District II
New Jersey, New York, Europe
Eric Williams
Vice President
rcpilot@nycap.rr.com
4242 Amanda Ln., Schenectady NY 12303
(518) 356-2057
www.amadistrict-ii.org
www.facebook.com/DistrictIIAMA
ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENTS
Dennis Andreas, Freeport NY; (516) 902-8207; dennis66536@gmail.com
Sal Calvagna, Holbrook NY; (631) 737-6372; rcgiants@optonline.net
Frank Costello, Somerset NJ; teams3fpv@gmail.com
Chuck Davis, Sayville NY; (631) 589-7690; cjdavis60@verizon.net
Ed DeRossi, Johnstown NY; (518) 322-5172; ederossi@nycap.rr.com
Gary Fitch, Delevan NY; gmfitch@hotmail.com
Gene Gavin, Staten Island NY; (718) 967-0598; Gavin1957@aol.com
Frank Granelli, Rockaway NJ; (973) 625-4995; granellifl@aol.com
Bill Hauth, Hamburg NY; (716) 649-8582; toolmkr2000@msn.com
Tony Jensen, Binghamton NY; (607) 644-6873; tjravenpilot@gmail.com
Ron McGrath, North Chili, NY; ronmcgrath@rochester.rr.com
Anthony Rossi, Somerset NJ; (917) 320-2665; p510851@gmail.com
Leonard Max Smart, Morrisville NY; (518) 572-6727; hotrodsbymax@charter.net
Alexander Szemere, Kendall Park NJ; (732) 821-5641; drszemere@aol.com
Michael Wong, Mahwah NJ; kingmeow@verizon.net
Herb Ziegler, Baldwinsville NY; (315) 857-6266; herbz1957@yahoo.com
RC EVENT SANCTION COORDINATORS
Tony and Trish Jensen, 23 Clarendon Dr., Binghamton, NY 13901; (607) 644-6873; tjravenpilot@gmail.com
CL/FF/EVENT SANCTION COORDINATOR
AMA Headquarters, Competitions Department; (800) 435-9262, Ext. 252; cpierce@modelaircraft.org
On July 8-9, 2023, I attended the Annual District II Fun Fly in conjunction with the Southern Tier Aero Radio Society’s (STARS) 46th annual fun-fly. STARS hosted the event at the club’s beautiful field on West Shore Road in Hinsdale/Cuba, New York. STARS is a highly involved AMA club with an interesting history. It is recognized as an AMA National Aeromodeling Historic Landmark, emanating from the former Clapp Field in Olean, New York.
This year’s event was another great success. Numerous pilots, families, and spectators participated. For the past few years, STARS has invited local car club enthusiasts to display their cars and enjoy the show. This year, approximately 40 cars were at the event. This relationship has proved very effective. Not only do the classic car owners enjoy the flying, but their attendance gives spectators an added attraction at the event, and several of the car enthusiasts have now become involved STARS club members. Through the work of District II Associate Vice
One of Randy Bittinger’s glue caddies.
One side of the flightline.
Anne and Frank Granelli came from Pennsylvania to help out.
President and STARS member Gary Fitch, numerous vendors donated prizes for pilots. Many pilots received these gifts throughout the event. Club member Randy Bittinger donated several custom glue caddies that he created for the fly-in. Saturday night’s barbecue dinner was a success, with 80 participants enjoying a friendly evening. Beginning more than 20 years ago, the inaugural District II Fun Fly was held at the Syracuse Thunderbird Aero Radio Society in Pennellville, New York. Both clubs own their own flying sites, have done excellent jobs in operating and maintaining their fields, and have always done a great job of hosting the annual district event.
If your club is interested in hosting a future District II Fly In, please drop me a line.
Remember, it’s not about what you fly, it’s about the friends you make.
