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Swiss 1, Snatch, Jim Fitts, Max Wensell and I just spent a weekend teaching the crew at CCA the intricacies of aerotowing in preparation for their first aerotow scheduled for September 18-20. I can gladly report that John Schroder, Gil and Skip have earned their tow badges and are hereby declared to be veteran tow pilots with honors.
A little background. CCA is the brainchild of John and Tina Schroder. After a lifetime in business, dedication to IMAC and a passion for encouraging and mentoring youth into the RC hobby, John and Tina purchased a functioning Bermuda grass sod farm in Tennessee, about an hour east of Memphis. Today, it is known as Clover Creek Aerodrome and is the home to many IMAC competitions, a growing fun fly, summer camp for youth and now an aerotow.
Probably the most impressive contribution to me is summer camp. As schools across the country end for summer break, 10-15 high school age students descend on CCA for camp. Here, they are encouraged, instructed and mentored by John and his team as they strive to improve their aerobatic skills. They also are disciplined as they each assume duties around the farm. Yes, CCA is a functioning farm. Around July 4th, the kids, their planes and John travel to Muncie to participate in the Nats competition. The parents are in attendance to watch their kids who return home with them after the event. John and Tina host these kids for this 8 week period and if it is anything like the hospitality we received this past weekend it has to make an impact on these kids. This is an example of the commitment this couple has for model aviation.
CCA is one of those rare, phantasmagorical model fields you dream about. The runway is 7/8" tall Bermuda and is as green as I have ever seen. The runway is about 2000 ft long by 200 ft wide and flat as a pancake. The air conditioned hangar has a covered patio with fans, sound system and chairs. There are two full baths and enough room for perhaps 20, 33%-40% planes. Then there is the bunk house which is used to room the kids during summer camp. There is a lodge room on the lower floor for evenings which is open to all participants of events. There is also an outdoor kitchen where Tina works her magic and a saltwater pool and hot tub for use by all attendees.
The usual protocol is camping for flyers. You have access to the baths and hamburgers and hotdogs are available at lunch during events. The metropolitan town of Jackson is a 25 minute drive to the north if you require more upscale accomodations or an evening meal.
I really can't say enough about this venue. I know I am looking forward to returning in September. If possible, you ought to consider attending as well.
A little background. CCA is the brainchild of John and Tina Schroder. After a lifetime in business, dedication to IMAC and a passion for encouraging and mentoring youth into the RC hobby, John and Tina purchased a functioning Bermuda grass sod farm in Tennessee, about an hour east of Memphis. Today, it is known as Clover Creek Aerodrome and is the home to many IMAC competitions, a growing fun fly, summer camp for youth and now an aerotow.
Probably the most impressive contribution to me is summer camp. As schools across the country end for summer break, 10-15 high school age students descend on CCA for camp. Here, they are encouraged, instructed and mentored by John and his team as they strive to improve their aerobatic skills. They also are disciplined as they each assume duties around the farm. Yes, CCA is a functioning farm. Around July 4th, the kids, their planes and John travel to Muncie to participate in the Nats competition. The parents are in attendance to watch their kids who return home with them after the event. John and Tina host these kids for this 8 week period and if it is anything like the hospitality we received this past weekend it has to make an impact on these kids. This is an example of the commitment this couple has for model aviation.
CCA is one of those rare, phantasmagorical model fields you dream about. The runway is 7/8" tall Bermuda and is as green as I have ever seen. The runway is about 2000 ft long by 200 ft wide and flat as a pancake. The air conditioned hangar has a covered patio with fans, sound system and chairs. There are two full baths and enough room for perhaps 20, 33%-40% planes. Then there is the bunk house which is used to room the kids during summer camp. There is a lodge room on the lower floor for evenings which is open to all participants of events. There is also an outdoor kitchen where Tina works her magic and a saltwater pool and hot tub for use by all attendees.
The usual protocol is camping for flyers. You have access to the baths and hamburgers and hotdogs are available at lunch during events. The metropolitan town of Jackson is a 25 minute drive to the north if you require more upscale accomodations or an evening meal.
I really can't say enough about this venue. I know I am looking forward to returning in September. If possible, you ought to consider attending as well.
Boy... do I ever need practice!
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