Every August, the RC Propbusters in Salem, Connecticut, hosts the Neighborhood Fun Fly, inviting residents to bring their kids to experience the joys of RC flying. This year, the club’s president, Ed Deming, who also serves as an associate vice president (AVP), took the opportunity to invite fellow AVPs, shown in the following photo, and me, to the event. Along with AVPs Doug Thompson and Joan Liska, we set a record with seven district officers present at a single club event. This allowed us to not only assist with the event but to also discuss district events that we have attended and are planning, engaging in valuable face-to-face conversations instead of virtual Zoom meetings.
The weather was perfect for the occasion. When most of us arrived, the club members had already set up shade structures and displayed a variety of model aircraft as parents and their children joined the event. We added an AMA popup shelter, a flight simulator, and AMA informational handouts to their resources.
In keeping with tradition, club members and flight instructors entertained attendees with their RC aircraft flying skills. They provided guidance on using RC simulators, which led to actual flying sessions with the youngsters and their parents through buddy-box flying. Once again, the event was a big hit with the surrounding community, and the club provided free burgers, hot dogs, and refreshments for lunch.
Inviting the public to AMA club events shifts perception from a private hobby to a family-friendly, community-oriented activity.
Thank you, RC Propbusters, for having open membership, a welcoming attitude, fostering community relations, and hosting multiple events each year.
