District IV
Jay Marsh
Vice President
jaymarsh@ama-d4.org
3227 Pine Needles Rd., High Point NC 27265
Tel.: (336) 687-0973; www.amadistrict-iv.org
www.facebook.com/amadistrictIV
Everyone probably knows by now that the District IV website is up and running. Content continues to be added by the fine staff of authors we have. It’s definitely worth the visit and revisit as it grows daily. Go to www.amadistrict-iv.org and see for yourself.
I would like to welcome our newest associate vice president (AVP), Rick Cawley from Fuquay Varina, North Carolina. Many of you know Rick because he gets around a lot and flies some beautiful Giant Scale radial airplanes. Rick will cover central North Carolina.
Thanks go to Josh Bunn who has served the district for many, many years as an AVP. He decided to step down to spend more time with his growing family.
The district is in need of a government relations coordinator. This person would help track and plan action with the AMA and its lobbyists to inform and guide state legislatures in drafting bills with consideration for safe hobby and recreational use of model aircraft. All that is needed to help is the desire and a little time. Contact me at jaymarsh@ama-d4.org if you are interested.
Sunday flying is still a good thing to do. On a Sunday in May, Phil Spillman, Jimmy Welch, and John Tate, Control Line AVP, got together at the Norfolk Aeromodelers Chesapeake flying field to do some flying and testing.
Phil wanted to set up his O.S. .46LA Smoothie to fly both Old-Time Pattern and AMA Pattern. After the engine was dialed in, it flew nicely.
Jimmy brought out his new electric-powered Pathfinder for its first shakedown flight and John brought his legacy and P-47 since he had made changes and wanted to try things. No pressure, just fun. That’s what it’s all about.
The following report comes from Bob Sowder, Free Flight (FF) AVP.
These guys in Carolina just have fun. The Carolina Area Free Flight Association (CAFFA) was formed in 2007, and the club has access to a beautiful ½ x ¾-mile sod farm in Raeford, North Carolina. CAFFA has 18 members, and is the only active Free Flight club in North and South Carolina.
As interests in other FF events have increased—particularly electric E-20, E-36, Catapult Glider, and Classic Towline Glider—the club is poised for continued growth in a convenient southeast location. These FF models are by and large easy to build, and a great way to learn how to fly without draining your wallet.
This past May, CAFFA joined forces with the DC Maxecuters to hold a two-day contest at the CAFFA sod farm. Sunshine, light winds, and an excellent lunch provided by the club made for an enjoyable, relaxing event.
Approximately 20 contestants from North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia registered to fly AMA and FAC Rubber FF events. Contest director responsibilities were shared by John Diebolt, Stew Myers, and Dave Mitchell.
CAFFA has a fun-fly each month and its next contest is the October Hurricane, October 17-18, 2015.
We sometimes forget (or never knew) that the hobby/sport we enjoy began with FF. The first national model airplane contest in 1923 was all FF. Hundreds of spectators attended these early national events to watch hundreds of young participants fly rubber-powered model airplanes. Today, FF continues to represent the most entrants at the AMA Nats. Come join in the fun.
Go fly and have fun safely.
