Harford County Miniature Aircraft Operators Association

You know, with the weather being so cold and wet and dreary, and there being no flying events, I almost didn't know what to write about. But I have a plan, I'm going to dig into my archives and show you some pictures I took during the nicer parts of the year to remind you of how pleasant it can and will be again. Stay warm, get those models ready for Spring. We'll be well again.

CLUB OF THE MONTH: HARFORD COUNTY MINIATURE AIRCRAFT OPERATORS ASSOCIATION (MAOA)

Rich Hodges Club Treasurer and Historian

The club that would not die! Rich Hodges, who is the club treasurer, laid out this story for me one afternoon. It's very clear that Rich has been a strong element in holding this club together. It's a fascinating story about the club that would not die .

All clubs have had difficult roads to travel. Our hobby requires a lot of air space, ordinary citizens see our airplanes as a threat to life and limb, developers want our land, Little League baseball is out-maneuvering us at every turn, and on and on.

Steve Snyder, President Jim Snyder, Vice-President

While the problems encountered by MAOA are not unique, it seems to have gotten more than its unfair share. Nonetheless, the members have stuck together through it all; and in spite of these obstacles, the club is still functional and today provides outstanding opportunities to in-county and out-of-county RC modeling afficionados.

Rich Hodges is the last of the charter members of MAOA still flying. I sat with him one afternoon and he described the evolution of an RC model flying club. About 1983, Rich, Vern Visnau, Jim Dougherty and Jack Farrell (his son flies with the club today) started throwing around some ideas for a flying club.

Bob Walker

They approached the Harford County Parks and Recreation with blue prints for a miniature airpark with multiple runways. They presented a grandiose plan to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, which the Board quickly scaled down.

Leo Behr, Dave Yeakel and Maggie

But surprisingly, they approved it. MAOA opened its first flying field at the Tollgate Landfill in 1984. However, in 1990 exuding methane gas required them to be moved to a County park just north of Hickory on Route 543. Unfortunately, interference with backstops and the Little League baseball program caused them to exit again. (Those little buggers got us again). Getting somewhat anxious about the County's support, in 1992 MAOA went ahead and leased its own property behind the DPW complex on Route 1. They stayed there two years, renting two acres of ground at $400 a year.

Rich continued to pressure the Parks and Recreation for a flying field. Finally, MAOA was accepted as a program under the Havre de Grace Recreation Council. This was a big deal.

Tom Smith has the Hots

As a program, they were recognized as a distinct County unit, which was as protected as any government element could be. Additionally, they benefitted in the publicity afforded by County brochures and documentation describing Parks and Recreation programs.

Dan Bowman

In 1994, MAOA was granted a flying site on the Swan Harbor Farm complex, an element of Project Open Space. This is a set-aside area off Oakington Road just south of US 40 between Aberdeen and Havre de Grace. This was their signal to start preparing a site which they could finally call home. Bob Hardy, who knew the farmers at the site, worked with them to get the field turned and ready for seeding and fertilizing. Rich was so appreciative of their cooperative attitude that in a flash of madness he went out and, on his own, bought them a cooler full of iced sodas. Greg Stoltz's father-in-law, who owned Harford Sod, made seed and fertilizer available at cost. Bob Richardson, who worked with Crouse Construction Co., was able to get rollers and other heavy equipment to lay out the field.

Ron Miller

When they finished, they had a long level field with the sun at your back, very comfortable for flying. They have since acquired their own mowers, and do a total field maintenance. Tom Smith, Danny Bowman and Bob Steininger service and maintain the equipment. While others help out, they also do most of the grass cutting. Work parties are well supported, and work can be accomplished on very short notice, due to the responsiveness of the members.

Jerry Thompson and Ron Lazzeri

They have a very informal training program for new flyers. But someone like Rich and Tom is always available to take on new students. Tom Hershberger will also pitch in.

MAOA has hosted the Big Bird Fly-In in September for three years in a row. This day is now set aside for them by AMA.

Rodney Abrahams with Catch of the Day

This event has gotten gradually bigger, and now is well-attended by many out-of-county and out-of-state fliers.

MAOA has a congenial and cooperative relationship with surrounding clubs, in particular, the Sunday Flyers and the Radio Control Modelers of Baltimore. There are many members who belong to several of the clubs. In fact, Jim Snyder and Tom Obringer, from the Sunday Flyers, are officers in MAOA. Talk about your interlocking boards.

John Kocon, Tom Smith, Jerry Thompson Al Bridges, and Bernie Gerber

Also, Tom Obringer, through his relationship with S&W, makes fuel available to all club members at greatly reduced prices. And for one more "how about that", Steve Snyder is president of MAOA and his father Jim Snyder from the Sunday Flyers, is vice-president. Steve has demonstrated excellent leadership, and is a strong unifying force in the club.

For more information on MAOA, contact Ed Wishoet, the club secretary and newsletter editor, at flyboysr2@hotmail.com

THE AIR MOBILITY COMMAND MUSEUM ON DOVER AIR FORCE BASE
We've been driving past the Dover Air Force Base, DE, on US 113 on the way to Ocean City, MD, for 30 years . This last November, I thought why don't we schedule a little extra time and find out what's really going on in there.

T-6 Texan

So we allowed for a couple of extra hours. It was a gloomy day, and a light rain was falling. But what a great stop! We found out that they have a great museum on site . there are many airplanes on exhibit inside an immaculately kept hangar, and more on an adjoining air field. Additionally, they have a variety of exhibits covering the Berlin Airlift, flight simulation, Hall of Heroes, the Women Air Force Service Pilots, and a history of Dover Air Force Base.

F-106 Delta Dart

The museum is not huge, but it's one of the best organized and well kept that I have seen. It's free, and even has a picnic area if you have time to lounge around. Be sure to have proof of insurance and registration to drive on base. An excellent stop . be sure to schedule some time next time you're zipping down US 113. They have a great web site at www.amcmuseum.org

THE ROAD BACK
I just spoke to Neil Snodgrass and Malcolm Gordon, two of our favorite fliers out of Harford County. You may recall that recently Neil had heart surgery and Malcolm had heart surgery and a hip implant. Both seem to be recovering nicely. We wish them well.

THE WRAM SHOW
There will be a bus going to the show on Feb. 24, 2001, leaving from Timonium Park and Ride at 6:00 am and returning about 9:00 pm. The price is $27, or $36 with show admission. If you are interested, call George Beck for tickets at 410-788-2707 (before 9:00 pm).

FOR THE GOOD NEWS
Thanks to Rich Hodges for relating to me the history of MAOA. I found it interesting and informative. It's not often you can trace an organization with one of the original charter members. Remember, if you want to see your club in the news, send me the information at axsilvestri@earthlink.net.

NEXT MONTH
We're going to visit with the Harford County Radio Control Modelers at the Frostbite Fly-In. Brrrrrrrrrrr!

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Courtesy Links Baltimore Area Soaring Society   District of Columbia Radio Control Club   Harford County Radio Control Modelers   Patuxent Aeromodelers   Prince Georges Radio Control Club   Radio Control Modelers of Baltimore   Sunday Flyers of Baltmore   Swan Harbor RC   Westminster Aeromodelers