District II
New Jersey, New York, Europe
As we celebrate 50 years of Model Aviation magazine this year, District II AMA clubs have much to celebrate as well. Numerous District II model aviation events have been happening over many decades. Some of these events started before the inception of Model Aviation, while others began afterward; however, virtually all of these events have been celebrated in our magazine, and they all contribute to our community of aeromodelers.
Celebrating 70 years this year, the Aero Guidance Society’s annual Pattern contest will be held on August 9-10, 2025, at 147 Warrick Road in Endicott, New York. Contest events will include Sportsman, Intermediate, Advanced, Masters (401-404), and FAI (406; Junior, Senior, and Open). Lunch will be provided for all contestants. The field will be open for practice Friday afternoon at 1 p.m. On-site camping is available.
The Mid-Hudson RC Society will celebrate the 59th annual Rhinebeck Jamboree at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome on September 5-7, 2025. The event includes models of non-World War II scale aircraft from before December 31, 1939. Registration is at 11 a.m. all three days. A rubber-power fly-off will be held as well.
The Sky Rovers club will be celebrating its 56th annual airshow on July 20-21 at Ford Field, 2269 McBurney Road in Phelps, New York. Pilots come to fly in the show from across New York, neighboring states, and Canada. RV and tent camping is available.
The show runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day and is held for the enjoyment of the public and fellow pilots. Model aircraft range from sport models to military airplanes, with wingspans from 3 to 10 feet.
Ironically, the Syracuse Thunderbirds Aero Radio Society (STARS) and the Southern Tier Aero Radio Society, also called STARS, are both celebrating their respective annual airshows this year.
On August 30, the Syracuse STARS will host its 46th annual STARS Model Airshow for fliers of all ages and all types of aircraft. The club’s field, at 649 CR-12, Pennellville, New York, features electricity for charging and primitive camping.
The Southern Tier STARS will celebrate its own annual Fun Fly Rally. The event will feature open flying and demonstrations of all types of model airplanes and helicopters. The club’s field, at 5006 W. Shore Road, Hindsdale, New York, features electricity for charging and primitive camping with limited electrical sites.
The Binghamton Aeros will present its 40th annual Aeros’ Festival of Giants on August 7-9, 2025. Held at the Chenango Bridge Airport at 247 Airport Road, Binghamton, New York, the event will include three full days of Giant Scale aircraft flying, with primitive camping available.
Nearing its fourth decade, the Lazy Eight RC Club will host its 39th Annual Adirondack Fun Fly on August 16-17, 2025. The event will include all sizes of AMA-legal aircraft. Primitive RV camping is available with night flying, raffles, and food concessions. Early arrivals are welcome. The club’s 900-foot grass runway is located at 210 Knoblauch Road, Johnstown, New York.
The events mentioned here represent only a few of the great opportunities to fly with fellow modelers or to enjoy the day as a spectator. If you have not attended these events, you’ve missed some great times. Unfortunately, space does not allow me to list all of the District II events. If your club has a great event to pass along, please drop me a line. Find out more about these events and others at www.modelaircraft.org/event-calendar.
Remember, it’s not about what you fly, it’s about the friends you make.
Eric Williams
Vice President
amavpd2@gmail.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; denn is6563@gmail.com
Eaton Bryce, Brooklyn NY; (917) 749-3125; subundergroundny@gmail.com
Sal Calvagna, Holbrook NY; (631) 737-6372; rcgiants@optonline.net
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; gm fitch@hotmail.com
Gene Gavin, Staten Island NY; (718) 967-0598; Gavin1957@aol.com
Frank Granelli, Rockaway NJ; (973) 625-4995; granelliff@aol.com
Bill Hauth, Hamburg NY; (716) 649-8582; toolmrk2000@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; p51085@aol.com
Leonard Max Smart, Morrisonville NY; (518) 572-6727; hotrodsbymax@charter.net
Alexander Sz emere, 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
