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
www.amadistrict-ii.org
www.facebook.com/DistrictIIAMA
On Saturday, July 23, 2016, I attended the National Association of Scale Aeromodelers (NASA) Northeast Qualifier, hosted at the Black Dirt Squadron field in Goshen, New York. When Danny Carozza contacted me earlier this year to discuss the possibilities of starting a qualifier in the region, I was excited. I’ve been flying Scale for 30 years. There was no question that Danny would deliver a successful event, and he did!
Scale model aircraft competition is unique. Scale competitors are judged not only on their flight maneuvers, but also on the quality and accuracy of their aircraft’s physical appearance. From building to finishing and learning correct scale maneuvers, the rewards are multifaceted. If you’ve never tried scale model aircraft, give it a go, and look forward to this event next year.
RC helicopters have certainly come a long way since their introduction decades ago. Thanks to advanced electronics and materials technologies, as well as modern engineering and design, successful helicopter flying is possible today for anyone.
On Friday, August 5, 2016, I enjoyed visiting the International Radio Controlled Helicopter Association’s (IRCHA) Jamboree, at AMA’s International Aeromodeling Center in Muncie, Indiana. The collection of helicopters, pilots, and varying flying styles was impressive. Pilots from across the US, as well as several other countries, participated. If you enjoy model helicopters, plan to attend the IRCHA Jamboree next year.
The Electric Powered Aeromodelers (EPA) Club started flying electric-powered model aircraft before brushless motors and LiPo batteries made electric flying economical, reliable, and fun. On Sunday, August 7, 2016, I attended the John Maggs Memorial Fun Fly at Maalwyck Park in Scotia, New York. A wide array of aircraft were flown.
Founded in 2001, the EPA club has always been forward-thinking and friendly to the public. Visitors were welcome to try flying on a buddy box. Congratulations to the EPA for its work in reaching out and introducing the public to model aviation.
AMA is “an organization of and for its members.” Unlike many other national membership organizations, you have opportunities to be involved and also to elect your district vice president and AMA’s national officers. Election ballots will be mailed to members in mid-September. I urge you to be involved and participate in what is truly your organization—AMA.
Remember, it’s not about what you fly, it’s about people and the friends you make.
Associate Vice Presidents: Dennis Andreas, Freeport NY; (516) 379-0135; danandreasdbghsd@juno.com; Fred Backhaus, Medford NY; (631) 289-6964; motodrf@optonline.net; Reid Condon, Greenville NY; (518) 966-8329; rchairforce@live.com; Chuck Davis, Sayville NY; (631) 589-7690; arcdavis@verizon.com; Gene Gavin, Staten Island NY; (718) 967-0598; Gavin1957@aol.com; Jon Gerber, Staten Island NY; (718) 984-5013; taxman846@aol.com. Frank Granelli, Rockaway NJ; (973) 625-4995; granellif@aol.com; Bill Hauth, Hamburg NY; (716) 649-8582; toolmkr2000@msn.com; Thomas Murray, Basking Ridge NJ; (908) 766-5656; Anthony Rossi, Somerset NJ; (917) 320-2665; p510851@gmail.com; Joe Sarbello, Woolwich Township NJ; (856) 491-8481; donnajoe244@msn.com; Peter Seiffert, Baldwinsville NY; (315) 635-6370; pseiff2@gmail.com; Leonard Max Smart, Morrisonville NY; (518) 563-6878; hotrodsbymax@charter.net; Alexander Szemere, Kendall Park NJ; (732) 821-5641; drszemere@aol.com. CL/FF Coordinator/AVP: David King, South Plainfield, NJ; (732) 672-1783; clmodelpilot@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.
