AMA News District III - 2012/10
PA flying road trip
Since becoming District III vice president, I have received newsletters from various AMA special interest groups (SIGs). One organization is CL (control-line), and one event that is frequently mentioned is the annual Brodak Fly-In.
Brodak Fly-In (Carmichaels, PA)
I took a trip on Saturday, June 16, to Carmichaels, Pennsylvania, to see what all the hype was about. Upon entering the town, I saw signs welcoming the modelers and several businesses with the name Brodak.
I followed the signs through a wooded residential section and began to hear a sound I hadn’t heard for many years: model engines going in circles. As I arrived, I saw a lovely home and an amazing sight—control-line (CL) airplanes of all shapes and sizes flying in a huge backyard.
The Brodaks open their home and grounds to host this spectacular event. I met co-contest directors Alan Brickhouse and Tom Hampshire, who indicated attendance for the week-long event is typically more than 150 pilots. Amazing! This event is not only a competition for all facets of CL but is also anticipated for the great fun and camaraderie of CL pilots from around the world. I watched CL Stunt and saw a P-51 performing the maneuvers with a quiet electric setup. As in RC, electric power is making its mark on CL.
Eventually I met the founder of this meet, John Brodak, and he gave me a tour of his facilities. Upon entering his large building complex, John showed his laser-cutting and kit-manufacturing capabilities, printing equipment for plans and instructions, model product distribution network, and his retail hobby shop. If it’s CL models and equipment, Brodak manufactures it for modelers. Who says nothing is made in the U.S. anymore?
I watched the awards ceremony and saw how passionate the CL community is—not only about its form of flying but also about the love for Mr. and Mrs. Brodak and what they have done to keep CL flying alive in the U.S. and around the world.
By attending this great event, I learned one thing: CL flying is alive and well and will be for many years to come thanks to the Brodaks and the CL community.
Butler Area Modelers Society (BAMS) annual air show
I received an invitation from the Butler Area Modelers Society (BAMS) to attend its annual model air show held June 30, 2012. The proceeds benefited the Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Benefit Fund.
Event CD Dave Chiosim and club president Matt Manier assembled an all-star cast of fliers to not only entertain the crowd but also educate the public on all forms of RC model aviation. All the invited pilots have exceptional flying abilities.
Mac Hodges came from Georgia and flew his fantastic B-29 show, along with the young McCormick brothers from Connecticut, who displayed their exceptional 3-D skills. The event was again a huge success, and several thousand dollars were raised for this worthy cause.
Until next month, fly and have fun!
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
