AUGUST 2006 DISTRICT 1 REPORT:
Andy Argenio, District I Vice President

IT’S TUESDAY, May 16, 2006, at 6 a.m. and the crew of Ed Faria, Barry Shubert, Steve Brehm, David Villiard, George Andoscia, and I are ready to leave behind New England’s weeks of rain for the 925mile trip to South Carolina and the world’s premiere RC event: Joe Nall.

Barry’s trailer was hitched to the Brands Hobby Hummer and was packed the night before with three airplanes: the 35% Extra for main field flying, a 25% Cub on floats for the pond, and an electric Ultra MiniStick with digital spread spectrum (DSS) for night and DSS field flying.

Four of us rode in the Hummer and two in Steve’s car. We decided to take turns driving the 16 hours straight through. What it cost for gas at 10 miles per gallon was offset by the complimentary hotel rooms provided by Barry. We drove the scenic mountain route and with plenty of snacks on board, good conversation, and laughter we arrived in South Carolina at 10:30 p.m.

This was my third trip to Nall and it is true when they say the facility, the people, and the flying just get better each year. The first-timers in our group to Triple-Tree Aerodrome were in awe of everything from the tremendous flying to the world-class facility. It is one thing for me to be expounding the virtues of Nall in photos and stories but quite another for my friends to experience the happenings firsthand.

During the four days in paradise, we shared the airplanes and flew off the pond, the main runway, and the new designated area for DSS flying. This event gives the average RC enthusiast a chance to fly, talk, and receive answers to questions from the pros.

What I enjoy most is being able to see some of the new aircraft and the soon-to-bereleased aircraft being flown by the team and factory representatives.

Ray LaBonte (L) District I associate vice president and composite ARF sales representative shows me some new airplanes.
This is where to get a glimpse at what’s going to happen in the world of RC, whether the products are in the vendor area or being flown at the flying site.

We all attended the AMA membership meeting on Friday night followed by the barbeque of pork, smoked chicken, shrimp, and beer. While eating we were entertained with live music from a bluegrass band.

We reluctantly packed the trailer and began the journey home Saturday afternoon. This time we stopped for a last dinner together and one night’s sleep in a hotel before finishing the drive on Sunday.

Thanks to Pat Hartness, his family, and friends for their exceptional hospitality and the use of the best RC facility in the world.

We look forward to 2007 and the coming together of this diverse group where a blue-collar worker, CEO, beginner, expert, young, and old can share the passion and camaraderie of flying at Joe Nall.