District I

District I

Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont

Andy Argenio
Vice President

In the latter part of 2023, the Northern Connecticut RC Club (NCRCC) was awarded AMA Gold Leader Club status having met all of the required and elective goals indicating that superior safety measures are practiced by the club, along with community outreach initiatives to ensure the club’s future and that of aeromodeling.

AMA also selected NCRCC as the November Club of the Month out of 2,400 AMA clubs. Congratulations, NCRCC, for representing the best of AMA clubs in the US. Stan Kulesa, NCRCC’s secretary, submitted the following report:

NCRCC sponsored another static display at its local library in Ellington, Connecticut. In January and February, club members hung more than 20 model airplanes, including indoor electrics, gas-powered Giant Scale, gliders, Pylon racers, and a turbine jet from the library’s ceiling.

To supplement the static display, on two Saturdays in a conference room, NCRCC members conducted aeromodeling education with participants, from “ground school” to aircraft flight surfaces, to how stick movements on the trans-

Participants using flight simulators during the educational event — Bob Spooner (second from the left) coached one of the women attending the event. Leo Nordell is standing.

Bob Spooner (second from the left) coached one of the women attending the event. Leo Nordell is standing.

An instructor demonstrating model aircraft controls to a child — Stan Kulesa explained to a new pilot how ailerons work. Dad looked on and participated as well. Bob LaFlamme is seated.

Stan Kulesa explained to a new pilot how ailerons work. Dad looked on and participated as well. Bob LaFlamme is seated.

Youngsters and seniors operating model aircraft flight simulators — Youngsters and seniors attended the event. Jessica Haxhi coached these student pilots.

Youngsters and seniors attended the event. Jessica Haxhi coached these student pilots.

Adults and children gathered around model aircraft flight simulators — Leo Nordell (second from left) and his dad, Ola (fourth from left), had fun instructing these new pilots.

Leo Nordell (second from left) and his dad, Ola (fourth from left), had fun instructing these new pilots.

Young pilots using computer flight simulators — Kevin Cyr (standing) monitored these new young pilots on flight simulators.

Kevin Cyr (standing) monitored these new young pilots on flight simulators.

mitter control a model aircraft’s flight path.

After learning the basics, dozens of participants spent time flying various model aircraft on the five flight simulator stations.

Bob LaFlamme, event coordinator, said the smiles and joy on the faces of the student pilots were incredible. Feedback from the library staff has been noteworthy, and NCRCC got an awesome opportunity to enhance its standing in the community while promoting the hobby.

Thank you Stan, Bob, and all of the club members who participated in NCRCC’s latest aeromodeling educational initiative.