District III

District III

Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia

Model aviation activities have fully resumed in District III with a flurry of activity. On June 5, 2021, I attended the Blennerhassett Area Radio Control Club (BARCC) fun-fly in Belpre, Ohio. The weather was perfect, with little wind and plenty of sunshine.

The club was celebrating the opening of its new Geotextile runway, located in the center of its beautiful grass runway. The club used an AMA Flying Site Grant for this field improvement and did a nice job installing the runway. It is one of the tightest-stretched runways of this type from which I have flown.

Any club that is interested in this type of runway can check it out at www.usfabricinc.com/products/rcaircraftgeotextile.

On June 12-13, 2021, I was the contest director for the West Virginia State RC Pattern Championships, hosted by the Wing Nutz of St. Marys, West Virginia. Pattern competitors came from Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, New York, Michigan, North Carolina, Wisconsin, and Indiana to fly Precision Aerobatics with their beautiful aircraft. The club provided lunch each day and a spaghetti dinner Saturday evening that was held at a golf club near the flying field.

The weather forecast was sketchy for the weekend, but it turned out beautiful for both days of competition. This ninth annual event proves that Pattern competition is alive and well in AMA District III. For more district news and information, visit www.amadistrict-iii.com.

Man kneeling beside a red-and-white model airplane on a runway — BARCC member Larry Smith and his Cherokee model. Note the club’s new Geotextile runway.

Adults and a child operating a model aircraft at a flying field — BARCC club president Joseph Kapraun (L) and past president Larry Smith (R) buddy box a future aviator.

Model aircraft field with an aluminum pavilion and marked pilot stations — The BARCC field has a nice aluminum pavilion for club picnics. Note the clearly marked pilot stations and orange safety barrier.

A couple standing beside a model airplane on a flying field

Pilots and spectators at a model aircraft competition — Pilot Joe Winterrowd and caller JT are flying before the judges. Note the white, angled lines painted on the ground to help competitors define the pattern box.

Until next month, stay safe and fly safely.