It has been a rough winter, but on the positive side, I got lots of building completed during the cold months. I am glad to add new aircraft to my hangar, but let those May flowers bloom. I am ready to fly something.
Around my area, flying season is getting into full swing now! I received several submissions this month, so let’s see what you have been up to!
John McDill shared that 2020 was a successful year for the Rosewood RC Flyers in Rosewood, Indiana. Its RC field is a large, open site that allowed five flying events throughout the summer, addressing protocols suggested by the Indiana State Department of Health. These events were applauded by large groups of attending pilots, all of whom plan to return in 2021. Rosewood RC Flyers is an active club that supports these successful events.
Located adjacent to the Ohio River, the Rosewood venue has become the place to see all types of RC Scale aircraft, World War I and World War II warbirds, and turbines. The attending pilots are some of the best in the Midwest.
Dale Arvin, District VI associate vice president, reported on the 48th annual Mint Julep Scale Meet. This year’s event was held as a Scale fly-in instead of the traditional contest because of the pandemic. Scale pilots came from surrounding states and as far away as Alabama and Arizona.
Aircraft included WW I- and WW II-era fighters, civilian aircraft, and jets. A large group of WW I pilots made Dawn Patrol flights.
Electric fighters and jets closed out the day with some thrilling formation flying. Pilots put on mini air shows and time was allotted for formation gaggle flying. No fees were charged, but donations were graciously received.
The 2021 Mint Julep will be held June 25-27 and will be a Scale fly-in. We hope the 50th Mint Julep will again be a Scale contest.
Mike Morton reported on the Henderson and Madisonville, Kentucky, RC clubs that jointly hosted their first indoor fly-in event on February 27, 2021. Social distancing was encouraged.
The clubs rented a church gym and jointly split the cost for rental and the necessary sanitizing fees as required by the facility. Seventeen pilots and roughly 10 non-fliers visited. A father and his son stopped by and the son got in his first indoor flights.
There were several mini quads, some indoor airplanes, a few small helicopters, and some hybrid aircraft. The event lasted roughly 5 hours and it was great to have everyone together. Bill Thomas, of the Madisonville Club, scored a two-pointer and ended up in the basketball net.
Plans are in the works to repeat this event.
To see your club in the magazine, simply send me a short writeup of your club’s event. Email me at amadistrictVI@modelaircraft.org with the word “magazine” in the subject line and attach a few high-quality digital pictures!
Finally, remember to take a youth flying or introduce someone new to model aviation!
Gary HImes
Vice President District VI