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

IT IS a well-known fact that our AMA modeling community attracts a higher percentage of its members from those who are or have been involved in some facet of full-scale aviation than from other vocations.

With this thought in mind, the Southern New Hampshire Flying Eagles R/C Club decided to set up an exhibitor’s booth at the Daniel Webster College (DWC) Aviation Heritage Festival, September 24-25, 2005.

DWC has long been distinguished as one of the nation’s leaders in professional aviation education. Its festival appeals to people of all ages and features up-close viewing of dozens of legendary aircraft from all eras, guest speakers, aerobatic flight demonstrations, military fly-bys, and airplane rides.

The Flying Eagles president Jay Francis and club member Norman Ellis organized the exhibit and with the help of other club members, they staffed the booth for the weekend. Norman sent me the following report.

The Flying Eagles’ booth at the Daniel Webster College Aviation Festival.

“The festival weekend was blessed with perfect weather and a huge crowd. We spoke with people from throughout New England and some from as far away as New York, Indiana, Michigan, and North Carolina.

“We had as many as five people working the booth daily answering questions about the AMA, RC flying, and club locations. We handed out more than 400 club business cards and AMA literature packs. We referred people to the AMA Web site and described to them how to search in the club locater page for a club near them.

“From the very young to very old, eyes would light up and big smiles would break out when they saw the scale models we had on display. On a local level, we have already seen the fruits of our labor with visitor activity and new membership.”

On behalf of AMA, I would like to thank the club and its members. This was a wonderful way to promote AMA membership growth and the $150 table fee will be paid from the AMA District I budget.

Ashuelot Valley Flyers president Scott Blair assembling his beautiful ¹/3-scale J-3 Cub.

The following float-fly event report was sent to us by Patrick Libby, District I associate vice president from Vermont.

“On September 25, 2005, the Ashuelot Valley Flyers held its annual fall float-fly in Keene, New Hampshire, at the Otter Brood Dam. The club’s president Scott Blair invited members of clubs in the area to attend what has become a must-not-miss event. I have been attending this meet for four years. I was hooked the first time I saw this beautiful, expansive lake-side site, especially with its colorful fall foliage and the wonderful hospitality of the local fliers.

“Mother Nature can be rather unforgiving in the Northeast this time of the year. In spite of the chilly, overcast day with some drizzle, the 14 registered pilots flew more than 20 Scale and Aerobatic aircraft including floatplanes, amphibious airplanes, and flying boats. Power sources ran the gamut from glow and gas to electric motors. All who attended had a great time and warmed themselves with free coffee and donuts, good conversation, and a noon speedboat demonstration.”

Steve Belletsky’s one-of-a-kind Swiss Cheese.

This is one of the locations being considered for a future AMA District I-sponsored float-fly. The Ashuelot Valley Flyers look forward to better weather next year and hope to see more attendance at this spectacular float-flying event. It’s all about fun, flying, and friendship.