District IV
Mid-South Fly-in 2006 — Overview
The Mid-South Fly-in 2006 was a great success. The weather was in the mid-70s with little wind, and the flying field was manicured so well that even the 1/2A models could be ROG! We had participants from several states and many flights over the weekend.
- Participating states: Florida, Tennessee, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Georgia, West Virginia
Events and Activities
This year’s event included the Class III Pattern event. With 24 pilots and more than 100 aircraft, there was much more general flying than in previous years—at times as many as six aircraft were in the air simultaneously. Some pilots recorded 10–15 flights on Saturday alone.
Spectator attendance nearly quadrupled from last year. Many toured the pits and the displays of vintage radio equipment and asked numerous questions. Special thanks to Ron Morgan, Don Patterson, and everyone who displayed radio gear and answered questions.
Notable Visitors
Noted hobbyists and officials who visited included:
- Bliss Teague, AMA District IV vice president
- Doug Holland, AMA executive vice president
- Dave Platt (with his Falcon 56)
- Norm Rosenstock (offering signed copies of his book Tales of an Ancient Modeler)
- Nats manager Ron Morgan
Incident — Falcon 56 in a Tree
One notable mishap involved Dave Platt planting his Falcon 56 in the top of an 80-foot tree. After discussion on how to retrieve the model, Southern Wake Aero Modeling Pilots Society (SWAMPS) club president and flying site owner Ralph Tutor had his son use a Bobcat skid steer loader to bump the tree. The aircraft was recovered with only a broken propeller and a damaged needle valve. John Johnson of John’s Hobbies provided a replacement needle valve from his store’s vintage engine parts stock. Dave made minor repairs in the pits, returned to the air, and went on to win the Concours.
Exhibitors, Donors, and Giveaways
- Model manufacturers Dan, Billie, and David Gipe of Early RC Models (from Michigan) displayed vintage designs.
- Jeff Petroski of Home and Hobby Solutions was on hand with his Kwik Fli III.
- Thanks to these individuals for donating some of their kits for the giveaway.
- Special thanks to Tower Hobbies, Ace RC, and Great Planes for donating prizes.
Swap Meet and Banquet
The swap meet offered great deals on aircraft, radios, and engines. CD Dick Pettit picked up a huge Miss Philadelphia on Saturday and flew it Sunday.
Saturday night’s banquet featured excellent food. Thanks to Patsy and Ralph Tutor for finding the LinShire By the Pond facility, which provided great food and a wonderful environment for the banquet. Many attendees asked the owner, Shirley, for her recipes.
Sunday’s weather looked poor everywhere except at the flying field. Many people left early, but those who stayed enjoyed another fine day.
Thanks and Acknowledgments
Special thanks to:
- Elizabeth (my wife), Christina (my daughter), Laura Evans, and Brian Taylor for helping in the concession stand
- Rick Cawley and Ed Evans for frequency control
- Dick Pettit for CDing
- Ralph and Patsy Tutor for the use of their superb flying facility and their support of the event
I hope to see you next year for the Mid-South Vintage RC Society Fly-in!
Photographs courtesy of Ron and Jane Morgan, Dick Pettit, and Christine Harris.
—Bob Harris
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
