AIR MEET 2012
by Jay Smith
Ray Labonte approached me in late 2011 and shared his vision to have an event that would showcase RC aircraft, control-line flying, helicopters, and RC cars. The event would be held in Maine at the Sanford Regional Airport and the community would be invited to attend.
The gathering would be as much for the spectators as it would be for the pilots. Ray understood that spectators are a key component in the future of our hobby. Although not all of the audience would become involved, having the community understand and appreciate what we do could go a long way toward ensuring that flying sites will continue to remain ours to enjoy.
There was much work to be done, and the event was still in the planning stages, but I committed to attend.
The Sanford Regional Airport had already supported a jet rally and was onboard with a bigger, bolder event in 2012. Knowing he needed the assistance of a major player in the industry, Ray approached Horizon Hobby with his idea of an all-encompassing event, while still keeping a jet focus. Horizon Hobby saw this as an opportunity to bring its successful Air Meet concept from Europe to the U.S. Ray's bold vision now had a name: Horizon Air Meet 2012.
The Event
Thursday
I arrived at the venue on Thursday, September 6. Although I'm an airplane person, I was immediately drawn to the unbelievably awesome off-road car track. Having raced RC cars for several years, this was the biggest and best track I had ever seen.
My attention was diverted by the sound of a glow engine not far from the car track. I saw a profile control-line model in the air. No sooner had the flight finished than I was offered the opportunity to pilot the profile P-51. I gladly accepted.
Following that, my focus was skyward, thanks to the unmistakable sound of jet engines powering an intimidating-looking A-10 Thunderbolt II. As I made my way to the flightline, I had no idea who was flying the model, but it was clearly a high-caliber RC jet jockey. Ali Machinchy turned out to be the pilot in command, and he made several excellent flights throughout the weekend.
At the flightline I ran into my friend Peter Goldsmith, who works for Horizon Hobby and was a key player in the Horizon Air Meet. Whenever I see Peter, he always has a nice aircraft with him, and today was no different. He had his T-33, which has competed at Top Gun.
Thursday was only a partial day and it provided a good opportunity to talk with some of the pilots and get the lay of the land, which also included a helicopter flightline.
Friday
On Friday, the event hosted 500 school kids who were brought in by bus to see a special performance by Matt Chapman in his full-scale Eagle 580. Matt put on a great show, and it was nice to see the enthusiasm of everyone in the audience. Matt also took time to sign autographs and take pictures with the kids.
The youngsters spent some time watching the other modeling disciplines represented, then each received his or her own model airplane glider at the AMA booth before being loaded on the bus and returning to school.
While the main off-road track was being used by some of the top drivers in the sport and the runway was being used to launch and retrieve all types of jet aircraft, the spectators who wanted to participate were not left out. A small car track, complete with jumps, was available for anyone to try, and a separate flightline was set up to allow for the opportunity to fly the HobbyZone Stratos.
Realizing that once you have your first flight or get to drive an RC car for the first time you might want one of your own, Ray and Robin's Hobby Center had a tent filled with Horizon Hobby products for beginners and intermediate hobbyists. If that wasn’t enough to entice the crowd, they were even offering discounts.
As is common at RC events, the Horizon Air Meet held a noontime show where the top pilots in attendance laid down some impressive flights on jets, warbirds, aerobatic aircraft, and even a turbine sailplane. Emcee John Redman kept everyone informed about the details of the aircraft they were watching perform. Matt Chapman and Rob Holland also participated with their full-scale aerial ballet.
Saturday
Saturday also drew a large number of pilots and spectators. Although the wind was challenging, the flying and demonstrations went on as planned except for the Saturday night fireworks, which were canceled. The off-road car track hosted actual races and several different classes were run.
Saturday night was a banquet for the pilots and sponsors. It was held in the airport hangar, which was home to Air Force One on several occasions when former President George H. W. Bush visited his home in Kennebunkport, Maine.
The Horizon Air Meet was a huge success and provided an immersive experience for the entire family. It drew the most spectators I have ever seen at an RC event—an estimated 15,000—during the three days. Visitors had the opportunity to try driving or flying models and were able to purchase one to take home.
The pilots and drivers with whom I spoke also enjoyed the amenities that the facility offered, such as flying from an actual runway and driving on a large track, as well as sharing their passion with a large contingent of the community.
I haven’t heard if there are plans for a 2013 event, but with the success this one garnered in Maine, I certainly hope it becomes an annual tradition!
—Jay Smith [email protected]
SOURCES
- Horizon Air Meet
- www.usairmeet.com
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
