District VII
Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin
Hello again, District VII members. By now, all areas of the district have warmed up and we should be back outside and flying our models—hopefully with enormous success.
As we are at the flying field more, it is not uncommon to have spectators wander by, very inquisitive and looking for more information. In last month’s column, I discussed welcoming those who arrived at the field and having set times posted and guaranteed attendance so that someone who is interested in the hobby can plan on a time to go to the field and be introduced to the hobby.
The question might now be that of having set times where club members will be present and having new people arrive. Then what? That’s a very good question.
Let me put forth some ideas I have received from district clubs that have told me about their programs.
Has your club signed up for the AMA Introductory Pilot Program and have one or more Introductory Pilots enrolled? This would be a great first step because it makes sure that the club is able to introduce non-AMA members to aero-modeling, while also providing insurance coverage to the non-member and the club. The smile a prospective member will have after taking the controls the first time will be heartwarming and the start of something special.
Where do you go from there? Allow me to provide, as an example, the Wausau R/C Sports club in Wausau, Wisconsin. The club has a completely structured Intro Pilot Program. In the program, using a 12-lesson plan, the Intro Pilots teach students everything from preflight safety to skills that are needed to control and recover from adverse situations, takeoffs and landings, and much more.
It starts off with the all-important ground school, covering topics such as flying site rules,
field safety, how an airplane works, and FAA regulations. The club members who are not training the pilots aid in tasks such as battery charging, and any other assistance that is needed.
This program is all done with the club’s trainer aircraft and, in the end, a new pilot becomes a successful member of the RC community and passes along skills to prospective new members.
Remember when clubs wondered how they could recruit new members? Allow me to repeat what I just wrote: Help the new pilot become a successful member of the RC community and pass along skills to prospective new members. Your new, prospective members are right there!
Drop me a note and tell me what type of programs your club is involved with. Also, fun-fly season is here. Send an email and tell me about your upcoming events. Until then, share the passion!
Randy Gibson
Vice President
rgibson@mmrca.org
503 Mall Ct. # 289, Lansing MI 48912
(317) 688-4346
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; bgorman@frontiernet.net
Bob Johnson, Fond du Lac WI; (920) 922-6705; bobj54935@yahoo.com
Mark Rhobotti, Lindstrom MN; (651) 257-6792; mgrobotti@frontier.com
Dell Shannon, Osceola IA (641) 342-4278; dell.t.shannon@gmail.com
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; alberto@comcast.net
Pete Waters, Northville MI; (248) 924-0223; petewaters@charter.net
