District III
Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia
For many years, AMA’s tagline was “Bringing Modelers Together.” That statement was true when it was written and it is still true today.
Several years ago, I met Rich Barch at an event in Dayton, Ohio. Rich, a member of the Springfield Model Airplane Club, in Springfield, Ohio, told me of his club’s annual spring event in which area clubs are invited to enjoy a fun day of flying, food, and fellowship. Every year, Rich invited me, but the timeframe never worked out.
This year’s event was held on June 4 and I was able to attend. Upon arrival, I was greeted by Rich, who had held a parking space open for me and kindly allowed me to utilize his large pop-up shelter. The club has a beautifully manicured grass runway in a large field with no obstructions in the area. The club installed a large aluminum shelter for shade and picnic tables, which made it enjoyable to eat and not have to endure the hot sun.
The event had more than 40 pilots from the area clubs. I knew several pilots who attended, and I also met a lot of modelers whom I can now call my friends. Thanks, Rich, for inviting me year after year to attend your club’s event. I am glad my schedule finally allowed me to attend, and I look forward to going in the future.
On the subject of bringing modelers together, the third annual AMA National Fun Fly was held June 24-26, 2022, at the International Aeromodeling Center (IAC) in Muncie, Indiana.
This event was established so that AMA members could enjoy their national facility, which includes more than 1,100 acres of flying sites, the AMA Headquarters, and the fantastic National Model Aviation Museum.
The event featured multiple flightlines, a swap shop, the AMA simulator trailer, raffle prizes, buddy-boxing, museum tours, food vendors, and more. District III had a 20 x 20-foot tent and I invited members from the district to utilize the shelter at their convenience. The event was well attended with safety in mind, with district vice presidents and associate vice presidents (AVPs) to run the multiple flightlines.
The weather was nearly perfect and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves with flying, food, and fellowship. If you have never been to the IAC, I encourage you to attend the 2023 event. It is a great opportunity to see your AMA Headquarters and to utilize the beautiful flying facility that your dues have helped to create.
Until next month, stay safe and fly safely.
Mark Radcliff
Vice President
mracdliff@suddenlink.net
199 Heron Dr., St. Marys WV 26170
(304) 684-2133
www.amadistrict-iii.org
www.facebook.com/ama.district.iii
ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENTS
Randy Adams, Fairfield OH; (513) 484-3318; r1rcpilot@gmail.com
Mike Barbee, Delaware OH; (740) 362-5545; mbarbee@aol.com
Jeff Black, New Oxford PA; (717) 965-5634; jrb1ack1964@gmail.com
Jim Butler, Saint Albans WV; (304) 545-6652; butler_james@msn.com
Dave Chisholm, Valencia PA; (724) 494-2025; dave@satcomsystems.com
Nelson Gould, Macungie PA; (484) 515-7888; at6snj@ptd.net
Tony Husak, Hartsgrove OH; (440) 283-7447; racer749@gmail.com
Dan Luchaco, Sayre PA; (607) 481-4541; pafflyer23@gmail.com
Jim Martin, Franklin OH; (937) 260-0143; hoitelovesremy@yahoo.com
Al Myers, Canfield OH; (330) 506-6194; ajm5176@gmail.com
Joseph Vislay, Monclova OH; (419) 450-6617; jvislay54@gmail.com
John Zoldak, Ravenna OH; (330) 554-9455; jzoldak316@yahoo.com
Lisa Zoldak, Ravenna OH; (330) 348-4543; bigredbice@gmail.com
CL/RF/RC EVENT SANCTION COORDINATORS
Nelson Gould (PA), 1340 Oak Dr., Macungie PA 18062; (484) 515-7888; at6snj@ptd.net
Sheila Nitsch (OH, WV), 5650 Boyd Rd., Grove City OH 43123; (614) 877-3453; tnitsch@columbus.rr.com
WEBMASTER
Lisa Zoldak, Ravenna OH; (330) 348-4543; bigredbice@gmail.com
