Education Through Aviation - 2011/04

April 2011 143
I’VE JUST RETURNED from enjoying a
great time with some men who believe that
“if you build it, they’ll come.” They believe
that providing hands-on educational
opportunities are priceless. They believe that
Education through Aviation is a reality.
I’m referring to Abe Schwartz and Gene
Turner. Gene is a longtime real estate
developer who became extremely successful
in Florida, but also disenchanted. Following
a move to Arizona and New Mexico a few
years ago, and after completing a number of
successful developments in both states,
Gene developed a new hobby: astronomy!
After all, he’s located in the best place in the
world to stargaze.
One telescope led to another, and before
he knew it, it was his passion. Recently,
model rocketry caught his eye, and so did an
individual: AMA member Abe Schwartz.
Abe is an interesting character,
knowledgeable of so many things, and in
addition to being an astronomy nut himself,
he loves model aviation.
Gene Turner knew nothing about model
aviation; however, he loves astronomy so
much that he purchased 7,000 acres and is
developing museums, RV facilities, a
planetarium, privately owned observation
buildings for personal telescopes,
aerospace educational facilities, a wind
tunnel, dormitory facilities for kids to
attend camps, and lakes for ornithology
studies.
Abe said, “Hey, what about model
aviation?” And so it began.
Abe, as only Abe can, relentlessly stayed
on Gene and the development project to
make sure model aviation would be
included. Gene and his crew developed two
crossing runways on what is right now a
blank canvas of about 650 acres, and will
someday be one of the finest model aviation
facilities in the west.
I had the pleasure of attending the
facility’s ribbon-cutting ceremony and
spending two days with these men, the
construction crews, and their families. We
were warmly welcomed and allowed to have
a major AMA presence. District VIII
Associate Vice President Mark Johnston and
his buddy Brian Regan kindly drove down
from Albuquerque with a greatly diverse
stable of aircraft, including a helicopter.
Model flying was a huge hit and it was in
front of all the right people. Any question I
asked, Gene would simply say, “Whatever
you want, just tell me what it is.” Abe would
chime in, “See, just ask for it!”
I would like to connect Tony Stillman,
the AMA Flying Site Coordinator, with
Gene and watch what happens. Gene Turner
and Abe Schwartz have an amazing passion
for sharing STEM (Science, Technology,
Engineering and Mathematics) opportunities
with learners of all ages through a number of
different, yet related, disciplines.
They are putting a lot on the line to make
this huge project happen. I want to thank the
entire Granite Gap team for the privilege of
being a part of the ribbon cutting and
allowing us to present model aviation to so
many influential individuals in the world of
astronomy and rocketry.
Gene and Abe make a formidable team;
they believe in what they’re doing, have an
amazing passion for the sky, and can’t wait
to include model aviation in their project.
Education through Aviation? Yes….
“Believe you can and you’re halfway
there?” Absolutely!
Camp AMA will kick off its first session
this summer. This camp is for kids 13-18
and is not for beginners. We’re looking
forward to having the 10 best helicopter and
fixed-wing aerobatic young pilots we can
find.
They will arrive on Sunday, June 5.
That’s also the day of finals for XFC, so
what a great way to get their session started!
Our young guns will then spend June 6-9
with the very best competitors we have,
including Kyle Stacy and a major surprise
fixed-wing pilot ... stay tuned!
Housing will be at Ball State University
and transportation by the Muncie Indiana
Transit System (MITS). There will be daily
short courses on aerodynamics, model setup,
“how to think like a winner,” and there will
be lots of flying!
Follow MA and AMA Today, watch your
e-mail, and check www.modelaircraft.org
for more details!
By the time this issue hits your homes, the
thoughts of spring, warm days, and great
times flying will be swirling in your head.
Take a moment to review the basics of really
doing a preflight on your airplanes and
thoroughly inspect all of your equipment.
Just because it’s been fine for the last few
years, only means that it’s getting close.
Fly and have fun!
Education Through Aviation Bill Pritchett | [email protected]
“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.”
5161 E. Memorial Dr.
Muncie IN 47302
(765) 287-1256, ext. 515
[email protected]
—Theodore Roosevelt
Gene Turner, District VIII AVP Mark Johnston, Brian Regan, and Bill Pritchett at the Granite
Gap, New Mexico, ribbon-cutting ceremony.