters documenting studies where clubs and modelers have co-existed with wildlife. Which group is going to have the best chance of success?
How you can help
Work with me for the benefit of all modelers; together we can improve our chances of success. Please send me anything you have, or write it yourself if you did it. If your club has a good relationship with your landlord or a wildlife agency, ask for a letter of recommendation.
You can contact me any time with questions or to just talk modeling.
Dawn Patrol Fly-In (Gilman Springs RC Flyers)
The following event report was sent by Bob Estrella, secretary of the Gilman Springs RC Flyers of Moreno Valley, California. The club members had a great time and a great turnout.
Dawn Patrol Fly-In: The Gilman Springs RC Flyers held their second annual Dawn Patrol Fly-In at Killeen Field on Saturday, April 3, 2010. This very popular all–World War I model event was well attended, with 40 pilots and 50 models participating.
Models ranged from giant-scale gas models to small electrics. It was a truly awesome display of WWI models. Seeing these beautiful models in flight took one back in time to the days of the actual WWI Dawn Patrols. Most of the aircraft were very high-quality scale models.
Four awards were given:
- First place
- Second place
- Third place
- People's Choice (determined by a vote of pilots and spectators after viewing all of the models)
We thank our judges: Skip Shaw, Mike Stone, and Darrell Ivie for selecting the outstanding place-winning models.
Food was available for purchase during the lunch break:
- Hamburgers
- Hot dogs
- Potato salad
- Chili
- Chips
- Soda
Thanks to Bob Jones, kitchen chairman, and Mike Wheel, kitchen crew, for serving up a great lunch. The hamburgers, hot dogs, and chili were outstanding.
A large raffle with many valuable prizes was held after the lunch break. Thanks to Darrell Ivie for his efforts in rounding up all those great prizes.
Thank you to our contest director (CD), Mike Stone, and all of the participants in this very successful event. Participants came from a dozen other clubs—local clubs and groups from as far away as:
- Arizona
- Modesto
- Pomona
- Castaic
- Antelope Valley
- Miramar
- Channel Island
Thanks to our members who worked hard preparing for and conducting the event.
A video taken at the event by one of the attendees can be seen on YouTube at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFT0UyOn2vk. There are also many additional photos posted on the RC Universe forum under "Aircraft, RC Scale Aircraft, Gilman Springs RC Flyers Dawn Patrol Fly-In."
Until next month ... remember, you can contact me any time with questions or to just talk modeling.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
