District IX
HAPPY HOLIDAYS! I trust you have all been good little boys and girls and that Santa has placed some special modeling goodies under the tree for you!
It's been a very busy month, so let's take a look at three great events from around the district.
Planes over El Dorado
June 30–July 1, the Wichita Radio Control Club in Kansas hosted this annual International Miniature Aircraft Association (IMAA) event, CD'ed by Loren Tregalles.
Although the weather did not cooperate, we had a great time at the El Dorado Airport with manager David Wiebe and his family. The weather broke on Sunday and a few of us braved a couple of flights. Loren even flew one of his racers! Thanks to the club for the great hospitality.
Beresford Area Radio Flyers
Reported by David Larsen.
For several years some members of the Beresford Area Radio Flyers have celebrated the Fourth of July by casting off their dependence on flying fields and venturing out into the world. In the past most of that cross-country flying has been bi-state trips between the flying field near Beresford, South Dakota, and the airport at Hawarden, Iowa. That distance was about 25 miles on various gravel and secondary roads.
Three years ago Brad Jensen designed and built a seating arrangement for the bed of his pickup truck that includes two bucket seats with seat belts. It is all attached to the fifth-wheel hitch and is very solid. Two pilots sit facing forward and the driver attempts to control the vehicle speed so it matches the speed of the models flying. It works great and vastly increases the safety and comfort for the flying pilots.
For 2007 the planners devised a tri-state route of about 54 miles. The trip started in Nebraska at the south end of the Vermillion bridge, skirted the west side of Vermillion, South Dakota, headed north, went east past Alcester, then headed north again. The final segment ran east and south to land at the Hawarden Airport.
None of the route passed through any towns or cities. Almost all of the roads were rural and secondary highways with minimal traffic. Problems with landing for fuel were simplified since there was little traffic. In fact, the only problem encountered on the journey was visibility while looking toward the sun when flying east. In the future a later start time will be planned so the sun will be higher in the sky.
Pilots and aircraft:
- Brad Jensen — Sig Four-Star 60 (flew the entire journey)
- Dave Larsen — modified Tower Hobbies Uproar (flew the first half)
- Paul Winterton — Great Planes RV-4 ARF (flew the second half)
We would like to report that all seven fuel-stop landings were uneventful. The three intrepid pilots achieved independence from being confined to a flying field on July 4.
ProBros Event at Northern Knights
As many of you know, I am a big advocate for the ProBros since they always strive for maximum fun and those participating generally average about 20 years younger than at most fun-flies. I think we need to ensure our future by supporting the youth in our hobby.
August 17–19 the Northern Knights hosted a ProBros event with CD John Salmons. One of the participants was 8-year-old Tanner Nakonechny, who did a great job flying 3-D!
Unfortunately, I was able to attend only the Friday events. As usual, the Northern Knights are very hospitable and welcomed all. The evening included night flying ProBros style. On Saturday, the club organized a dinner at the field.
Thanks and keep up the great work!
As I reflect on the year, I have been blessed with many friends and a wonderful, supportive family. My wishes for each of you are health and happiness.
Until next month, have fun and keep in touch!
Mark.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
