District IV—Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia
Prince George’s Radio Control Club — 21st Annual Big Bird/War Bird Fly-In
On September 14–15, 2013, Prince George’s Radio Control Club (PGRC) of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, held its 21st Annual Big Bird/War Bird Fly-In. Approximately 60 aircraft participated, showing that the club’s efforts to expand the event paid off. Newspaper advertising and new road signs brought in a large number of spectators and pilots.
The club raffled several prizes, including:
- foam gliders
- a Giant Scale CAP 232
- a Spektrum DX8 (donated by GPA Hobbies in Crofton, Maryland)
Contest Director (CD) Rick Moreland wowed the crowd with his 120-inch Balsa USA Stearman Model 75, built by the late Philip Ratcliffe of Easton, Maryland. Rick’s wife, Lori, came up with the idea to offer commemorative photos of participants with their models at no cost. This was a huge hit: photos were printed on the spot with a printer powered by one of PGRC’s solar-charging stations.
Alan Goodman, club president, took advantage of Sunday’s weather to enjoy some fine scale flights with his kit-built Great Planes 102-inch Stinson with Stits covering. An Army veteran, Alan is responsible for maintaining PGRC’s strong relationship with the Maryland-National Capital Parks and Planning Commission, which owns the field that the club uses. The facility includes a 400-foot asphalt runway, an 800-foot grass strip, and ample spectator and pit parking—providing plenty of room for large events.
Spectators and pilots expressed their enjoyment of the two-day event and complimented the club on its flying facility and hospitality. The club also gained a few new members.
The club is already planning next year’s event. Be sure to mark your calendar for PGRC’s 2014 Big Bird/War Bird Fly-In in September—you won’t want to miss it.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
