Aeromodelers' show well done

As a first-time visitor to the Yuma area (for business), I was lucky to have stumbled upon the Yuma Aeromodelers' model air show on Feb. 21 at the club's airfield off Highway 95 north of the city.

I was impressed with the large crowd of spectators, many of whom seemed to be vacationers from the north enjoying the warm winter weather of southern Arizona.

The event's organizers and builder-pilots of the many model aircraft flown during the event were very hospitable to me and to others in the crowd, patiently answering the endless barrage of questions: "How fast do they go? How high do they fly? How much do they cost?"

The pilots wowed the crowd all day with their flying skills, from small electric models to 150-plus mph turbine-powered jets. The well-planned accommodations for the spectators - parking, restroom facilities and concessions provided by the local Cub Scouts - added to the enjoyment.

It was a very pleasant morning and afternoon for me, and left me with a warm feeling for Yuma and the folks who live here.

Yuma is fortunate to have a group like the Aeromodelers as part of the fabric of the city and as goodwill ambassadors to the visitors passing through.

CHARLIE GETTIER, Annapolis, Md.