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Congratulations to James Taylor, fondly known as JT, for receiving the Carl and Beth Goldberg Vital People Award. JT is a member of the Raleigh AeroMasters in Raleigh, North Carolina.

James Taylor, fondly known as JT, for receiving the Carl and Beth Goldberg Vital People Award.

James Taylor, fondly known as JT, holding
the Carl and Beth Goldberg Vital People Award.

This award is presented annually to a modeler whose efforts enhance the enjoyment of the hobby and whose accomplishments are seldom formally acknowledged. JT is one such person.

Here is a comment from a member in his club. “JT is one of the most humble, knowledgeable, friendly, RC-loving individuals we have ever met. He is a true ambassador to the RC flying sport/hobby.”

It’s hard to know exactly where the website development will be when you read this in March. (I’m writing it on New Year’s Day. Got to get used to that.) We have several talented volunteers to help with the website, creating the district Communications Committee, and we will have begun the design in January.

More current information will be sent out via email through the DISTRICT IV NEWS on items of interest to our community. Look for the announcement that we have a district Facebook page and be sure to like us.

The district is gearing up for a great flying season. Look for me or any of the AVPs as we attend your events and meetings. We are there to ensure you are getting the most out of your membership, so ask questions and give us your comments. We represent you. CDs and clubs, be sure to send me your event reports so I can let the rest of the district hear about it in this column.

The following report comes from Dave Deacon, president of Prince George’s Radio Control (GRC) club in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.

Neil and Jim Westdorp and their show-quality 40% 3W Yak.

Neil and Jim Westdorp and their show-quality
40% 3W Yak.

On September 13-14, 2014, PGRC held its 22nd annual Big Bird/Warbird Fly-In. As in previous years, the club combined its warbird event with its Giant Scale event.

Day one was met with rain in the forecast, but it held off until early afternoon, allowing for some good flying and an opportunity for fliers and spectators to make new friends. Cub Scout Pack 731 showed up and the boys were thrilled with the variety of airplanes. One notable airplane was a Hangar 9 P-47 owned by Ed Lane and piloted by Archie Stafford.

The pilots were delighted with the inclusive portraits that were printed on the spot of them posing with their favorite models.

 

 

Cub Scout Pack 731 poses with a 40% JTEC Extra 300.

Cub Scout Pack 731 poses with a 40% JTEC
Extra 300.

Sunday brought clear skies and light winds. Rick Greer brought out his Bob Violett Models (BVM) KingCat powered by a 160 JetCat in full military scheme. Not to be outdone, Basil Roper made some smoke-on passes with his K-170 turbine-powered MB-339. Near the middle of the day, Neil Westdorp dazzled the estimated 600 spectators with his freestyle routine flying his Hangar 9 Extra 300.

Probably one of the most impressive airplanes was a 110-inch Skymaster A-10 Warthog owned and flown by Kwang Ko from Chantilly, Virginia. The aircraft features twin JetCat 120 turbines with simulated turbo fans that rotate, a working canopy, scale flaps and decelerons, and scale retracts and doors. Words can’t convey the detailed work put into this project.

 

Rick Greer and his daughter with his BVM KingCat.

Rick Greer and his daughter with his BVM
KingCat.

 

With a larger-than-life facility, PGRC plans to host many events this year, including its annual open house. Be sure to check your calendar for next year’s Big Bird/Warbird Fly-In. It’s getting bigger every year.

Go fly and have fun safely.