HAPPY HOLIDAYS to all modelers. ’Tis
the season to be thankful. We should all be
thankful that we live in a place where we
can enjoy our hobby freely, and remember
our service members deployed around the
world who allow us to continue that
pursuit!
Mark Smith, Andy Argenio, Jim Wallen,
Dave Mathewson, and I attended the
Huckfest in Hot Springs, Arkansas, in
September. What a fine event, ably
managed once again by Josh Price.
Larry Holcomb, president of Hot
Springs RC Flying Club, said, “We had 55
registered pilots and a great effort by our
club members to make the event safe and
enjoyable for all. We had over 1,000
spectators pass through over Friday and
Saturday. This is especially important
because we rely on public support for our
field. Several neighbors whose property is
near the field were invited and given a
special pilots view of what we do.
“The Boy Scout troop made $200
managing parking, camped with the pilots
over the weekend, and buddy-boxed with
our instructors on Sunday. I’m happy to
report that there were no safety issues.”
Beautiful shot of the flags and airplane;
only exceeded by the beauty of the flying
site!
Sleepy C told us the club would do
something never seen before at Huckfest.
As the “safety guy” I was worried. I asked
him if it would be dangerous and he said,
“Not for you.”
Then Joe Smith took off with his
amazing skills and aircraft and hovered in
front of the crowd with smoke pumping
out. A crowd gathered with cameras—and
I have to tell you I was half-squinting so I
wouldn’t see something I didn’t want to
see. When Joe turned off the smoke and
pulled the aircraft up there was the sign
that read: “Beth, will you marry me?”
Sleepy C was right, it wasn’t dangerous
for me but might have been for Brian
Krietemeyer as he was down on one knee,
asking Beth Wood to marry him.
Beth said yes!
The Scouts worked hard throughout the
day, parking cars and putting up the colors.
When the dust settled and the drawing was
conducted, 15-year-old Jake Kellar, one of
the Boy Scouts, won the grand prize of a
50cc airplane ready to fly with engine and
radio installed.
(L-R) Jake Kellar and John Rogers, who
arranged for and assembled the airplane,
and Josh Price.
The 2011 Ringmaster Flyathon is in the
books and we had 275 Ringmaster CL
flights in District VIII, AR-96, LA- 38,
NM-12, OK-42, and TX-99.
Keep your eyes open and computers on
for the release of the FAA’s Notice of
Proposed Rule Making in mid-February.
We will need the support of all modelers
and their non-modeling friends as we
respond to the FAA during the public
comment period. Don’t leave it to someone
else to do; get your family, neighbors,
barbers, and ministers involved. They all
want you to continue enjoying your hobby!
Get your renewals in early so you can
enjoy the first day of flying in the new
year. I know many clubs and individuals
try to get a short flight in on January 1, so
make sure you are covered.
Have fun and fly safely. See you on the
flightline
Edition: Model Aviation - 2011/12
Page Numbers: 152
