District I
Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont
It’s always nice to receive event reports of a club’s community outreach initiatives, especially when they involve introducing youngsters to the AMA and engaging them in aeromodeling activities. The following report was submitted by Melvin Barlow, president of the Middlesex Aeromodelers of Middletown, Connecticut, and Paul Patnoad, the club’s vice president.
Paul notified club members that the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), as part of its Aerospace Education STEM program, offers a kit to Cadet squadrons that includes an Apprentice model airplane, an RC system, and a RealFlight simulator. The CAP recommends that squadrons contact local AMA clubs to seek assistance after they practice RC simulator flying and pass the FAA TRUST test.
Recognizing this as an opportunity for AMA and the CAP to promote an interest in aviation and/or remotely piloted aircraft to youngsters as a hobby or future career path, the club invited the CAP squadron commander to a club meeting. During the meeting, the commander provided an overview of the CAP mission and answered member questions.
It was decided to invite six Silver City Squadron members—four cadets and two senior adults—for a day of RC training, including assembling and setting up an RC model aircraft and buddy-box flying with club flight instructors.
On September 10, 2022, the Squadron members arrived at the flying site and were greeted by the club president and two flight instructors, John McCartney and Gregory Swift.
The day was picture-perfect for flying, with no wind and a wonderful blue sky. John held a safety briefing on how aircraft would be operated during the day. The cadets were excited to fly real RC model aircraft with the instructors.
Limiting the flight training to the four cadets allowed them to fly numerous times while getting experience in navigating straight-and-level flights, and practicing turns, takeoffs, and landings, with fewer instructor corrections. As batteries were recharged, the cadets were able to watch club members fly more advanced aircraft and perform aerobatics.
Everyone expressed that they had a terrific time and were looking forward to more RC flying. The following week, the squadron commander presented the club with a CAP certificate of appreciation. The club intends to participate in more events.
Thanks, Middlesex Aeromodelers, for promoting aeromodeling with CAP Cadets.
Wishing a happy and wonderful New Year to all AMA members and their families.
Andy Argenio
Vice President
brandshobby@gmail.com
3 Sheila Ln., Smithfield, RI 02917
(401) 231-6901
www.amadistrict-i.org
ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENTS
Steve Brehm, Jamestown RI; (401) 423-1085; stbrehm@yahoo.com
Andrew Figlar, Shelton CT; (203) 513-8546; safiglar32@gmail.com
Steve Goler, Salem MA; (617) 373-0884; nipmuck2@comcast.net
Daren Hudson, Greenland NH; (603) 674-5809; dth7@comcast.net
Ray LaBonte, Standish ME; (207) 892-7994; rplabonte@aol.com
Tom Lavoie, N. Smithfield RI; (401) 824-6134; d2twl@aol.com
Joan Liska, Middletown CT; (860) 347-0257; jliska9000@sbcglobal.net
Mark Montella, Falmouth, MA; (508) 457-4984; montellamj@comcast.net
Thomas J. Puma Jr., North Clarendon VT; (802) 558-4439; 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
