District VII
Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin
Hello District VII. It seems strange that when you read this, the season will be starting to wind down, but as I write this, the season is on fire and so are the temperatures. Not only has it been nice to get back out to the field and fly once again, but it is also great to visit others and share the passion.
My first adventure this year was to take up an offer by Circle Masters to come out to the club’s fun-fly and “take a swing on the strings.” The Circle Masters Flying Club, started in 1968, flies a variety of Control Line (CL) aircraft, and the members actively support and promote model aviation at the EAA AirVenture held in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and other area events. I had the opportunity to watch members fly and was extremely impressed watching CL Stunt, which was informational and impressive.
The routine was complicated, yet precise. I was amazed that they don’t have a caller reminding the pilot of the next maneuver in the sequence. Flying in RC events, I am used to having a caller, calling the maneuvers, helping with positioning, etc. The complexity of the CL maneuvers, remembering positioning and order was phenomenal.
Following watching this display of piloting, it was soon my turn to attempt to fly CL. I had tried it once, many years ago, and I remember becoming dizzy, but when I first met the Circle Masters members, they encouraged me to come visit and try it again. Not one to back down from a promise, here I was, ready to give it a go.
Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other plans, and rain started that continued throughout the day. My opportunity to try my hand at CL did not occur, but I promised them that I will give it a go. Who knows, District VII members might witness (and get a good chuckle) watching me try again at AirVenture! Trust me, when it occurs, pictures will be posted.
Next up was John’s Jet Jam, held at the Pontiac Miniature Aircraft Club (PMAC) in Pontiac, Michigan. John Hoover is the host of the event, and I will let him discuss it.
2024’s John’s Jet Jam was its 13th year! On June 2, we invited the area model-flying community to bring their EDF jets, propeller jets, or just come and watch a fun day of cool jet flying at the PMAC field White Lake. The national anthem and flying started at 3 p.m. and we had prizes for top three pilots. The flightline was active throughout the event.
Food included great burgers and hot dogs from our grill. Pilot attendance was down slightly from the previous year, but an FAA NOTAM prevented our first date, and we rescheduled for a few weeks later.
The Jet Jam Day started with rain and drizzle but cleared out nicely for flying. We had an excellent spectator turnout with a completely full parking lot, and between food, an auction, and other elements, the event was a financial success for our club.
I enjoyed greeting new people and sharing our great hobby with the public. The field looked wonderful because our grounds crew is awesome. Another John’s Jet Jam is in the books, and I am looking forward to next year. Good flights!
Thank you, John, for your excitement, the efforts putting on this event, and the excitement you share with others in the community. Thanks again for your efforts and that of the club.
Randy Gibson
Vice President
amadistrictvii@modelaircraft.org
503 Mall Ct. # 289, Lansing MI 48912
(317) 688-4346
ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENTS
Bruce Baier, Oshkosh WI; (920) 233-1127; buzssr@gmail.com
Bud Gorman, Knife River MN; (218) 834-5797; bgorman@frontiernet.net
Bob Johnson, Fond du Lac WI; (920) 922-6705; bobj54935@yahoo.com
Mark Robotti, Lindstrom MN; (651) 257-6792; mgrobotti@frontier.com
Dell Shannon, Osceola IA (641) 342-4278; dellt.t.shannon@gmail.com
Len Todd, Baldwin MI; (907) 903-3569; lentodd@att.net
Peter G. Van Heusden, Bloomfield Hills MI; (248) 515-1071; petervh@malibutech.com
Chris Sterner, Greendale WI; (414) 349-0981; sterner6854@gmail.com
Kent Woods, Ames IA; (641) 751-7126; woods229@msn.com
EVENT SANCTION COORDINATORS
Michael J. Haller (RC), Fond du Lac WI; (920) 979-9452; mike.haller60@gmail.com
Marc Warwashana (CL), Whitmore Lake MI; (734) 223-1243; whellieman@gmail.com
AMA Headquarters (FF), (800) 435-9262; competition@modelaircraft.org
FREQUENCY COORDINATORS
Al Schwartz, Roseville MN; (651) 633-2286; alberts@comcast.net
Pete Waters, Northville MI; (248) 924-0223; petewaters@charter.net
