District V
Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, US Virgin Islands
Welcome back to District V! I’m pleased to bring you two examples of the kind of community involvement that all of our clubs should strive for. These efforts will offer long-term dividends in flying site acquisition, nose complaint resolution, and good karma.
The following was sent in by Dick Tonan, associate vice president and District V contest coordinator.
On a thunderstorm-threatening Saturday, members of the Middle Tennessee Radio Control Society and the Smyrna Flying Aces demonstrated RC model flight to Cub Scout Pack 297, Boy Scout Troop 248, and Cub Scout Pack 124, at the Nashville Cane Ridge Model Aviation Park.
The Smyrna Flying Aces is a group of 20-plus youngsters who build rubber-powered airplanes. Tim Lavender has led this group for 24 years. Pack leaders Travis Blunt and Jason Despain made sure the packs were well prepared.
Club President Tim Lavender led off the program by challenging the Scouts with aviation questions. Successful answers were rewarded with a small model airplane. He then helped a youngster fly an AMA Alpha. Next was a demonstration of aerial combat—flying electric-powered aircraft built from foam board. A 12-year-old young lady showed off her flying skills, proving that flying RC models isn’t just an old man’s game.
Whitney Philbrick, a Cub father, flew an Extra 300 and a 12-foot Telemaster powered by a five-cylinder engine. Whitney, the outdoor activities chair for the pack, had worked with Tim to set up the demonstration. The last airplane came down just moments before the rain started, but the kids and their parents went home pleased with the day. The photographs are by John Philbrick.
I spent a weekend visiting northern Georgia and had the pleasure of seeing a display set up by the North Georgia Model Aviators (NGMA). The display was the type of community outreach that all of our member clubs should strive to emulate. NGMA did a fantastic job with its display at the Bowen Center in Dawsonville, Georgia!
A range of models was on display, including Giant Scale gas-powered models, foamies, scratch-built aircraft, jets, and even a Scale helicopter. Each model was displayed with a printed information card describing it and identifying the builder in terms relatable to the general public. Club members answered questions and offered flyers with club and AMA information. There was even a table with refreshments and treats, including fabulous homemade cookies!
The club manned the display over the course of four weekends in January and February on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday each week. A number of visitors passed through the display, and an F-4 pilot spoke of his experiences. I had a pleasant visit to the club field and was treated extremely well by the members who were present.
Until next month, keep it safe!
