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    Unfortunately, in 2014 and 2015 I had to stop sponsorship. Travel costs for attending events, numerous meetings with clubs, public agencies, and testifying at legislative hearings depleted district funds. These additional travel expenses were necessary to address issues that threatened R/C flying and the use of public flying sites.

    At the executive council meeting in October we approved a long delayed increase in district yearly funds to begin as of 2016. We are currently looking into the types, locations, and dates of events that may be available for 2016 and 2017 for sponsorship.

District I events were very popular and some of our larger events like the “Horizon Jet Meet” at the Sanford Maine airport attracted over 20,000 spectator to the four day event. Our “Huckfest 3D Flying” at Gardner Airport in Massachusetts often brought in huge crowds and over 100 pilots. We have had great small one day events at local club fields accommodating 20 pilots and limited spectators as well as large events. Every type is open for discussion.

    The format and venue of events are usually determined by the hosting club in collaboration with flying site owners or managers, and district officers. The cost of running an event varies depending on its duration and what additional activities the club and district plan to include. Clubs tend to attract more members from greater distances when they host a district sponsored specialty event. Co-hosting an R/C Airshow event at a Full Scale Air Show, Craft Shows, Balloon Festivals, and Carnivals etc. can dramatically increase spectator attendance and reduced event costs.

Applying for and Hosting a District Sponsored Event

1. How and when should my club apply to host a district-sponsored event?

Contact any district officer (VP, AVPs) beginning in October of the current year through July of the next year to plan for events at least several months prior to the event dates being considered. District I events usually begin in May and end in November. Inform the district officer on the type, location, and available dates of the event your club would like to host. Tell the officer about any restrictions, special activities, available parking, camping, and whether spectators may attend. The officer will also need to know about any fees for pilots, spectators, and the use of a particular location for the event that me or may not be at the club’s flying site.

2. What types and sizes of events will District I sponsor each year?

Any open or specialty flying events may apply for district sponsorship. The district would like to sponsor at least one large multi-day event (45 plus pilots) at a club flying site, full scale airport, public or commercial location. The district would also like to sponsor one or two smaller one day or multi-day events (25 – 44 pilots) at a club flying site or any permitted and suitable location.

3. What may be expected of the hosting club?

The host club should participate in the planning and running of the event, provide a safe flying site and rules, a flight line safety officer, dedicated parking and a pit area, a protected area for spectators and a portable toilet. The club may sell food, have raffles, invite vendors, and accept donations.

4. What may be expected from district sponsorship? 

The district will sanction the event, provide additional site insurance, and advertise the event in Model Aviation magazine. If air show time is allotted, the district may bring in show performers. Travel and hotel expenses for district officers and show performers may be paid by the district. An AMA shade structure, tables, chairs, signs and handouts will be provided at the event. Arrangements may be made for AMA officers and club officers to attend a district-funded dinner during a weekend event. District officers will help with planning and running the event. The club will receive $250 for a one-day event and $450 for a two-day event to offset event expenses. A district I event report may be featured in Model Aviation magazine.

5. How are clubs selected to host district-sponsored events?

Clubs should apply early to host a district event especially if it’s a specialty event. The goal is to have a variety of event types and locations to choose from each year. If your club isn’t selected because another district event of the same specialty was already sanctioned, you may choose to have it included for next year’s event consideration. If there are no requests in any year from clubs to host an event, the district may approach clubs that have previously hosted events to determine if they might want to participate as a host club again.

Why not discuss the possibilities or interest in hosting an open event or a multi-club event as a Fun-Fly or as any type of specialty event at your next club meeting? If your club has additional questions or concerns, your local AVP and I can attend a club meeting to answer questions and discuss event possibilities. . The goal is to have a variety of event types and locations. If your club isn’t selected for the coming year, your club will be first in line to host an event next year.