Edition: Model Aviation - 2018/02
Page Numbers: 125
Portrait of Andy Argenio in a red shirt.

District I—Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont

Portrait of Andy Argenio in a red shirt.
Andy Argenio
Vice President
brandshobby@gmail.com
3 Sheila Ln., Smithfield RI 02917
Tel.: (401) 231-6901; www.amadistrict-i.org

Group of people gathered behind float-flying model airplanes.
The 9th annual John Nicolaci Float Fly was at Mary’s Pond in Rochester MA.

New England AMA members have distinct advantages over many others in the country, mainly because of having access to more than a hundred permitted flying locations within less than an hour from their homes. This also includes sites with scenic lakes and ponds. There have been years when I have flown off the water and ice more than land because there is a nice pond within a few miles of my house.

Some clubs, such as the Bristol County Radio Control Club (BCRCC) in Rochester, Massachusetts, have acquired permanent sites for flying off of the water. John Nicolaci, an aeromodeling luminary who is well known for his technical contributions to model aircraft construction and his ability to inspire others, acquired the use of Mary’s Pond more than 20 years ago.

Many of you might remember John’s 15-foot wingspan PBM Mariner, which he flew for more than 34 years, thrilling crowds across the country. John passed away in 2009, and BCRCC has hosted the John Nicolaci Annual Float Fly in his remembrance ever since. This year was my third time attending and having a daylong wonderful time with many old friends and new attendees.

Although overcast early on, the weather cleared for the August 19, 2017, event, and the pilots enjoyed a full day of float flying at this pristine location. As seen in the photos, all sizes and types of model aircraft were flown.

Gary Carreiro, club president, Gerry Dupont, the club’s safety officer, Ned Watts, the event coordinator, and Nancy Dupont, club treasurer and photographer, all helped make this a well-run event. They organized and prepared the pond area, registered more than 30 pilots, provided a retrieval boat, a food-vendor truck, and a porta-potty to accommodate all of the spectators’ and pilots’ needs.

Plan to attend this year’s event. Check the District I website’s event posters for more information.

Man standing beside a yellow model airplane.
Gerry Dupont flew his nice fabric-covered scale Cub.
Man holding a white model airplane.
Ned Watts flew his neat Timber bush plane.
Man posing with a large blue model seaplane.
Bob Pacheco had his giant Mars seaplane.
Man seated beside yellow model airplanes.
Ron Carey flew a scale Turbo Bushmaster and a Bravata.
Man seated beside a white model airplane.
Addison Singleton flew his scale RV-4.
Woman seated beside model airplanes at the pond.
Nancy Dupont registered pilots and took pictures.
Man standing beside a white model airplane.
Ted Brito flew his scale Pica Taylorcraft.
Two men posing with model airplanes.
Tom flew his Tidewater and Carl flew his Pondside model.
Model seaplane being recovered from the water.
Recovery was done by safety officer Gerry Dupont.