District III Report - 2007/11
Greater Cincinnati Radio Control Club (GCRCC) — 47th Annual Flying Circus
The Greater Cincinnati Radio Control Club (GCRCC) held its 47th annual Flying Circus August 11–12 at the Butler County Regional Airport in Hamilton, Ohio. The City of Hamilton estimated attendance in excess of 7,500 during the two-day period.
Attendees were treated to a wide variety of attractions, including:
- Scale aerobatics
- Balloon chase and balloon busts
- Golden Age racing and Reno-style racing
- Spin-down competition
- Flying novelty aircraft (dog house, lawn mower, road signs)
- 16 scale paratroopers jumping from a C-130
- Reenactments of World War I dogfights and World War II bombing runs, culminating in a simulation of the atomic bomb that ended that war
For the year’s finale the club honored veterans by inviting those in attendance to step to the flightline for a front-row view: a World War II Hellcat flew on Saturday and a turbine-powered aircraft on Sunday. The flights were accompanied by specially selected patriotic music that moved many in the crowd.
In addition to the modeling activities, local EAA Chapter 974 (Experimental Aircraft Association) displayed aircraft and provided breakfast at modest cost for participants and spectators. The two-day event drew several thank-you letters from families of veterans and airplane enthusiasts to the GCRCC leadership, and the airport extended an invitation to return in 2008.
The GCRCC has nearly 200 members; producing this event requires the full cooperation of members, their spouses, and family members. Each Saturday evening after the show, Bob and Karen Zeisler and family cook a full-spread dinner for all who participate in the air show — after cooking all day for the crowd under the hot August sun.
Other events hosted by the GCRCC include:
- 169th Blue Chip Squadron Giant Scale fly-in
- Moon Shot Pylon Race
- Kids Fly for Spina Bifida
- Pro Bro profile
- Warbird fly-ins
See the club Web site: www.gcrcc.net
Columbus Aero RC Club — Cub Scout Pack #136 Pack Meeting ("The Rockets Red Glare")
The Columbus Aero RC Club was approached by Mark Stewart, Scoutmaster for Cub Scout Pack #136, to host a pack meeting with a flight-oriented theme, "The Rockets Red Glare." After discussion, the club decided to focus on static displays, flight demonstrations, and an interactive discussion about radio-controlled aviation. Because a typical pack meeting lasts only 60–90 minutes, hands-on buddy-box flying was not possible. Despite that limitation, club members showed strong support for the event.
Although evening thunderstorms had been forecast, the skies cleared and the event took place under a beautiful blue sky. The evening began with flight demonstrations of gliders, electric and glow-powered airplanes, and a variety of helicopters. Club members then led an interactive discussion on radio-controlled aviation, with close-up demonstrations of aircraft and answers to many questions from the Scouts and their parents. After the discussion, a few more flight demonstrations were flown for the Scouts.
As a souvenir, each Cub Scout was able to choose an RC magazine, which proved to be a popular gift. Despite the earlier threatening weather, 22 Cub Scouts attended, along with 36 others including parents, siblings, and pack leaders. The evening was thoroughly enjoyed by club members and Scouts alike, and the parents and Scouts were invited to return soon.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
