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

REMEMBER WHEN we would have to wear thermal underwear, layers of clothing, gloves, use lighter fluid to help start engines, keep battery packs warm, and freeze our fannies off just to fly a few flights on a “good” winter day in New England?

Times have changed. We can now fly in comfortable indoor buildings and homes because of technological developments during the last several years in electric-powered flight. Small aircraft that fly much the same as their larger counterparts and weigh less than a pound, powered with Li-Poly brushless motors, have made the sport of indoor flying popular.

Flight simulators have given us another way to fly and improve skills when we can’t be at the flying site. The new simulators utilize digitized real images and offer exact control inputs for realistic flying. They are 3D capable for doing harriers, waterfalls, flat spins, and torque rolls in the hands of an experienced pilot. Project the simulation on a 12-foot screen and you will be fighting about who gets to fly next.

Steve Brehm, the district newsletter editor, provided the write-up and photos on the electric fly-in in Massachusetts.

“On Saturday, March 25, from 7 a.m. until 11 a.m., a hearty group of 12 AMA members showed up to fly their electric helicopters in the Attleboro YMCA gym. All of the popular helicopters including T-Rex, Shogun, HeliMax 400, EFlight CP/CX, and mini Microns were in attendance and flown.”

“The pilots took positions around the perimeter of the gym and flew in a flight-box pattern directly in front of themselves, skillfully avoiding each other’s zones. The high ceilings and expansive area made for great fun for all. The YMCA staff watched, expressed their enjoyment, and invited us to use the gym again.”

Bob Wallace, the Connecticut district associate vice president, sent the following information and the above photo.

“The MassConn Indoor Aeromodelers, and anyone else who is interested, is welcome to come and fly or just watch the fun on the last Tuesday of the month during winter and early spring at the Bethany Lutheran Church gym in East Hartland, Connecticut.
“Most of the models flown are rubber-powered, calm-air types; however, RC helicopters and micro-flight aircraft are well represented, too. Any modeler interested in becoming involved should stop by at one of the sessions or check the Web site at http://MassConn.org. “

The outdoor flying season is beginning so please check all of your equipment and aircraft and replace those batteries that are more than three years old.

Until next time, fly safely, have fun, and introduce a friend to aeromodeling.