District III—Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia
Mark Radcliff
Vice President
www.amadistrict-iii.org
www.facebook.com/ama.district.iii
As AMA District III vice president, I do my best to attend many of the events in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. That stated, I am only one person and cannot possibly attend every event, so I rely on my area associate vice presidents (AVPs) to send me information about events they have attended. I am utilizing my AVPs’ time and talents to help me with this month’s column.
The first report is from Cincinnati-area AVP, Randy Adams.
The Hamilton Area Wireless Kontrol Society (HAWKS) in Hamilton, Ohio, held its inaugural Piper Cub Fly-in July 23, 2016. There were more than 25 registered pilots with a variety of airplanes from J-3s, to jets, and even some model rockets. Pilots flew as much as they wanted and in the late afternoon, attendees were treated to a series of low passes by a full-scale Cub based at Butler County Regional Airport. The HAWKS fly at Joyce Park on land granted for model aviation by Hamilton, which is located north of Cincinnati. Learn more at www.hawksrc.org.
The second event report is from central Pennsylvania AVP Jeff Black.
A Boy Scout camporee was held at the Gettysburg Airport from September 30 to October 2, 2016. The event was based around aviation and the Blue & Gray Miniature Aircraft Squadron from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, was invited to be part of the gathering. Several stations were set up featuring different aspects of aviation and each station had 25 minutes for each Scout group.
Blue & Gray club members Jeff Black, Ray Black, Tim Toot, Brian College, and Tim Hartman explained the benefits of model aviation and the importance of belonging to the AMA and a local flying club. Brian talked about trainer aircraft and Tim Toot discussed electric aircraft and battery safety. Tim Hartman explained quadcopters and Jeff touched on FAA registration.
Jeff talked about the cost of getting into the hobby and what is available for new pilots. The program ended with a question-and-answer segment, building foam gliders, and a competition with prizes. Jeff concluded that it is great to be invited to events to share our love of the hobby and aviation with youth.
I will close with a great story sent to me by Scott McNickle of the St. Clairsville RC Fliers in Ohio.
When the St. Clairsville RC Fliers held its spring meeting, it was apparent that the club’s shed, donated by member Al Cybulski many years ago, was in a sorry state. The club decided to consult with a skilled carpenter as to the feasibility of repair or replacement. Unknown to the club members, Aaron Davies took matters into his own hands and asked his boss if his company could help. Alex Johnson, CEO of Midwest Terminals Utica, came through in a big way. He approved funds for a new shed, and had it delivered and set up at the field.
Just goes to show that you never know what good things will happen unless you ask.
Until next month, fly safely—fly AMA.
Associate Vice Presidents:
