District I
Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont
Andy Argenio
Vice President
brandshobby@gmail.com
3 Sheila Ln., Smithfield, RI 02917
(401) 231-6901
www.amdistrict-i.org
I haven’t featured a helicopter event in a column for some time, so I decided to appoint an associate vice president (AVP) who has an outstanding background in RC helicopters to write one.
Joel Rosenzweig started flying helicopters in 1985 at age 12. He proceeded to become a software engineer who, in 2003, formed Helitronix, a company that designs and manufactures custom helicopter electronics. Joel submitted the following report:
The New England Heli Crew (NEHC), located in Mansfield, Massachusetts, is home to the Joe Howard Memorial Scale Heli Fun Fly. A niche within a niche, this is the largest scale helicopter event in the Northeast and draws loyal helicopter fanatics from District I and several states, including Florida, North Carolina, and New York!
A scale heli fun-fly runs at a leisurely pace. There is as much time spent walking the flight-line to obsess about all the amazing scale details and technical innovations as we spend flying. At the peak of flying activity, we line up our helicopters to claim a spot in the flight order. While waiting for our turns, we watch the aerial ballet unfold. The event attracts pilots of all skill levels and abilities.
The aircraft range from small, electric 450 models all the way up to large, 2-meter rotor spans, turbine-powered aircraft. You will find helicopters that are prebuilt and painted from the factory, kits requiring full assembly and painting, and fully scratch-built models with
custom-made fiberglass fuselages and custom-machined mechanics.
The level of skill and craftsmanship is staggering. All are willing to help one another achieve the next step. This year, we had 12 registered pilots (four with rotary-wing turbine waivers!) who kept the sky busy all weekend while we enjoyed the company of old friends and new. This year was the first time the event was officially sanctioned. The District I Facebook page and website helped draw additional pilots and spectators.
The three-day gathering is generally held on the first full weekend in June. If you want to enjoy flying with us or simply see some beautifully crafted and expertly flown helicopters, don’t miss next year’s event.
Thanks, Joel, and all of the members of the NEHC club, as well as event attendees for this excellent scale helicopter event report.
ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENTS
Steve Brehm, Jamestown RI; (401) 423-1085; stbrehm@yahoo.com
Andrew Figlar, Shelton CT; (203) 513-8546; safiglar320@gmail.com
Steve Gol, Salem MA; (617) 373-0884; nipmuck2@comcast.net
Daren Hudson, Greenland NH; (603) 674-5809; dh7@comcast.net
Ray LaBonte, Standish ME; (207) 892-7994; rplabonte@aol.com
Tom Lavoie, N. Smithfield RI; (401) 824-6134; d2tw4all@yahoo.com
Joan Liska, Middletown CT; (860) 347-0257; jliska9000@sbcglobal.net
Mark Montella, Falmouth, MA; (508) 457-4984; montellam@gmail.com
Thomas J. Puma Jr., North Clarendon VT; (802) 558-4438; usakingcat1@aol.com
Tom Rocheleau, Wethersfield CT; (860) 280-1701; trocheleau@cox.net
Joel Rosenzweig, Marlborough MA; (508) 667-3720; joel@helitronix.com
Tom Siwek, Shrewsbury MA; (617) 893-5249; trsiwek@gmail.com
William Unghire, Newington CT; (860) 978-5353; n1cnv@icloud.com
Ted Wojcik, Fremont NH; (603) 479-3799; tedwojcik@comcast.net
TECHNOLOGY AND SAFETY OFFICER
John Yassemedis, 5 Quarry Rd., Nashua NH 03062; (603) 321-8442; jyassemedis@comcast.net
EVENT SANCTION COORDINATOR
David Surwell, 24 Norwich Rd., Nashua NH 03062; (603) 888-2020; davidsurwell@comcast.net
