District II
New Jersey, New York, Europe
Eric Williams
Vice President
amavpd2@gmail.com
4242 Aram 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; dennis66536@aol.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; toolmkr2000@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 Szmere, Kendall Park NJ; (732) 821-5641; drszmere@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
Many District II clubs have started the 2025 flying season while having a lot of fun times. Clubs are also appreciating that activity, promotion, and getting the word out are central to club growth. Whether it is public flying events, Facebook groups, enjoyable club meetings, or club swag, such as hats and T-shirts, demonstrating club activity is critical!
Themed events are important because pilots can relate their models and interests with those of other modelers. Warbird events are popular themes because, sooner or later, most modelers own a warbird. Warbirds look cool and the range of Scale warbird aircraft spans more than 100 years. Even new modelers can participate because various high-wing, docile aircraft qualify as Scale warbirds. Warbird events have always been popular in District II.
Control Line (CL) events and demonstrations are important. They display abilities that pure RC modelers are not skilled in. The public likes to see CL models. CL flying demonstrates maneuvers that are impossible via remote control. Clubs that include CL demonstrations at their events provide entertainment that the public—and many RC fliers—have never seen before.
Demonstrating Free Flight (FF) flying is equally important. This model aircraft discipline uniquely displays the skill for modelers to predict an aircraft’s flight and to adjust their aircraft before flight! Unfortunately, many club fields are not suitable for the retrieval of large FF models; however, small FF aircraft can get the job done.
A monthly get-together at the West Jersey RC Club.
Nonflying activities can also help clubs significantly! Facebook pages can be an integral, free tool for clubs. These pages demonstrate the hobby to the public, while providing club members with an area in which to participate and to show off their models. Other social media platforms can also be valuable in attracting the public to your club. The crucial point is to display energy, excitement, and fun.
Club coats, caps, T-shirts, and other attire have been around forever. Although coats with numerous pins and patches are not as common as they once were, demonstrating club membership on clothing is still popular with modelers. Club logos displayed on attire at events show club strength and cohesion. If your club doesn’t have its own clothing, start simple and choose one garment, such as a cap or a T-shirt.
Whatever it is, to attract new members, clubs must “be out there” and in the public eye. Choose an area to illuminate the hobby and always keep up the good work.
Remember, it’s not about what you fly, it’s about the friends you make.
