District VII
Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin
Randy Gibson
Vice President
rgibson@mmrca.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; indian city5129@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
Hello District VII members! It is hard to believe that we are nearly 3/4 of the way through the 2021 flying season. I hope you have all been enjoying it as much as I have. With many things returning to normal (or nearly normal) and events returning, there have been some excellent flying opportunities to share in fellowship with our modeling friends.
Knocking the rust off the sticks was among the first tasks on my “need to do” list. After I did, it was off to some events!
The gatherings I attended were excellent, and the clubs did not miss a beat after having roughly a year off. One of the first events I attended was John’s Jet Jam, hosted by the Pontiac Miniature Aircraft Club in Pontiac, Michigan. This event was in its 10th season and did not disappoint. Many airplanes were on the flightline, along with several EDFs. Most were types that one can purchase off the shelf, but there were a couple of aircraft that some innovative people built themselves from foam.
John Hoover, of Flightline Hobbies, was the event’s host and contest director, and he definitely dialed up excellent weather. The only thing that was missing at this event was the great burgers they have served in the past. Maybe next year those will be back too!
Shortly after that, I was able to attend the Capital Area Radio Drone Squadron (CARDS) Warbirds & Classic event. The CARDS’ field is breathtaking, and if you have an opportunity to attend one of the club’s events or are in the area, you should pay a visit. I saw many beautiful airplanes of all types—a Balsa USA Sopwith Pup, some astonishing World War I and II scale aircraft, and more. The build level of these aircraft was impressive.
It was a multiday event, but on the day I was able to attend, I brought gale-force wind with me, so no one was flying. Sorry people. I heard that the day before I got there was some beautiful weather, and many flights were made. I hope you don’t hold it against me and that you invite me back next year. Photos provided by Mike Pollack.
The last event I will write about this month is the Central Michigan R/C Jets’ (CMRCJ) second annual Thunder Over Clare Michigan. This event has become a community hit and was again well attended.
Although the CMRCJ club was formed at the start of the pandemic, its founding members are known for their past aid to the community from their membership in previous clubs. This community bond allowed for a partnership to form between the City of Clare and the club and provided them the ability to fly from a portion of the area airport.
CMRCJ’s inaugural event in 2020 was a community hit and this year was no different. To see the spectators gathered, watching these incredibly fast airplanes fly, was a great experience and shows how important a model club can be to a community. The ability to work together and make things happen benefits everyone.
In closing this month’s column, I want to take a minute to welcome David Fischer to the District VII Control Line (CL) Contest Board. Dave is an active competitor and I know he will represent not only the district’s needs but that of the CL community as well.
Until next month, enjoy the remaining time of the season and share the passion of our hobby with others.
