District IV—Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia
Jay Marsh
Vice President
jaymarsh@ama-d4.org
3227 Pine Needles Rd., High Point NC 27265
Tel.: (336) 687-0973; www.amadistrict-iv.org
www.facebook.com/amadistrictIV
This month, I have a report about an interesting combination of activities for a special event reported by Bill Sykes, president of Fluvanna County RC Flying Club (FCRCFC) in Virginia.
Leaden skies and a threat of rain did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of the FCRCFC members as they hosted the first Wings and Wheels 4 PAWS (WW4PAWS) Car Show and Model Aviation Extravaganza on Saturday, June 25, 2016, to benefit four animal rescue organizations.
WW4PAWS combined a judged car show with model aviation demonstrations, friendly cornhole competitions, live music, and a huge raffle with top donated prizes including a 43-inch 4K HD TV and a two-night stay at a waterfront Sheraton Hotel.
The car show was graced with 50 cars including a DeLorean, several Ford Model As, and a host of other cool cars. The overall Best in Show car winner left with a $1,000 gift card donated by one of the event sponsors.
Meanwhile, over on the flightline, club pilots were joined by pilots from Valley RC Flying Club in nearby Harrisonburg, Virginia, and drone racers from Charlottesville, Virginia, to put on an air show of amazing variety.
Multiple big Cubs and a Giant Scale Yak shared the airspace with all kinds of other aircraft. Over on the specially designated Multirotor Meadow, drone pilots negotiated an obstacle course and projected the FPV feed to a TV so spectators could get a bit of the experience. Dedicated burger and hot dog flippers staffed two grills as the club provided free lunch to the 300 people at the event.
WW4PAWS was the largest and most successful event ever hosted by the FCRCFC, drawing more than $3,000 in gate receipts. On Sunday, July 3, president Bill Sykes presented a ceremonial check for $2,800 to the directors of the four beneficiary organizations. All agreed that WW4PAWS was huge fun and a great success, and plans are already underway for WW4PAWS 2017.
FCRCFC was founded in 2000 and consists of roughly 30 members, some of whom have been involved in model aviation for 50 years or more. To learn more, visit the club’s website at www.fcrcfc.org.
Associate Vice President Rusty Kennedy tells of a new AMA chartered club.
What started out eight years ago as a group of ragtag RC flying enthusiasts, flying at the Three Oaks Elementary School in Virginia Beach, Virginia, has grown to become one of the most talked-about clubs in Southside Hampton Roads. The club moved from its original location to Virginia Beach in January 2015, and registered as an AMA chartered club in the summer of 2015. The new club, paying tribute to its origins, named itself Three Oaks Flyers.
Finding the new field required lots of work. After some open area was found, club members went door to door, leaving flyers explaining who they were and what they needed. A local farmer responded to their needs and worked closely with club members to establish an excellent place to fly.
The club has more than 35 experienced members, plenty of parking, a 300 x 24-foot fabric run with a grass runway option, a full-size charging station, and shelter from the elements.
The club is on private land and guests are welcome, but must be accompanied by a club member. Contact oaksflyers@gmail.com for more information.
Go fly and have fun safely.
Associate Vice Presidents: Delaware: John Kirchstein, (302)731-2831; john@kirchstein.net; Mark Weiss, (302)547-4917; markw@ama-d4.org; North Carolina: Rick Cawley, (919) 630-1649; racbgc@embarqmail.com; Mark Smith, (704) 798-2776; mark@ama-d4.org; David Trogdon, (910)654-1220; frogman28472@embarqmail.com; Maryland: Richard “Rick” Moreland, (301) 261-7366; rmoreland1@verizon.net; Virginia: Nic Burhans, (540) 219-9646; nic@ama-d4.org; Randy Elliott, (540) 239-0645; Randy.Elliott@nordsonxaloy.com; Rusty Kennedy, (757) 812-2812; rusty@ama-d4.org; Terry Terrenoire, (412)760-4593; terry@ama-d4.org; FF AVP: Bob Sowder, (540) 525-7086; bsowder@rbnet.com. CL AVP and FF/CL Contest Coordinator: John Tate, 10 Hanbury Ave., Portsmouth VA 23702; (757) 399-5376; jtate22@cox.net. RC Contest Coordinator: Andy Kane, 305 Natick Ct., Silver Spring MD 20905; (301) 785-3022; andykane01@gmail.com. Webmaster: Jack Upchurch, webmaster@ama-d4.org. Government Relations Coordinator: Ray Stinchcomb, (443) 618-8998; govrelations@ama-d4.org.
