One of the 55 AMA Introductory Pilot Program clubs that received a Club Training Day Starter Kit from the AMA Foundation is AMA District VI's Midwest Sundowners RC Flying Club. Club Vice President Ed Rogala provided the following write-up about his club's community event:
"The Midwest Sundowners RC Flying Club hosted its Remembering Veterans/Warbirds Day & Swap Meet on Saturday, July 19. This event began over 45 years ago at our Chesterton Field location. This year's event was dedicated to Richard Waugh, a longtime Sundowner member who recently passed away.
"Due to the forecast for rain, the event started early with an 8:30 a.m. pilot's meeting, and the flightline opened at 9 a.m. Fifteen pilots registered for this annual event.
"Pilots were encouraged to have all their flights logged to earn points for the Pilot Participation prizes. Fourteen pilots logged 67 flights before the flightline was closed for lunch.
"We had 4 visitors that signed up for our flight simulator and free training flights.
"After the lunch break, the forecasted thunderstorm arrived, and flying ceased around 1 p.m. A live auction was held for the Jenny model donated by Greg and Tracy Gobla. It was won by club member Rich Prochut. A YS 120 engine with tuned pipe was donated by Bill Bolz and was won by an out-of-town guest.
"Pilot participation prizes were awarded next, with pilots choosing the prize of their choice based on the number of flights that were recorded.
"The raffle had 2 prizes; first place was an E-flite Beechcraft 18, and second place was for 6 air show passes for the Rhinebeck Aerodrome. John Berns won the Beech 18, and Don Stryke won the Rhinebeck tickets.
"A big thank-you to all of our sponsors: Balsa USA, Bob Smith Adhesives, Du-Bro Products, Hitec RC, Model Airplane News (Air Age Media), Rhinebeck Aerodrome, Scale RC Engines, Nick Ziroli Plans, and Valley View RC."
Additionally, Ed and his club utilized the Club Training Day Starter Kit social media funding to advertise their community event on social media!
Thank you, Ed, for sharing this write-up! The AMA Foundation is glad to know that the Midwest Sundowners RC Flying Club's Club Training Day Starter Kit was put to good use. We're looking forward to continuing to watch this club share the joy of flight with its community!
We're eager to hear how other AMA Introductory Pilot Program clubs have utilized their Club Training Day Starter Kits. If your club received a kit, let Chief Communications Officer Clarissa Poston know how it was utilized by emailing clarissap@modelaircraft.org.
