Happy New Year to you and your loved ones! I hope you all have or had an enjoyable and safe “Frozen Fly,” or whatever you call it, on New Year’s Day. The National Fun Fly at the AMA International Aeromodeling Center will be June 23-25, 2023, so be sure to mark your calendars.
Kurt Larson reported that the Tinley Creek RC club, in Matteson, Illinois, held its annual Warbird Fly-In on September 17, 2022. The weather was great, drawing many pilots, airplanes, and spectators. Lunch was served, and a wide variety of warbirds were displayed and flown.
District VI Associate Vice President (AVP) Leo Rodriguez reported that the Midwest Sundowners in Wheeler, Indiana, held a Big Bird Day on September 16, 2022. The event began with the pilots’ meeting by Stan Zoledz.
Attending were 16 registered pilots and more than 50 airplanes, including a mixture of electric-and gas-powered aircraft. A raffle for an electric E-flite Corsair was won by Chris Montgomery. Lawrence McFarrin, an Indiana State Trooper, took some beautiful images.
The local Boy Scout troop cooked burgers, chicken, and hot dogs for the event. The wind picked up in the afternoon, but the big airplanes handled the crosswind well. The swap shop in the parking area featured a lot of negotiating.
District VI AVP John Fischer was invited to the 50th anniversary of the Checkerboard RC Club in Maywood, Illinois. The field is part of the Cook County Forest Preserve. The celebration was well attended.
Flight demonstrations from all aspects of the hobby included drone racing, airplanes, helicopters, and 3D flying. A wind tunnel, built by Paul Park, showed the laminar flow effects of smoke over airplane and car models.
Checkerboard’s membership has increased by 30% in the past year because of the addition of a drone racecourse at the side of the flying field. It does not impact the RC flying field operations. Drone pilots are picking up RC airplanes for the first time and airplane pilots are buying drones and trying out the racecourse. Maybe the Checkerboard club is on to something.
John also reported that the Fox Valley Aero Club, located in St. Charles, Illinois, has roughly 200 members and is a private club. Its ninth Annual Cub Fly had 31 registered pilots and 50 Cubs. The club’s goal has been to have 50 Cubs on the flightline and this year, it met that goal. Get building and buying for next year! All clubs and Cubs are welcome.
Dan Dare reported that the Rend Lake RC club held its annual military meet on September 17-18, 2022, with 26 pilots attending. On Saturday, you could fly any type of airplane and Sunday was only military entries.
Steve Forest flew his TBM Avenger and did a fantastic job flying in the wind. Darwin Evelsizer flew his Dornier Do 335 and won the best twin award. Tom Boulnois entered his 1/3-scale Sopwith Pup and won best World War I entry. Entries ranged from WW I to late-model jets.
Rege Hall reported that the Blacksheep RC Modelers in Danville, Indiana, hosted its 15th annual Warbird Fly In on October 15, 2022. It featured 30 pilots and more than 100 warbirds of every vintage, size, and propulsion type. Spectators were treated to all types of flying, from 1/3-scale WW I airplanes to World War II gas-powered warbirds, jets, and everything in between. Pilots enjoyed lunch and raffles. Awards were given for Best of Show, Best WW I and WW II, Best ARF Bash, Best Jet, and Best Modern Era.
Help get youth excited about model aviation because they are the future of our hobby.
Gary Himes
Vice President District VI