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TIPS FOR CLUBS

AMA's First Chartered Park Pilot Club

by Ashley Rauen, AMA Insider Editor

The first members of the Vegas Aces Park Pilot Club at their flying site, Robert O. Gibson Middle School in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Academy of Model Aeronautics has enrolled its first Park Pilot aeromodeling club, the Vegas Aces of Las Vegas, Nevada.

The club was started by Greg Clemenson, John Storick, Mark Rose, Darrell Stubbs, and Ben Storick. These pilots and several others in the area had frequently spent time at the Robert O. Gibson Middle School in Las Vegas flying their Park Flyer aircraft. This middle school became the foundation of the Vegas Aces club.

“There has been RC flying at the schoolyard for several years,” Greg Clemenson explained. “Once the Park Pilot Program was introduced, it was just a natural thing to start a club.”

Mark Smith, District IX Vice President, provided the inspiration for the Vegas Aces. He explained that the concept of the Park Pilot Program was to reach out to those who fly electric at parks and schoolyards—perfect for what this group of modelers does. Greg downloaded the Charter Kit from the AMA Web site and formation began. At the initial club meeting, the president asked everyone to share what interested them in joining the club. A laundry list of reasons was provided by the members.

Prominent wants in the club included people to fly with, instruction, a permit to fly at the field, the idea that more activities can be done as a group than individually, and most importantly, fun.

When word got out, the club grew fast. Over the span of a weekend, membership within the Vegas Aces nearly doubled. As of May 4, 2008, there were 23 members.

“Individuals have been flying at the schoolyard ever since electrics became popular.” Greg said. “A lot of people have come and gone because they crash, get frustrated, and quit. Now with Vegas Aces Park Pilot Club, there is an avenue for newcomers to get the help they need.”

“The Park Pilot Program was critical in starting the Vegas Aces. The Park Pilot Program provided the guidelines needed.”

Greg and the Vegas Aces have several plans for the future of their club.

“The energy is tremendous! Working together makes all the difference. There will be a fun-fly and trainer day. The club is involving the students at the school. We expect the club to grow. Eventually, maybe a fundraiser.” Q

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