Edition: Model Aviation - 2013/08
Page Numbers: 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148
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District I—Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont

Andy Argenio Vice President

[email protected] 3 Sheila Ln., Smithfield RI 02917 Tel.: (401) 231-6901; www.amadistrict-i.org

The Wingbusters Model Airplane Club of Halifax, Massachusetts, held a Multi-Club Fun Fly on Sunday, June 2, 2013. Club president Cecil Horton invited me to attend this event that focuses on bringing members from nearby clubs together for a day of fun, flying, and camaraderie.

I hadn’t been to the club’s flying site for quite some time, so I left early enough to arrive at 8 a.m. so I could tour the facility and see all the wonderful additions and improvements.

Two abandoned structures—each about the size of a garage—were rebuilt for club use. The one pictured with this column was converted into a neat clubhouse with work tables. A generator and air-conditioning provide a perfect place for repairing model aircraft, conducting small meetings, and holding training classes for new members.

The second structure housed the site maintenance equipment which accounted for the pristine condition of the club’s grass runway and pit area. In the photo of Bob Hammond you can see the benches that pilots can either stand behind or sit down on to fly.

During the pilots’ meeting, I spoke to the attendees and updated them on FAA, government, and state issues that AMA is addressing to protect model aviation activities from onerous regulations.

The pilots and guests had a great time with open flying of all types of aircraft, as well as a CL F2D Combat competition, which took place in a designated area. Much of what this club accomplishes would not be possible without the leadership of Cecil Horton, CD Bob Mandeville, webmaster Steve McNally, Lee Woodworth, who was responsible for on-site construction projects, and club members.

The club’s website has R/C Flight Deck’s event calendar, and a list of the club’s seasonal events and activities that you may want to consider attending.

District News

It was my pleasure to attend the first Pine Hill Jet Rally in Albion, New York, west of Rochester, May 25-26, 2013. The event featured a long, paved runway, a huge overfly area, professional food vendors, and a friendly atmosphere. CD Robert Engle hosted modelers from several districts as well as Canada! Although the weather was cool and breezy for late May, jet pilots braved the skies for local air show fans. Look for this rally to grow in years to come!

It is with deep sadness that I acknowledge the loss of George and Kathy Weed, tragically lost in an automobile accident this past spring. George and his supportive wife, Kathy, were noted participants in western New York modeling events.

In the couple’s honor, the Canandaigua Sky Chiefs has renamed its Pattern event the George and Kathy Weed Memorial Pattern Contest. Our thoughts are with the Weed’s children, family, and friends.

My hat is again off to District II’s Dave Wigley, for his first-place finish in Masters Class at Top Gun 2013. Dave also won the Masters High Static Award, Best Military, and Excellence in Engineering. Congratulations also to District II master builder, designer, and model supplier Roy Vaillancourt, who finished fourth in Masters Class.

Club building suggestion: Clubs frequently ask how to improve attendance at events. Although a good flying site, food, parking, publicity, event posters, and similar items are important, the secret to boosting attendance is networking!

Clubs that participate in other clubs’ events are more successful when asking other clubs to attend their events. Support your fellow modelers!

Don’t forget the District II Fun-Fly, August 24-25, at Trinca Airport in Andover, New Jersey. It is easy to get to from anywhere. All aircraft types are welcome, and pilots’ lunches are compliments of District II! Check out the event on the AMA Contest Calendar.

Remember, it’s not about what we fly, it’s about the people and the friends we make.

District III—Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia

Mark Radcliff Vice President

[email protected] 199 Heron Dr., St. Marys WV 26170 Tel.: (304) 684-2133; www.amadistrict-iii.org

Bill Pritchett, education director of AMA, told me about a District III club, the Fairmont Flyers of Fairmont, West Virginia, that was doing great things with model aviation education. For several years, the club has teamed up with the NASA office in Fairmont to educate students about aviation. He suggested I check it out and present the club with an AMA Education Award.

Upon my arrival I was greeted by the Bond brothers: Mike, club president, and Kevin, club secretary.

I met Jamie Ford, student workshop coordinator, and Todd Ensign, program manager of the NASA IV & V Educator Resource Center. NASA invites middle school students from every county in West Virginia to attend scheduled aviation days. The day includes a classroom session with simulators and a wind tunnel at NASA, a trip to the local airport to observe full-scale aviation, and a trip to Meredith Field for an RC buddy-box session.

The NASA educators are grateful for the Fairmont Flyers because the buddy-box flying ties classroom knowledge together and the students get to fly. The program educates hundreds of middle school kids about general aviation and model aviation.

