District VII
Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin
Hello, District VII. Things are hot, not only temperature-wise but also with activities. With that, let me jump into updates from district clubs.
This month, I want to highlight the phenomenal Iowa City Aerohawks air show. The Aerohawks put on a well-organized, choreographed event. It is truly a scaled-down version of a full-scale air show, taking spectators through the evolution of model aviation, with demonstrations that engage the crowd. Rich VeDepo, the lynchpin of this air show, kindly sent a report.
On Sunday, July 7, the Iowa City Aerohawks, located in Iowa City, Iowa, hosted its 31st Annual Radio Controlled Air Show. The air show is free to the public and is geared toward promoting the hobby to those who are unfamiliar with model aviation.
The day started out on a bit of a sour note weather-wise. Showers persisted throughout the morning and early afternoon; however, the weather didn’t discourage the nearly 1,000 spectators. After a half-hour delay, the show got underway to the delight of those in attendance.
It was another great show put on by 22 pilots and dozens of others working behind the scenes, parking cars, working in the concession stand, and spotting for the air show pilots. The guests were treated to some great flying events, which included World War I and II tributes, Golden Age aircraft, aerobatic displays, an EDF showcase, a factory-sponsored freestyle helicopter demonstration that left the crowd shaking their heads in amazement, and a wild and crazy routine filled with noise, smoke, and music called the Masters of Disaster. It was truly a crowd favorite.
They even had a visit from Superman, who averted a potential problem in the parking lot by coming to the rescue and chasing off the troublemakers. While the emcee was highlighting the accomplishments of the Red Baron and a Fokker Dr. I was flying overhead, a
funny-looking dog with a big black nose came out of nowhere and engaged in a real dogfight. The spectators loved it.
It was a great show, despite the slow start. The program ended with the main event called Thunder Over the Landfill, as 10 aircraft took to the sky in pursuit of an 80-foot streamer pulled by a towplane. The day ended with the drawing for a raffle airplane. The winner had four options and chose the Horizon Hobby E-flite Timber. The winner also joined the Aerohawks club as a new member. It truly was a win-win for everyone. It was a great day for those in attendance, the Aerohawks club, and our hobby.
Thank you, Rich, for the report. I am sure that it was a great success, even with the challenges. I want to remind members to make sure that their club takes advantage of the opportunity to receive cash recognition for public relations coverage/promotion of model aviation. Media coverage can turn into cash for your club. Visit www.modelaircraft.org/sites/default/files/716.pdf for more information about this program.
This is a definite win-win for your club. Not only are you enjoying sharing the passion with potential new members to your club, but in promoting the hobby, it can provide some assistance for even more programming.
It is impressive to see so many events within the district, and it’s great to share your enjoyment of the hobby. Keep sending in those updates.
Until next month, keep the passion going.
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; buzzsr@gmail.com
Bud Gorman, Knife River MN; (218) 834-5797; bgorman@frontiernet.net
Bob Johnson, Fond du Lac WI; (920) 922-6705; bobjh54953@yahoo.com
Mark Robotti, Lindstrom MN; (651) 257-6792; mgrobotti@frontier.com
Dell Shannon, Osceola IA (641) 342-4278; duell.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.haller.60@gmail.com
Marc Warwashana (CL), Whitmore Lake MI; (734) 223-1243; whellieman@gmail.com
AMA Headquarters (FF), (765) 287-1256, ext. 252; 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
