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, we have a report by Howard Shenton, the Metrolina Control Line Society (MCLS) newsletter editor, about the 2016 Carolina Criterium.
The MCLS has grown to more than 40 active club members, mostly from North and South Carolina. The club grew from a modest beginning of six members in 1981 who wanted to establish a Control Line (CL) model flying field instead of using vacant parking lots or ballparks.
In 1982, the county’s parks and recreation department converted an existing landfill in Huntersville, North Carolina, into a model airplane park through a generous private grant from David B. Waymer, a former area professional sports hero. The flying site was named for him.
We share our facility with an RC club, the Flying Aces Pilot Association, and have formed an AMA Chapter to better service and oversee all flying activities. Along with a paved runway for RC, we have two paved and one grass circle, a covered shelter, and solar charging stations.
The Carolina Criterium CL Contest is held in October and the 2016 contest director was Everett Shoemaker. The three-day event is not only a competition, but a social gathering with kids, parents, and grandparents attending. We have a number of people who come merely to judge or help us run the administrative side. This year we celebrated its 35th anniversary, and it was a complete success with great weather and record attendance.
William Davis (L), presenting Steve Fitton with the second-place award in Expert Stunt.
Many of the contestants began arriving on Thursday to practice. There were 92 participants attending from 14 states including those from as far north as Canada and from as far west as Nebraska. There were 10 contestants who attended for the first time and many additional family, friends, and spectators. The estimated attendance was more than 150 people.
Friday’s event was ½A Combat and Saturday’s events included Basic Flight, Carrier, Combat, Old-Timer, Profile, and Nostalgia Stunt. On Sunday the events were PAMPA Stunt, which included Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, and Expert. Anyone from a beginner to an expert flier can enter the
Derek Barry flies inverted. Derek won the Expert Stunt event.
Roy Glenn (L) and Phil Cartier battled it out in CL Combat.
contest and compete with people who have similar experience.
Lunch was catered each day with sandwiches, chips, drinks, and desserts. Saturday night was our awards presentation at Bubba’s Barbecue and the awards were some of the best we have ever given out. All attendees received an MCLS cap.
Additional prizes such as line-wrapping jigs, model kits, engines, glow drivers, and more were handed out. A Top Flite Nobler ARF, which was donated by Graham Webster, a new MCLS member, was given to lucky participant Sam Londke. After the awards dinner, the traditional ice cream social continued at the motel.
The Carolina Criterium is the largest CL contest in District IV and one of the largest in the country. Consider attending and getting your hand back into CL or witness one of the best contests there is. Contact Will Davis, president of MCLS, for more information at willdavis@msn.com.
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 Sanctioned Event Coordinator: John Tate, 10 Hanbury Ave., Portsmouth VA 23702; (757) 399-5376; jtate22@cox.net. Sanctioned Event 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.
