District VII
Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin
Happy July to all of the District VII members. I hope that many of you will be able to enjoy the holiday weekend with friends and family—good food, good times, and many laughs. Maybe you can take some of the family members out and let them experience the joys of model flight!
This month, I want to take a moment to share a great experience in which I was able to participate. A good friend of mine, Matt Brubaker, the owner of Prop Shop Hobbies in Warren, Michigan, let me help at his shop for a few days. I was so excited when he offered me the opportunity because, as I often say, “Share the passion of the hobby!”
I must admit, I was like a kid in a candy store! All of the cool airplanes, cars, boats, and accessories were there. Although I would liked to have played with everything, the old bank account would not have allowed for it, and, oh yeah, I was supposed to be there to help, not deplete his inventory!
It was really exciting to talk with those who stopped at the shop about their model aviation interests. I was also able to give them advice. I really enjoyed the time with those experienced modelers who came in, and I sure learned many things from them.
One customer stopped in to pick up some components for a Scale Control Line model that he was building, and I was amazed at the detail that was involved.
What I enjoyed the most was providing suggestions to those who are interested in getting involved in RC aircraft. I do not know who was more excited—me talking about and sharing my passion of the hobby or those who came in to learn about it themselves!
One of the things I did with those who visited the hobby shop and expressed an interest in learning more was to invite them to come out to one of the area clubs of which I am a member and have a try at the controls. I have a purpose-built trainer that has been in use for years and is perfect for introductory flights. I provided my phone number for them to call and arrange a time to meet for some introductory flights.
This is a perfect thing for you to consider in your clubs. Speak to your area hobby shops and let them know you would be interested in providing introductory flights for those who show an interest in the hobby.
Perhaps you can contact local community officials and discuss organizing a specific day to promote model aviation to the community and invite everyone to your field. This is a brilliant opportunity to take advantage of the AMA’s Introductory Pilot Program. If your club is not yet involved in this program, perhaps this is the time to investigate and take advantage of this opportunity.
I want to thank Matt Brubaker, Steve Romero, Jeanne Spencer, and Tim Delmotte for letting me become a part of your team and assisting at your shop, and of course, tolerating my excitement!
Until next month, get involved with your community and share the passion!
Randy Gibson
Vice President
rgibson@modelaircraft.org
503 Mall Ct. # 289, Lansing MI 48912
(317) 688-4364
www.amadistrict-vii.org
ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENTS
Bruce Baier, Oshkosh WI; (920) 233-1127; buzssr@gmail.com
Lee Frederickson, Ada MI; L1520@comcast.net
David George, Riverview MI; (734) 284-9017; indiancity5129@yahoo.com
Bud Gorman, Knife River MN; (218) 834-5797; gorman@frontiernet.net
Bob Johnson, Fond du Lac WI; (920) 922-6705; bobj54935@yahoo.com
Mark Robotti, Lindstrom MN; (651) 257-6792; mgrobotti@frontier.com
Dell Shannon, Osceola IA (641) 342-4278; dell.t.shannon@gmail.com
Marc “Doc” Shelstrom, Lancaster WI; (608) 732-4077; shelstrm@uwplatt.edu
Len Todd, Baldwin MI; (907) 903-3569; lentodd@att.net
Peter G. Van Heusden, Bloomfield Hills MI; (248) 515-1071; petervh@malibutech.com
Kent Woods, Ames IA; (515) 232-8180; woods229@msn.com
EVENT SANCTION COORDINATORS
Michael J. Haller (RC), Fond du Lac WI; (920) 979-9452; mike.haller60@gmail.com
Marc Warwashana (CL), Whitmore Lake MI; (734) 449-7355; whellieman@gmail.com
AMA Headquarters (FF), (800) 435-9262; competition@modelaircraft.org
FREQUENCY COORDINATORS
Al Schwartz, Roseville MN; (651) 633-2286; alberts@comcast.net
Pete Waters, Northville MI; (248) 924-0223; petewaters@charter.net
