DECEMBER 2005 DISTRICT 1 REPORT:
Andy Argenio, District I Vice President

Despite the weather and rumors of cancellation, the AMA District I Fun-Fly & Air Show was a big hit with fliers and spectators.

ONE OF THE most important objectives for 2005 was having the AMA District 1 Fun-Fly & Air Show. I believe that district-sponsored events that bring members together for fun; flying, and friendship are the best way for AMA members to appreciate and recognize the value of the AMA beyond insurance

It is the intention of our team of district officers to use district funds to sponsor several events each year. Our first district-sponsored event was hosted by the Wachusett Barnstormers at the Gardner Airport in Gardner, Massachusetts, September 16-18.

We watched weather reports on hurricane Ophelia all week. Predictions in the Gardner area were for rain Friday, some showers Saturday, and clearing Sunday. CD Ed Faria found out that several clubs had reported that our event was cancelled by the FAA.

I recommend that any time there is a question regarding a sanctioned event, call the CD of the event before believing rumors contrary to the event write up. We will never know how many people failed to attend the event because of this rumor.

We arrived in Gardner at 9 a.m. on Friday, unpacked the trailer, and set up the AMA shade structure. The light rain stopped and by late afternoon we had 20 registered pilots and several motor homes and trailers parked in the lot. Friday’s attendance and flying activity was roughly what we expected.

Five of us found a nice restaurant for Friday night and made reservations for the district officers and guests for Saturday. Saturday was overcast with no wind or rain.

Things were looking good, people were showing up all morning, and by noon we had registered more than 45 pilots. The flight stations were active with pilots flying all types and sizes of aircraft.

We had a noon air show that started with a Pylon Racing demonstration performed by Pete Reed. It is exciting, to say the least, to see these small airplanes flying at speeds in excess of 180 mph. The second act featured some of New England’s finest Scale warbird builders and fliers doing formation flying and low strafing runs.

This was followed by a Tournament of Champions- (TOC) type aerobatic demonstration done to music and performed by Mitch Buckley flying a 33% Sukhoi. The noon show drew applauds and cheers from the enthusiastic crowd.

We had the district officers and guests out to dinner Saturday night. We had good food and everyone had a great time. Sunday turned out to be the nicest day with light winds, patchy clouds, and more pilots and spectators. We registered 62 pilots and 85 airplanes were either displayed or flown. One more act was added to our noon show. Eli Houayes flew his 44% Extra and performed 3-D flying at its best with smoke that will turn on any crowd.

The flight stations remained busy all day. At 1 p.m. we had the drawings for the raffles and the three-day event ended at 4 p.m.

Many in attendance took time out from their flying to come and talk to the district officers at the AMA area. Each of us received compliments on sponsoring a district event and that all AMA members and aircraft types were welcome to fly without any landing or parking fees. A number of people said they were pleased to see part of their dues being used for a good time and wanted to see more events like this in other parts of the district.

Having district officers present at events gives them an opportunity to conduct informal discussions about AMA concerns with the membership as well as among themselves. We talked about how we could better serve the membership, address the needs of the clubs within the district, and plan for future district events.

I want to thank Glenn Corless, president of Wachusett Barnstormers, and all of the club members—especially Jack and Mitch Buckley, Bob D’Angelo, Keith Swensen, Fran and Kyle Girouard, and the Gardner Municipal Airport Commission for the great site, food, impound, and running the flightline.

Thanks to all the district officers especially Ed Faria, Barry Schubert, James Gilliatt, and Steve Berhm who sold raffle tickets, registered pilots, and worked the AMA booth for three days.

If your club is interested in being considered for a 2006 district-sponsored event, please contact me.

Fun, flying, and friendship—that’s what it’s all about!