District V

District V

Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Puerto
Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, US Virgin Islands

Robin Ward standing behind a Boomerang Ranger model aircraft — Congratulations to Robin Ward for attaining his turbine waiver in Warner Robins GA. He is shown with his Boomerang Ranger.

Welcome back everyone! Florida is in full swing, with lots of events and record warm temperatures. I made my annual trip to Mulberry to attend the Florida eJet Fest and got to hang out with the gang at the Imperial RC Club.

This is the club that oversees operations at Top Gun and Florida Jets, and it does a wonderful job hosting the eJet Fest at the club’s home field in Mulberry.

Jerry McGhee briefing pilots beneath a canopy — CD Jerry McGhee briefed the pilots during the morning pilots’ meeting at the Florida eJet Fest event.

I also had the pleasure of hanging out at the DeLand Golden Hawks club for its Winter Air Fest event in DeLand, Florida.

This fly-in and swap meet attracted a large pilot count, a lot of spectators, and people who were perusing the wares for sale at the swap tables.

John Burdin with an HSD Jets F-86 Sabre Jet — John Burdin, from the Imperial RC club, attended the Florida eJet Fest with his HSD Jets F-86 Sabre Jet.

I’d like to thank Associate Vice President Tim DiPeri for attending the Coffee Airfoilers Model Airplane Club’s Christmas party on my behalf and briefing them on the current FAA and FAA-Recognized Identification Areas (FRIA) issues.

This club, near Tullahoma, Tennessee, has been around since 1959 and supports all facets of model aviation. Thanks to both Tim and the Coffee Airfoilers Model Airplane Club!

Contest Director (CD) and club President Jerry McGhee once again ran an organized flightline that worked in several side contests yet encouraged open flying throughout the week and weekend. This annual event is well worth planning for each year.

A child and his father standing with model aircraft at the DeLand Winter Air Fest — Bryson (L) and his dad, Gene Dalusio, at the DeLand Winter Air Fest.