District II—New Jersey, New York, Europe
Eric Williams
Vice President
rcpilot@nycap.rr.com
4242 Amanda Ln., Schenectady NY 12303
Tel: (518) 356-2057
On July 14, 2016, I visited the Flying Aces Club (FAC) Free Flight (FF) Nats in Geneseo, New York. Located at the National Warplane Museum, this event is among the largest FF competitions in the US. More than 100 modelers participated.
The FAC was founded by Dave Stott and Bob Thompson in 1966. The club is a society of individuals with a common passion. The club’s rule book states, "It is our intent to preserve and promote the traditional building and flying of free flight stick and tissue model aircraft. Although competitive at times, the sharing of innovations, assistance and camaraderie is second nature to all who believe in the unique spirit of The Flying Aces Club."
During my visit, camaraderie was everywhere, as was participation by youth modelers. It’s fantastic to see FF, AMA’s first flying category, doing well.
September is coming and so are two major District II events. On September 9-11, 2016, the Mid-Hudson RC Society will present the 50th annual Rhinebeck Jamboree.
In September 1967, club member Dick Allen worked with Cole Palen, founder of the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, to establish the first World War I RC Aircraft Jamboree, and Dick served as its contest director. Pilots were encouraged to dress as WW I fliers, and to participate in "mission events."
Because of the primitive radios used during that time, many thought that only one balloon would be needed for the Balloon Burst mission. To everyone’s surprise, Jim Hoover nailed the balloon on the first pass of his Halberstadt’s first flight. Of the 17 registered airplanes, only one had a minor crash. It was an amazing feat for 1960s technology!
The Mid-Hudson RC Society has worked hard to make the 50th Jamboree something special. Pilots who participated in the first Rhinebeck Jamboree are scheduled to participate, as well as others who have flown in years past. Three mission events, a bomb drop, balloon bust, and spot landing, will be flown to provide a nostalgic taste of what the contest was like in the early years.
During the Rhinebeck Jamboree, two special national awards will be presented. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime anniversary event, and be sure to bring your Scale models of aircraft built before December 31, 1939, that were not used in World War II combat situations. For more information, visit www.mhrcs.com.
The Northeast Electric Aircraft Technology (NEAT) Fair has established itself as the place to be for electric flight in the fall. On September 15-18, 2016, the NEAT Fair returns to the Peaceful Valley Campground in Downsville, New York.
Now in its 17th year, the NEAT Fair never fails to please with new and unusual electric aircraft. From a flying blow-up pool toy to exotic scale models, something different always pops up at NEAT. See more at http://neatfair.org.
A big shout out to District II’s Joseph Daly, from Long Island, New York, who was victorious in the Beginner championship at the AMA Control Line Nats in Muncie, Indiana, in July.
Joseph Daly with his electric-powered Nobler.
Remember, it’s not about what you fly, it’s about the people and the friends you make. —
Associate Vice Presidents:
Dennis Andreas, Freeport NY, (516) 379-0135, danandreasdghsd@juno.com; Fred Backhaus, Medford NY, (631)289-6964, modeler@optonline.net; Red Condon, Greenville NY, (518)966-8329; rairforce@live.com; Chuck Davis, Sayville NY, (631)589-7690; arcdavis@verizon.com; Gene Gavin, Staten Island NY, (718)967-0598; gavinf95@aol.com; Jon Gerber, Staten Island NY, (718)984-5012; taxman846@aol.com; Frank Granelli, Rockaway NJ, (973)625-4995; granelli@aol.com; Bill Hauth, Hamburg NY, (716)649-8582; toonkmk2000@msn.com; Thomas Murray, Basking Ridge NJ, (908)766-5566; Anthony Rossi, Somerset NJ, (971)320-2665; pl50851@gmail.com; Joe Sarnello, Woolwich Township NJ, (856)491-0481; donnajoe244@msn.com; Peter Sellerf, Baldwin NY, (516)635-6370; pselife2@gmail.com; Leonard Max Smart, Morrisville NY, (315) 563-6878; hotrodsbymax@hotrodscharter.net; Alexander Szemere, Kendall Park NJ, (732)821-5641; drszemere@aol.com.
CL/FF Coordinator/AVP: David King, South Plainfield, NJ, (732)672-1783; elmodpilot@comcast.net. Safety Coordinator/RC Contest Coordinator/AVP: Al Kanser, New Lisbon NY, (607)293-7974; akanser@hughes.net. Webmaster: Chuck Levine, webmaster@amadistrictii.org
