Howdy, all District XI IMAA pilots and others who may read this little blurb, this is your District Director OLD Pete "Merlin" Melin writing his first short article under the Directors page in our NEW and very much improved IMAA Web Site.
I would first like to thank Josh Bunn, Director of District IV, for his hard work in helping to create the new web-site and many of the aspects which will make it more informative and interesting to not only our membership but those in RC hobby. As you know we have had a web site for many years and with new technology etc it was time to up date and move on into the new era.
I occasionally write a newsletter (with not a whole lot of info) and send it out to all of District XI pilots with a cry for them to become more involved in the District and also the body of the organization. Now I have a better place with which to make my plea again to ALL. If you would like more news about our district PLEASE - Will you drop me an e-mail about an event, project, gripe or anything else that you think may be news worthy? It will be appreciated and appear with your name "or not" in OUR District column. THANKS in advance for you help in this. I know that other directors have mentioned the same thing so we are not alone.
District XI had several successful events during the past year and it is hoped that with the renewed interest in the IMAA and fly-ins in general we will continue to grow and have many more of these gathering in the future. If you or someone else in your club would like to have a Giant Scale Event but have not done so in the past and may be hesitant to try one please let ME or someone on board know and we can help you with making it fun and successful. It is an undertaking but well worth the effort and time especially on that day or weekend of the even seeing those in attendance having a great time with their fellow pilots and their giant scale aircraft.
On a sad note, the District has lost a friend and fellow pilot. Gary Rude, District XI Alaska State Assistant Director has passed and he will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends and fellow pilots at this time. Gary was an enthusiastic member who worked hard in Alaska getting TWO clubs going and holding IMAA float-flys these past 2 years. I will mss his emails filled with humor and little details of his group and their progress. WE hope he is flying a very large plane up there somewhere in the great beyond.
Well fellow pilots, I have run on (as usual) but I would really like to hear from many of you as we head into the winter months, about YOU, your project or just to chat. I believe this can be a way (because of distance and time) we all can become better acquainted.
Safe flying until the next little Blurb…
Pete "Merlin" Melin
your old Director (XI)