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

WHAT MAKES an AMA club great? The answer is the few, as I like to call them, “special members” who give their time to address the challenges and issues that face their club with a positive attitude and a determination to do what ever it takes to make their club the very best it can be.

These are the people who do the work, take on the responsibility to be officers and provide leadership and motivation to accomplish goals and objectives.

These members understand that flying sites are not permanent and to insure for the clubs future they need to be proactive in promoting the value of their club and sport to the community and its citizenry.

“Special members” are willing to participate in mall shows, fund raising events, educational activities, and enthusiastically welcome spectators and new members to their flying site. They know the importance of adherence to safety guidelines and club rules and site restrictions.

This month I would like to honor the Northern Connecticut R/C Club (NCRCC) for being one of district 1’s great clubs blessed with “special members” who because of their efforts and accomplishments continue to be an inspiration and role model for other district clubs.

NCRCC was founded in 1962 and had several flying sites up until 2002 when through the efforts of “special members” they were able to purchase their own flying site.

NCRCC produces several of the premier R/C events in AMA district 1. These include an Electric Fly-In, WWII Fly-In, Q500 Two-Day Championship Race, IMAA WWI Dawn Patrol Fly-In, and New England’s largest R/C Auction & Swap Shop which celebrated its 25th anniversary this year.

Having attended and purchased many items at their Auctions, I highly recommend that you don’t miss the 2007 auction. Check the clubs web site at www.ncrcc.org for the latest information on future flying events and activities.

I had planned on attending the NCRCC Dawn Patrol Fly-In but my AMA schedule. had me traveling to Muncie for a strategic planning meeting. Thankfully, AVP Bob Wallace supplied the following event report:

 “July 9th, the Northern Connecticut Radio Control Club flying field, in Ellington, CT, was the scene of the Dawn Patrol Fly-In; that has become an extremely popular annual event for early aviation RC scale aircraft.

 “While any scale aircraft up to and including the “golden age” of aviation is most welcome to be flown; the emphasis is, and always has been, on World War I aircraft.

“An absolutely perfect summer day, with ideal flying conditions was enjoyed by all in attendance, and an excellent variety of finely crafted scale aircraft were flown without any serious mishaps, throughout the day.

“In addition to a busy, but not over crowded flight line; refreshments were available, along with the raffling off of a new Futaba radio system and a large scale (ARF) WWI Fokker triplane. 2006 Dawn Patrol commemorative tee shirts were on sale, and a pilot’s drawing was held, where all those entered were awarded a prize.

“Anyone with an interest in vintage RC scale aircraft, and especially World War I types; should keep this highly popular scale fly-in in mind when planning their 2007 RC activities.

Great clubs, like NCRCC and their “special members”, events and activities, are our best promoters and ambassadors of aeromodeling and they and other clubs like them will be the ones, in spite of the obstacles, to insure for the future and survival of our wonderful sport of aeromodeling.

As you read this column, the New England flying season will be coming to a close and many of us will be looking to attend indoor flying activities. Please send us information on any activities for posting to the AMA district 1 web site and for future MA columns.