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; dennis65636@gmail.com
Eaton Bryce, Brooklyn NY; (917) 749-3125; subundergroundny@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@nycpown.com
Gary Fitch, Deloveny NY; gmfitc@hotmail.com
Gene Gavin, Staten Island NY; (718) 967-0598; Gavin1957@aol.com
Frank Granelli, Rockaway NJ; (973) 625-4995; granelli@aol.com
Bill Hauth, Hamburg NY; (716) 649-8582; toolmk12000@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, Morrisonville NY; (518) 572-6727; hotrodsbymax@charter.net
Alexander Szembere, Kendall Park NJ; (732) 821-5641; drszemere@aol.com
Michael Wong, Mahwah NJ; kingmgeow@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
Many AMA clubs work to own their flying sites. Site ownership provides both benefits and liabilities. Dealing directly with neighbors and local authorities as a landowner, not to mention potential property taxes, creates added responsibilities, If it’s done right, club flying site ownership provides added benefits and autonomy. Here are examples of three such District II clubs that own their flying fields.
The Plattsburgh Radio Aero Modelers (PRAM) took advantage of buying their flying site nearly 30 years ago. When the club decided to add an RC car track to the field, there was not a landowner to ask permission.
The Southern Tier Aero Radio Association (STARS), in Cuba, New York, is another club that owns its flying site. It is also designated as an AMA historic site by the AMA Heritage Program. The facility has running water, a restroom, and power for both club operations and RV campers!
As the landowner, the club made the decision and created the track. Several years ago, PRAM decided to move the flying field entry road farther away from the runway to increase safety. Again, it was a decision that the club made on its own.
The STARS Historic Site marker.
The STARS club recently acquired some land adjoining their field. The purchase was prudent in that it not only created an additional buffer from neighbors, but it also provided for potential use by the club.
The Sky Rovers Radio Controlled Flying Club, located in Phelps, New York, is another District II club that purchased its flying site many years ago. The club has been extremely active throughout the years in flying site and community activities. With the autonomy of owning their own flying field, the club has been able to make numerous improvements, including a large storage barn and drainage projects. Each year, the club invites the community to come out and discover model aviation!
The three previously mentioned clubs are fortunate to own their own facilities where they make continuous improvements. Of course, not every club can own its own flying site, particularly in urban settings where the only flying site options are public lands; however, all clubs should benefit from the possibilities of what they can do at their existing site and consider laying plans to secure their future with their own properties.
If you’d like information about various methods that our clubs have used to arrange for the purchase of their flying sites, please drop me a line.
Remember, it’s not about what you fly, it’s about the friends you make.
