AMA District VI—Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri
As published in the October 2015 issue of Model Aviation Magazine.
July has been another fast and furious month, with lots of events going on.
This report was submitted by Don Vetrone, Bill Moran, and Dave Evans on the 21st Annual Float-Fly in Innsbrook, Missouri, sponsored by the Wright Flyers and Phantom Flyers model airplane clubs.
Despite increasing wind, the event was held and there was a lot of flying. We had 13 pilots and 17 airplanes at the event, but not all of the airplanes flew because of the wind. An audience of Innsbrook property owners and their children also attended. Ken Eddens made the kids happy by distributing balsa gliders provided by Mark Twain Hobbies.
Dave Evans got the fun started shortly after 9 a.m. with a nice flight on his Taylorcraft. A few successful flights ensued until the wind picked up enough to make handling on the water difficult. As one participant said, his model is a great airplane, but a terrible boat.
One of the most spectacular landings was made by Tim McMahon’s Puddle Twin electric. Tim has flown it many times from grass and snow, but this was the first flight from water. Its top speed was slightly higher than the wind speed. Tim made a helicopter-like landing— absolutely no ground (water) speed— approximately 10 feet from the shore.
Jim Greenwood finished the event with a first flight of his de Havilland Beaver. After a good flight and landing, the Beaver ended upside down when the wind caught a wing while he was on the water. That same upside-down position plagued several others, so the event ended a bit early.
Bob Goulding and Rick Allman operated the busy rescue boat. No airplane was left behind (although some came back in less-than-pristine condition).
Thanks again to the Innsbrook community for hosting and to Don Vetrone for organizing this popular event. We will do this again on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend.
This next report comes from Andy Kerwin, president of the Aurora Barnstormers in Illinois.
The Aurora Barnstormers held its first open house at the club field on May 23, 2015, to introduce the public and non-club fliers to our field and to demonstrate the sport of RC flying.
The weather was perfect—one of the better flying days this year. The turnout was good with 16 registered fliers and an equal number of spectators.
Club members flew demonstration flights and explained the operation of RC aircraft to the interested spectators. Two individuals took advantage of introductory flights on the buddy box. The Barnstormers hope to make this an annual event and, with better publicity, have an even greater turnout in the future.
The photos were taken by club member Ron Dickenson.
Happy flying and be safe!