District III—Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia
Mark Radcliff
Vice President
mradcliff@suddenlink.net
199 Heron Dr., St. Marys WV 26170
Tel.: (304) 684-2133
www.amadistrict-iii.org
www.facebook.com/ama.district.iii
I received the following report from District III Columbus, Ohio, area Associate Vice President (AVP) Mike Barbee.
The Westerville Model Aeronautics Association (WMAA) has been working with the Westerville Public Library in conjunction with its summer reading program. We offer all interested boys and girls and their parents a chance to fly an RC airplane.
This year, we had 136 first-time flights and many repeat tries. The weather was perfect and fun was had by all involved. This is our club’s 29th year for the event. All pilots used a buddy cord and the average flight time was 3 to 4 minutes.
Club members also flew demo flights at the beginning of the session. The event was held at our field at Alum Creek State Park on July 8, 2017.
The fact that the WMAA has been doing this community outreach event for 29 years speaks volumes about the club being an integral part of the community. Thank you WMAA for promoting model aviation and the AMA. Your club’s efforts are paying off with the great relationship you have with your community.
Sometimes the best things happen that are not planned. On Sunday, July 9, 2017, while driving home from the Toledo Weak Signals Scale event, I suddenly remembered the Eagle Squadron Rattfest was going on in Galion, Ohio. I immediately took the exit off the turnpike and about a half hour later, saw signs for the field.
After what seemed like a drive in the Black Forest, I kept thinking, “How can there be a flying field in woods this thick?” I heard engines and suddenly saw lots of airplanes doing 3-D. I arrived around noon and took time to eat at the club’s fine concession area and talked with several visiting pilots and club members.
As I walked the flightline I saw a young man flying a trainer airplane among all of the 3-D flying. I heard someone say that this was his solo flight. I watched in amazement as this youngster flew up and down
the flight area and didn’t let the 3-D flying faze him. After he landed, everyone congratulated him for his accomplishment.
I assembled my Super Cub and flew a couple of scalelike flights to enjoy the festivities of the event. On the drive home, I thought to myself what a great day of flying, seeing experienced RC pilots doing 3-D stunts, and watching a young beginner RC pilot accomplish his dream of flying solo.
Thank you, Eagle Squadron, for your fine hospitality and for hosting such a memorable event in AMA District III.
Until next month, fly safely—fly AMA.
