District VII
Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin
Hello District VII members. I hope this article finds you well. Where in the world has summer gone? I am sure many of you have had some hot days, but it is now past Labor Day, and for most of us in the district, the cooler weather, shorter days, and dare I say, snow is not too far away.
I have often discussed how sharing our passion for this hobby is so easily spread. Invite those who come by the flying field just to visit and watch to give it a go for themselves. Smile and have a good time getting to know the pilots. Invite them to buddy box with you and enjoy the thrill of flight, and to return to your field at a future date and take them up again. You never know how much that might mean.
Last year, I attended a jet event where the community came out in droves to see what was happening at the local airport. This was at the height of the pandemic, but the community welcomed us, and we had a chance to be outside and a sense of normalcy.
Spectators walked around, asked many questions, and enjoyed the display and flights of the jet aircraft. A grandfather walked around with his grandson, Case, each of the three days of the event, and both were captivated by the airplanes. On the last day, as things were winding down, they approached me and were interested in getting started in the hobby and had even more questions to ask! I was thrilled to see their excitement and was happy to help.
They found an ad for an Alpha 60 airplane that had never been built and was available locally. They showed me the ad and I told them that it would be a great trainer airplane. Before I knew it, they had left the field, purchased the airplane, and were back at the field, smiling from ear to ear. I offered to help guide them when they were ready to get started. What a great project for the pair!
We spoke often and discussed what they would need to purchase accessories (engine, servos, radio), etc. As they assembled the airplane, we chatted about it. I could tell that this was something they both were thrilled about doing.
When spring 2021 came, another jet event was going to be held. I made a few trips before the event to visit with them and check on the airplane’s progress. They made a few corrections, but in all, it was pretty good. I checked things such as the center of gravity and control throws, but it was ready for its maiden flight.
The jet event was held and, although the Alpha 60 did not qualify for the event, they brought it to get a chance to run the engine and set it up.
Case was excited because he knew that he would be joining those of us who enjoy flying our models. He volunteered and helped throughout the weekend wherever he could. On the last day of the event, after most of the participants had left, I asked Case, “Are you ready to see your airplane fly?”
Before I had finished the question, Case and his grandfather were getting the airplane, fuel, radios, and tools ready to go! Although it was getting late, we fired up the Alpha 60, taxied it out, and took off.
It flew beautifully and Case and his grandfather were over the moon to see their creation in the air and flying. As the airplane touched down, I heard the grandfather exclaim, “That’s money!” I wish I could describe how giddy he was, but you had to be there.
We did a post-flight check of the airplane and I sent them home with a couple of things to do. It will not be long until it is time to buddy-box them on their creation.
I was almost as excited as they were. It brought back memories of the first airplane I built as a child and seeing it take flight. That feeling never leaves us.
Next month, I have a story I want to share from a club that also welcomed a new pilot into the joys of model aviation. Until then, share the passion. It’s a great feeling.
Randy Gibson
Vice President
Contact information: <REDACTED>
ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENTS
Bruce Baier, Oshkosh WI; <REDACTED>
Lee Frederickson, Ada MI; <REDACTED>
David George, Riverview MI; <REDACTED>
Bud Gorman, Knife River MN; <REDACTED>
Bob Johnson, Fond du Lac WI; <REDACTED>
Mark Robotti, Lindstrom MN; <REDACTED>
Dell Shannon, Osceola IA; <REDACTED>
Marc “Doc” Shelstrom, Lancaster WI; <REDACTED>
Len Todd, Baldwin MI; <REDACTED>
Peter G. Van Heusden, Bloomfield Hills MI; <REDACTED>
Kent Woods, Ames IA; <REDACTED>
EVENT SANCTION COORDINATORS
Michael J. Haller (RC), Fond du Lac WI; <REDACTED>
Marc Warwashana (CL), Whitmore Lake MI; <REDACTED>
AMA Headquarters (FF), <REDACTED>
FREQUENCY COORDINATORS
Al Schwartz, Roseville MN; <REDACTED>
Pete Waters, Northville MI; <REDACTED>
