Thistledown Flyers Radio Control Club : Corky's Corner

I was just informed of the accomplishments of the IMAA Board of Directors at their Summer meeting, held in Waco, Texas. The Board voted to increase the annual dues for IMAA .... but only by a scant five dollars. Personally, I think this was long overdue. Obviously IMAA has operating expenses, and has to pay the same price for postage, transportation, and all of the secondary costs related to our $3.00 per gallon gas, etc. It's been a very long time since the dues were raised, and if you do a little research, you'll have a hard time finding any sport or hobby organization whose dues are as low as ours.

Past President Tom Hayden, and our current President Jim Giffin have led a very effective cost savings program, but there is only so much you can cut from a budget before the day to day operations start "bleeding" too. The dues increase is an insignificant amount to the individual member, but it will make for a meaningful increase in revenue to our organization. I'd like to congratulate the Board for taking an important step to insure that IMAA remains vibrant... and solvent.

Also at the Board meeting, there were some interesting and fun decisions made. The 2007 Summer Rally will be held in Waco, Texas. Check out the full page ad in this issue for more information, and start making your plans to join the HOTMAC Chapter (Heart of Texas Model Airplane Club) for a really great rally, which will be centrally located in the U.S. And, for 2008, set your sights northward.... for a Summer Rally in Ottawa, Canada, to be hosted by the Ottawa Valley and Arnprior R/C Club Chapters. IMAA has always been an International organization, and now we are going to have our first International Summer Rally of Giants. This could be a great way to combine a family vacation, and a 'North of the Border' flying adventure. Stay tuned for more news and developments about that great event.

O.K..... I’m guilty as charged. I’m just another proud Papa... showing off my pictures of the kids. I just love this big Super Cub. It’s just a pleasure to fly.... and with the Stits fabric and paint job (complete with rib stitching) by Bryan Striker, it looks great up close, as well as in the air. (Photographers Note: This is not the photo that will be on the cover of HighFlight magazine. We're giving HighFlight an exclusive on that photo. When it's published, I'm sure we'll see plenty of copies of the issue at Thistledown Field!)

Another action by the Board was to amend the Bylaws to prohibit formal competition at IMAA events (in keeping with the long established "fly for fun" theme of the IMAA) but not to prohibit the event sponsors from awarding informal awards such as "Spectators Choice", or other achievement and recognition awards. I

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don't believe that we will ever want to see three judges, sitting in folding chairs along the flight line... but I also believe that everyone likes some recognition for their efforts, and awarding a plaque or a trophy certainly doesn't take us away from our "Fly For Fun" roots.

The Board also passed a motion to establish a "National Youth Chapter" within the IMAA. This will allow pilots of age 17 or under to join the IMAA for only $7.00. There were some informal mottoes suggested for the young flyers, including "IMAA is not just for Geezers anymore", and "The size of the aircraft has nothing to do with the age of the pilot". So here is your chance to recruit some new, young members into IMAA at a price that anyone can afford. (You might want to think about just paying for your favorite young pilots membership.... less than the price of a couple of latte's at the local Starbuck's) This new youth program is JUST what this organization needs. There is more than enough gray hair at the flying field. We need to recruit the kids, before they are off chasing girls and an education. And we need to recruit the dads, with teenagers at home, and the newly registered "empty nesters". When the kids are off on their own, it should be time for all those guys (and gals) who flew models as a kid to return to the hobby.

IMAA is doing very well. Our Safety Director Mike Brown is actively soliciting input from Directors and members alike, to re-energize our safety program. HighFlight Magazine is looking better with every issue (but Taylor Collins asks me to remind you that he is always looking for new articles, photos, and input..... This is your magazine, so don't forget to take an active part in it!

Oh yes.... Personal bragging time. My good flying buddy Jeff DeTray came up with a stunning photo of my Super Cub.... which our Editor, Taylor Collins, saw fit to fun on the cover of the Fall issue. I've got about 500 flights on this elegant big bird... which is just a pleasure to fly. And the attention that all those lights get is just too much fun!