District I—Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont
Andy Argenio
Vice President
brandshobby@gmail.com
3 Sheila Ln., Smithfield RI 02917
Tel.: (401) 231-6901; www.amadistrict-i.org
Associate Vice President (AVP) Daren Hudson
submitted the following event report. It’s a testimony to what members of an AMA club are capable of doing within their community.
“The first full-scale flying field in New England was established on Plum Island in Newburyport, Massachusetts, in 1910. Aviation activity began at Plum Island Aerodrome’s current location in 1926.
“In 2002, the Burgess Aviation Museum was opened at the aerodrome to promote aviation history. Plum Island Aerodrome RC Club’s (PIARCC) mission is to not only support aeromodeling activities, but to keep aviation enjoyment and history at the aerodrome alive in the community. These goals are primarily accomplished through conducting events at the aerodrome—one per month from April through October.
“On April 23, 2016, PIARCC held an Aviation Appreciation Day event for Boy Scout Troop 44 from Newbury, Massachusetts, that helped the club with a huge tree- and brush-clearing project. Event activities began in the airport hangar where the Scouts received ground school instructions on basic aerodynamics, aircraft controls, and instrumentation. They were then delighted to see four pilots and a variety of cool airplanes for each of them to experience flying while seated in an airplane cockpit. As the photos depict, the airplane rides were the highlight of the day’s activities. The Scouts each had an opportunity to try RC flying with help from instructors using buddy boxes.
“During a barbecue lunch, the Scouts were treated to RC aerobatic flight demonstrations from world champion and factory-sponsored pilots Cody Wojcik, Tyler McCormack, and Ashleigh Heath. Next, PIARCC members Chris Gleason and Steve Goler performed a thrilling RC turbine jet demonstration. All had a terrific time and the Scouts have since sent the club letters about how much fun and enjoyment they had at the event.
“A heartfelt thanks to the Plum Island Airport management, all of the volunteer pilots, club members from the neighboring 107th RC Flyers, the Fremont Flyers, and New England Jets, and AMA District I Vice President Andy Argenio and AVP Steve Brehm for attending and supporting this event.”
Jeff Lynds and Mike Turocy ran the buddy boxes for the Boy Scout’s RC flying experience.
Thanks, Daren! This is an excellent example of how volunteerism, community spirit, aeromodeling, and aviation can all come together in a positive way. Check out the club’s other events at https://m.facebook.com/plumislandrcflyers.
Associate Vice Presidents: Steve Brehm, Jamestown RI; (401) 423-1085; sbrehm@yahoo.com; Andrew Figlar, Stratford CT; (203) 377-1635; Andrew_L_Figlar@sbcglobal.net; James Gilliat, Concord MA; (978) 369-9736; jegilliat@comcast.net; Erik Halkonen, Trumbull CT; (203) 816-5010; ama4295@gmail.com; Daren Hudson, Greenland NH; (603) 674-5809; dth76@comcast.net; Robert Klimin, Nashua NH; (603) 594-2725; rk102136@aol.com; Ray LaBonte, Standish ME; (207) 892-7994; rjlabonte@aol.com; Jean Lieska, Middletown CT; (860) 347-0257; jl Lieska002@sbcglobal.net; Tom Rocheleau, Wethersfield CT; (860) 206-1098; trocheleau@cox.net; Ted Wojcik, Fremont NH; (603) 479-3799; tedwojcik@comcast.net.
Safety Coordinator: John Cartisser, Medfield MA; (508) 359-4080; jcartisser@yahoo.com.
Context Coordinator: David Surwell, 24 Norwich Rd., Nashua NH 03062; (603) 888-2020; davidsurwell@comcast.net.
Frequency Coordinator: Joel Chappell, Milford NH; (603) 673-6240; joelb.chappell@myfairpoint.net.
