District VII—Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin
Tim Jesky
Vice President
timjesky@charter.net
2886 E. Country Ln., Monroe MI 48162
Tel.: (734) 384-6085;
www.amadistrict-vii.org
I’m sure I said it last month, but it’s worth repeating—Happy New Year! And a special tip of the hat to those of you who go out on January 1 to make your first flight of the year. Not to knock anyone, but it’s a whole different ballgame doing it in Duluth, Minnesota, versus Miami Beach, Florida.
With the whole year in front of us, I’d like to pass along some important reminders that could affect our members and clubs. Flying Site Development and Improvement Grant applications are due by March 31, 2016. The electronic application can be found at www.modelaircraft.org/membership/clubs/flyingsitegrantsapp.aspx. Throughout the past several years, District VII clubs have done well in obtaining the grants. If you have questions, or need assistance, don’t hesitate to contact me.
Another grant that has helped many clubs is the Take off And Grow (TAG) program. This grant is designed to help clubs reach out in their local communities, introduce people to our hobby, and potentially attract new members. Applications are due by February 1, 2016.
For our members who are high school seniors, scholarship applications are due by February 1. In 2016, we anticipate scholarship awards to be in the neighborhood of $40,000. Information about these programs and many others can be found on the AMA website, www.modelaircraft.org. If you haven’t visited the site lately, log in and check it out. It’s well worth your time.
Because of press deadlines, Model Aviation columns are submitted approximately 60 days in advance of publication. The one I’m writing now comes on the heels of the fall Executive Council meeting, which was held October 31, 2015. One of the hottest topics of discussion was the U.S. Department of Transportation’s announced intention to require registration of all unmanned aircraft.
Our position remains the same—as hobbyists, we should remain exempt from undue burdensome laws and regulations. This was stipulated in the last FAA reauthorization bill enacted by Congress. I’m sure we have not heard the last of this issue, but be assured that we will continue to defend our well-earned right to fly under the rules established in the AMA Safety Code.
For this month, Minnesota District Associate Vice President Bud Gorman will take you up to the Land of 10,000 Lakes for a report. It’s all yours, Bud.
Located in the small town of Sturgeon Lake, Minnesota, is our small local RC airplane group of six, known as the Sturgeon Lake Balsa Busters.
Two sanctioned fun-fly events are organized per year. Our events have no landing fees. They are family-oriented fun for all ages. One is held in June and the other is our float-fly held in September at the Moose Lake City Park. A pilot must be an AMA member to fly at all of our events.
Our fun-fly was held on Saturday, June 27, 2015. The event hosted a variety of model aircraft, consisting of gas, glow, and electric-powered helicopters and gliders. A drawing was held with prizes from various sponsors showing their support. A potluck feast took place at noon for pilots and spectators alike. There was music, fun, laughs, a few mishaps, and of course, all of the camaraderie. A buddy box was on site if anyone wanted to try a short flight.
Pilots attended from Minnesota cities including Bemidji, Carlton, Duluth, Esko, Grand Rapids, Hill City, Knife River, Moose Lake, Proctor, Solon Springs, Sturgeon Lake, Twig, and the Twin Cities.
As we all know, it’s a lot of work organizing and putting events together, but it’s a great sport and everyone always seems to have a lot of just plane fun!
Take a kid flying.
Associate Vice Presidents: Bruce Baier, Oshkosh WI; (920) 233-1127; buzssr@gmail.com; Lee Frederickson, Ada MI; L1520@comcast.net; David George, Riverview MI; (734) 284-9017; indiancity5129@yahoo.com, Randall Gibson, Lansing MI; RGibson@mmrcha.org; Bud Gorman, Knife River MN; bgorman@frontiernet.net; Don Held, Elmira MI; (231) 584-2662; edge540m@gmail.com; Noel Hunt, Shelby Twp. MI; (586) 677-1540; hunt4it@comcast.net; Bob Johnson, Fond du Lac WI; bobj54935@yahoo.com; Mark Robotti, Lindstrom MN; mgrobotti@frontier.com; Marc “Doc” Shelstrom, Lancaster WI; (608) 732-4077; shelstrm@uwplatt.edu; Kent Woods, Ames IA; (515) 232-8180; woods229@msn.com. Contest Coordinators: Wayne Yeager (RC Michigan), (517) 260-0132; yogi931@comcast.net; Michael J Haller (RC non-Michigan), Fon Du Lac WI; (920) 979-9452; mrhaller2460@att.net. Frequency Coordinators: Al Schwartz, Roseville MN; (651) 633-2286; alberts@comcast.net; Pete Waters, Northville MI; (248) 924-0223; petewaters@charter.net.
