District I

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

District I sponsored several events this past year, including this one sent to us by the event’s contest director, Tim Sowder.

The Southern New Hampshire Flying Eagles (SNHFE) hosted its 20th annual Radio Control Aircraft Float Fly September 16-18, 2016, at Greenfield State Park in New Hampshire. This three-day event is designed to give fliers from across New England an opportunity to come together for some RC float flying from beautiful Otter Lake.

During the event, the weather was agreeable and the wind was easily managed by the pilots. The camaraderie was warm and inviting. The event attracted airplanes of all makes, models, sizes, and powerplants. Attendees witnessed some skilled flying by members of area clubs, including regulars from the Southern New Hampshire RC Club sporting their Northeast Aerodynamics Train-Air 40s on floats.

As part of the Greenfield State Park takeover, access was provided to the park’s boathouse where the pilots set up their charging station for a day of electric flying. In case anyone experienced a mishap, a nice little workshop with everything needed to repair an airplane was available. There was plenty of room in the park for campers and tents for overnight visitors who wanted to start flying early the next morning.

The club had demonstration models available to give spectators a taste of RC flying. Club buddy boxes supported those who needed some extra reassurance while stretching their water wings. Each evening, attendees sat around a large fire and told war stories from the day’s flying and reminisced about past aerial endeavors.

This year, SNHFE raffled off a beautiful Turbo Duster on floats, which was donated by Legacy Aviation and expertly assembled by SNHFE club member, Carl Anderson. Proceeds from the raffle went to Honor Flight New England, a nonprofit organization that provides travel to the US capital for the veterans of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam wars with all the pomp and circumstance they deserve. The donation from the raffle was $1,500.

The lucky raffle winner was Daren Hudson, AMA District I associate vice president and president of the Fremont Flyers. Daren set the winning airplane up with his transmitter and a buddy box and flew an impressive maiden flight. He also allowed Dylan Zilifan, the young man who drew his winning ticket, to take control of the aircraft. Dylan navigated the Turbo Duster with unexpected precision.

If you happen to be in the vicinity of southern New Hampshire on September 15-17, 2017, stop by and expect to have a great time and meet some fantastic fellow RC enthusiasts. The club website is http://snhflyingeagles.org.

Aerial view of the float-fly gathering at Greenfield State Park — The Southern New Hampshire Flying Eagles’ 20th annual float-fly was held September 16-18, 2016, in Greenfield State Park. It was big hit with New England RC pilots.

Beach and lake at the event with pilots and model aircraft — The event had a designated pit area, pilot stations, and battery charging in the boathouse.

People seated at a picnic table beside an RV — Overnight RV and tent camping is permitted.

Several model airplanes, including a blue-and-white floatplane — One of the many cool airplanes at the event.

Thanks Tim, for this excellent report.