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
AMA members often tell us that their greatest joy comes from sharing their knowledge and skills to interest others in their aeromodeling passion. The following report comes from newly appointed Associate Vice President (AVP) Steven Goler, who spent a weekend in Maryland introducing others to RC turbine jet flying.
Larry Roper, of Boomerang RC Jets, and I were invited to the District IV Eastern Shore Aeromodelers Club (http://esacclub.org) by Dennis Blades and Tom Perkin to introduce RC Turbine Jets to club members and spectators. I was there as District I AVP and as a Boomerang RC Jet representative.
The club has one of the most attractive and inviting flying fields that I have ever seen. On the day of the gathering, the sky was wide open and the runway was as smooth as a putting green! They had a good turnout of attendees, and the members were welcoming and friendly. I can’t say enough about their hospitality. The atmosphere was relaxing and it felt like a home away from home with much better weather.
The event provided an opportunity for Tom to obtain his turbine waiver by demonstrating the necessary skill requirements in accordance with AMA guidelines. Congratulations, Tom, and welcome to AMA’s national turbine jet community. We set up my Boomerang XL turbine jet on a buddy box so members could see what it felt like to fly a turbine-powered jet. They were extremely excited and found it not as intimidating as it sounded—especially to pilots who flew alongside an experienced turbine pilot linked to the buddy box.
Noah, a young club member, had the thrill of flying Steve Goler’s turbine jet on a buddy box.
No need for bringing pop-up shade structures. Every pit station has an airplane stand and permanent shading for members.
The highlight of my training was when a young club member named Noah got a chance to take the buddy box sticks and fly around. To tell you the truth, I was nervous because I had never seen any of these people fly, but Noah took to that jet as if he’d flown it before. I guess it’s because these millennials were born with joysticks in their hands.
Larry Roper also set up his buddy box and took up some of the members with his Boomerang Elan. The Elan is slightly smaller than the XL, but both fly easily.
While lunch was cooking, I asked permission to fly my Chroma (drone) and let some of the spectators and members try it out. Some of the people who had never tried one before were somewhat anxious, but I assured them that they couldn’t crash that drone if they tried.
They loved it and couldn’t believe that they could view what the camera was showing directly to the transmitter in their hand. I took an aerial video of the field so you can see how awesome the Eastern Shore Aeromodelers Club is. Check it out at www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6t1S3cVBMs. I hope you like it because I had the time of my life.
A big thank-you to the Eastern Shore Aeromodelers, Dennis, Tom, club president Jack Upchurch, and all of the members.
Thanks, Steven, for representing the AMA and for a great first event report.
