District VIII—Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
Mark Johnston
Vice President
districtVIIIVP@modelaircraft.org
6608 Beck Dr. NE, Albuquerque NM 87109
Tel.: (505) 823-0158;
www.amadistrict-viii.org
Back at the beginning of the year, I had a contest to give away a scholarship to Camp AMA 2015 in Muncie, Indiana. We awarded a full scholarship to Gryphon Downey, and a half scholarship to Andre Simas (Tri City Flyers in San Antonio awarded the other half of his tuition). I asked both young men to send me a write-up about their experiences. By the sound of it, they both had a great time.
From Gryphon Downey:
“It was my first time at Camp AMA, and I definitely learned quite a lot. This trip was also my first time away from home by myself, with no parents or family to help. So to say what I learned at Camp AMA 2015 cannot be limited to just the hobby.
“One thing that I realized right away was that I knew much less about the diversity of the types of aircraft there are in RC aeromodeling. Aerobatic planes are not limited to just stunt or 3-D; I now know how Pattern planes differ from the others. And the diversity does not end there.
“Another example is that Sport Scale is different from Stand-Off Scale, which is different from just plain old Scale. Yes, they all have ‘scale’ in the name, but the differences are significant.
“I flew nearly every hour of the day in Muncie, or so it seemed to me at the time. I crashed spectacularly, once. That taught me that an experienced friend on a buddy box will not always save the day. Or save a nearly brand-new plane, either. Sometimes gravity just wins.
“Along with improved piloting skills, I learned how to make friends with people I would not have had the opportunity to meet otherwise. I also learned what my dad likes to call a ‘life lesson.’ I learned that despite a common interest in this hobby, some participants can be mean and rude for no obvious reasons, but you have to take the bad with the good, no matter what. Different people are just that—different.
“I had a fantastic time at Camp AMA 2015 thanks to the support of the counselors, Jessy Symmes in particular, the advice of the experts who attend (thanks RJ), and the friendship of the other campers from all over the country, many of whom I still can talk to thanks to cellphones, Xbox Live, and the Internet. I would tell any of my peers that Camp AMA is a blast and my only regret was it had to end.”
This one comes from Andre Simas:
“My favorite part about Camp AMA was getting to meet world-class pilots who were the instructors. It was amazing to be able to fly with them and have them help me fly. I loved getting to meet them in person and getting to know them on a more personal basis.
“I loved going to AMA Headquarters and getting to fly at their giant field. Though the weather throughout the week wasn’t usually that good, I was still able to fly a ton! I probably got in around 50 or so flights throughout the week and that, combined with flying with the instructors, definitely made me a better pilot.
“It wasn’t just about the flying either! I also loved meeting all of the other campers. At the club I fly at, there are very few children, and though it is fun to fly with adults, it’s also fun to fly with people around my own age. I am sure I will be friends with some of the people I met for a long time to come.
“Though too much happened there to write it all in one article, these were definitely some of my favorite parts of Camp AMA.”
Hope to see you all at the field!
Associate Vice Presidents: Benny Behrens, Pearland TX; (832) 499-2043; cbbehrens@comcast.net. Tony Breyen, Wichita Falls TX; (940) 733-2803; Bill Holland, Prague OK; (405) 626-1386; Jim D. Marshall, Alton TX; (956) 984-9474; Jerry Walters, Maurice LA; (337) 298-7755; jerome1w@icloud.com; Stewart Moore, Jefferson TX; (903) 665-7501; mooremas1@netscape.com; Brian Regan, Albuquerque NM; (505) 872-2661; brain23@centurylink.net; Randy Ritch, Magnolia TX; (281) 701-3121; Olen Rutherford, Dardanelle AR; (479) 229-0403; email: olenrutherford@yahoo.com; Doug Staines, Belton TX; (254) 780-3512; Cliff Town, Dumas TX; (806) 935-3063; town_cliff@hotmail.com; Ed Valls, Schertz TX; (210) 957-2152; edward10pilot@aol.com. AVP for Safety: Jim Rice, San Antonio TX; (210) 657-6604; district8safety@satx.rr.com. RC Contest Coordinator: Douglas E. Powell, Wichita Falls TX; (940) 691-8348; chief2@sbcglobal.net. CL/FF Contest Coordinator: Contact AMA Headquarters at cpeirce@modelaircraft.org.
