District X—Arizona, California, Guam, Hawaii, Nevada, Utah
Lawrence Tougas — Vice President
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: Box 276, Fairfield, CA 94533
- Tel.: (707) 480-2053
- Website: www.ama10.org
One of the only upsides to the drought in the Western states is the extended flying season. It has been the driest January on record in Northern California, so we have been flying during what is traditionally building season.
The Woodland-Davis Aeromodelers (WDA) in Davis, California, decided to take advantage of the conditions. With the weather forecast looking promising, and December 7, 2014, falling on a Sunday, there was a call to arms via email to commemorate the attack on Pearl Harbor.
An impromptu warbird fly-in emerged. Pilots from across Northern California answered the call. Military aircraft representing all periods of flight — ranging from World War I biplanes to World War II heavy iron, and jets spanning the Korean conflict to the modern jet age — were on hand.
It was amazing how a simple email or post on a forum can light the fire for a group and, within a week, pull together quite an event. No awards, no spectators, and no frills — just a bunch of like-minded scale warbird enthusiasts getting together and having a great day flying and enjoying each other’s company.
Another wonderful event held every New Year’s Day at WDA is the annual Chili and Chilly. This event started with a local flier, John Hoppe, and his tradition to fly rain or shine every New Year’s Day, no matter what the conditions.
A few years back, the group was huddled in an RV trying to warm up and dry out while flying on New Year’s Day. Some discussion led to the idea that they should have a chili potluck social and try to make something out of this fun tradition. With that, Chili and Chilly was born.
The event now has people showing up and flying both during the day and on New Year’s Eve night. This year, eight RVs were on-site to ring in the New Year and fly through the night. The following day for New Year’s, there were roughly 35 pilots and countless kids, spouses, and friends in attendance.
This event has grown into one of the most popular at the WDA field. Members make the time to stop and visit on a casual day. Then there is the food — ah, the food — that goes on all day long.
With aircraft from all facets of the hobby on-site at one time, there is no limit to what can be seen. Examples include:
- RC jets
- Giant scale
- Park flyers
- Warbirds
- Electric aircraft
- Gas and glow-powered models
- Helicopters and quadcopters
- Sailplanes
- Control Line
These types are flown in different areas of the site, so there is no shortage of things to see and talk about with the fliers.
The dry weather made it quite the event this year; however, it always tends to be more interesting when the weather is less than cooperative. We will have to see what is in store for the group next year on New Year’s Day.
Newest Associate Vice President
Greg Stone is the newest District X associate vice president (AVP). He is an active modeler in Southern California and has served as an officer in both the Orange County R/C Club and the Orange County Modelers Association.
Like many of us, Greg’s love of modeling was passed down from his father and today he enjoys it with his son. Greg has worked with the Boy Scouts developing an Aviation Merit Badge program and volunteers to assist high school students with the Science Olympiad. He will be a great addition to our ranks. Please join me in welcoming him aboard.
My thanks go to Forrest Barton for his contributions to this month’s column. Until next month, may you have nothing but happy landings.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
