District XI
Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington
Hi all! The flying season has started! I wrote this on April 5. I’ve gotten in a few flights, attended a great swap meet, and I’m ready for more.
Two weeks ago, I visited the McMinnville Aircraft Modelers in Oregon. What a great bunch of guys! The club has an annual swap meet that is short and sweet.
It only runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on a Saturday, but it sure gets a lot done. I got to chat with many of the members in that part of Oregon. I really enjoyed that.
Look for this event next year and get it on your calendars. It is worth the time! Here are a couple of pictures.
I added a new model to my fleet and was just amazed at its ease and performance. I know a lot of you turn up your nose to foamie airplanes, but you really should give them a try.
This E-flite T-28 took roughly 20 minutes to assemble. It is large and appealing to look at and it flies great. It has plenty of power, offers great handling, and has very effective flaps for slow landings.
I’ll take this airplane with me to most of the events I plan to attend this year. It’s a real winner!
Speaking of flaps, use them if you’ve got them. I see many newer pilots afraid to use the flaps. Don’t be. They are there for a purpose; full-scale aircraft use them all the time. They allow for a lower approach speed and give you better landings. They also add lift for better takeoffs. I use them on float airplanes to lift off smooth water easier. Give it a try, you will like it!
There are a bunch of events in the district this summer. I wish I could get to all of them. Check the event calendar on the AMA website to find something near you. Please attend a nearby event, even if it isn’t your favorite part of the hobby. You would be surprised at what you will see and who you can talk to. It might open new doors.
Please stop by the AMA Indoor Free Flight Nats June 19-23, 2023, in the Kibbie Dome in Moscow, Idaho. Contact Contest Director Bruce Kimball at iflvhlg@hotmail.com for more information. I plan to attend at least one day.
Another reminder is that the AMA Northwest Jamboree is coming on July 14-16 at Sanderson Field in Shelton, Washington. It’s going to be great fun with lots of flying!
That’s all for this month, but there’s much more coming. I’m going to two swap meets and an Executive Council meeting in Muncie, Indiana, before the next column is due. Keep building and flying!
