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

IN MID-FEBRUARY, I attended the AMA Strategic Planning meeting. This meeting was only the beginning of the process to identify and explore areas of focus for short- and long-term goals.

The goals discussed will be evaluated by the executive committee and staff and plans will be formulated to accomplish the objectives. I will provide more specific information on the District I Web site as it becomes available.

I had the opportunity and pleasure to meet and talk with many District I members at the AMA booth during the Westchester Radio Aero Modelers (WRAM) Show in White Plains, New York last three days of February. Discussion revolved around plans to have two district-sponsored events sometime in September—one event on land and the other a float-fly.

During March and April we will be looking at possible sites that could accommodate these district events.

I am pleased to announce the two newest members of the District I team. Ray LaBonte is the best choice as an associate vice president (AVP) from Maine and Les Watson has been named the District Safety Coordinator.

Bob Wallace has served as an AVP representing Connecticut for more than 20 years. For those who haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Bob, I have asked him to tell us a little about himself.

“My name is Bob Wallace and I will be continuing as an AVP, representing Connecticut. I am retired and have been involved in aeromodeling since age 7 with 50 years of competitive flying. I have been a contributing editor for RC Model Magazine for 27 years.

I am an AMA Leader Member and CD and I serve on the AMA RC Combat Contest Board. While I was Team Manager for the 1987 US FAI Pylon Racing Championships in Australia, the team finished 1-2-3. In 1999 I was the RCCA 2105 Scale Combat Champion. I have traveled to Europe on more than 30 occasions to compete in FAI Pylon and ¹/12Scale Combat.

“I will continue to attend events throughout the district and if you have issues, questions, or need assistance, please contact me.”

The first of what promises to be weekly indoor flying sessions was held at the Sports World Dome in East Windsor, Connecticut, on Friday, January 14, 2005. Bob Wallace provided the photos and story about this northern Connecticut indoor flying site.

Frank Nys (R) answers questions abouthis Doodle Bug that is powered with GWSIPS motor and a lithium 200 mAh battery.(L to R) Dell Major, George Gore, and BobSpooner.

“With only limited word-of-mouth and an E-mail announcement that was issued just days in advance; a surprising number of modelers turned out for the event. Fliers and spectators from Connecticut and Massachusetts were treated to an indoor flying site that has to be the premier indoor flying site in the southern New England area, if not in all of District I.

“The Sports Dome is a large, well-lit, inflatable-type structure that houses three soccer fields. The paved parking area provides easy access, and the main entrance area includes the service desk, a well-equipped refreshment counter, and restrooms.

“Future flying sessions will be held every Friday afternoon from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., and any modeler may attend and is welcome to fly. The cost to fly is $10 per flying session, and spectator admittance is free. Flying is open to electric RC and rubber-powered models. Large, outdoor-type electric models and fast flying Zagi types are not permitted.

“By the time you read this column, additional evening-hour flying sessions may be scheduled, depending on modelers’ interest and participation. The two men responsible for making these indoor flying sessions become a reality are Bob Spooner, South Windsor, Massachusetts, and Dell Major of Monson, Massachusetts. Both are certainly deserving of a huge “atta boy” and words of thanks from their aeromodeling peers.

“Bob and Dell are both long-time members of the Northern Connecticut Radio Control Club (NCRCC), and have a variety of interests that range from gasoline-fueled, Giant Scale aircraft to indoor micro-flight RC models, and even rubber- and CO2powered types.

George Gore readies one of his scratch-built designs for its maiden flight at theindoor soccer field.

“Thanks to their efforts, District I modelers now have a wonderful indoor flying site available. Anyone with an interest in indoor RC electric or rubber-powered models would be well advised to stop by one of these flying sessions and see for themselves what is happening. Better yet, bring a suitable model along and join in the fun!”

There are no shortcuts to anyplace worth going.