Thank you Fairmont Flyers for donating your club’s field and your time and talents to educate these students. Who knows, one day these kids may be future astronauts, aerospace engineers, or model aviators.

On Saturday, August 4, 2012, I attended a Giant Scale fly-in sponsored by the Miami Valley RC Club (MVRCC). This event is held in the scenic Miami Valley area, roughly 20 miles north of Cincinnati near Lebanon, Ohio.

I was impressed by a nice, 300-foot paved runway with an additional 300 feet of grass. After a brief pilots’ meeting by CDs Rob Duley and Jim Martin, the flying began.

The weather was beautiful and attendance was strong with every airplane imaginable from World War I and II warbirds to all kinds of aerobatic aircraft and everything in between.

MVRCC has a huge clubhouse where hamburgers and hot dogs kept everyone fed. The club usually holds this annual fly-in on the first Saturday of August. If you’re looking for a great Giant Scale fly-in to attend in a beautiful scenic location, I recommend this annual event.

It’s sad to report that politics have reared their ugly head in our hobby. I received word that the traditional Labor Day weekend Dayton Ohio Giant Scale (DOGS) event and the Cleveland National Air Show has been canceled because of the government sequester.

As you may know, the DOGS event is held on the Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton and has been one of the premier District III events. The Cleveland show is primarily a full-scale air show; however, the model airplane clubs in that area have traditionally flown demonstrations during the air show.

Because of government cutbacks, these events were canceled. This is a sad day for model aviation. These events bring in thousands of visitors and their dollars to the economy surrounding Dayton and Cleveland, and educate the public about model and full-scale aviation. Let’s hope this will be the only year these events and others will have to face this situation.

Until next month, fly and have fun!

District IV—Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia

Bliss Teague Vice President

[email protected] 625 5th Ave. S.W., Hickory NC 28602 Tel.: (828) 324-2164; www.amadistrict-iv.org

John Hunton submitted a report on the Culpeper County Air Fest.

The Culpeper Air Fest, held in Brandy Station, Virginia, has been growing in stature and attendance every year since its inception in 1997. This growth can be attributed to a supportive county board of supervisors and an airport committee on which Mike Dale serves.

He is the retired CEO of Jaguar North America. He is an active modeler, full-scale pilot, and the owner of a rare Percival Provost—an airplane that he trained in to get his wings in the Royal Air Force.

The model airplane portion of the show also has grown. In previous years we have had local modelers stage the show, but now we have the opportunity to utilize a more professional group.

The Hobby Hangar Air Show Team has agreed to manage and perform the main portion of the model aviation show this year. The group’s performance will be from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Local instructors will conduct buddy-box flying from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., and we will continue to have static displays similar to those we had in past years.

Using the Kwang Ko/Andrew Benjamin-led Hobby Hangar Air Show Team has freed us from having to put together a show. The air show team will perform within set time constraints and the event is insured.

The Culpeper Air Fest is scheduled for October 13 this year. In addition to the great model aviation show, the event will feature massive formation flights of warbirds, the Flying Circus, and excellent aerobatic flights. Come on by if you can. Admission is free!

Hank Mausolf has submitted information about an event held late in 2012.

The Stafford Rotary Club held its 8th Wings and Wheels Festival at Stafford Regional Airport, located in Fredericksburg, Virginia, on Saturday October 20, 2012. The weather was nearly perfect and the crowds were large. The festival featured full-scale aircraft, antique and classic cars, motorcycles, and displays from various law enforcement and rescue agencies.

Members of the Fredericksburg Aeromasters, the Wings over Whitmell (WOW), and Radioactive had model aircraft on display. The Radioactive group also had an impressive flight simulator trailer that has been seen all over the country.

Many people took turns flying the flight simulator and also enjoyed the static display provided by the clubs. The static area was well staffed and the general public saw some impressive models and had the opportunity to speak with knowledgeable club members about the hobby.

Hobby Hangar of Chantilly, Virginia, and the Wings over Whitmell show teams performed flight demonstrations with aircraft that included flying lawn mowers, a flying leaf blower, dual 1/3-scale aerobatic models, turbines, a B-25, and EDF models. The air show went well and was well received.

I want to take a moment to thank Jerrel Bolick, James Burns, Hank and Bryan Mausolf, Mike Mosbrooker, Rusty Kennedy, and one person whose name I did not get for their help in setting up the tent for the AMA membership meeting at Joe Nall, and for taking it down in the rain afterward.

I also want to congratulate all of the Leader Clubs for continuing their efforts. Four of these clubs have been Leader Clubs for five years, one for 10, one for 15, and two for 20 years. I thank these clubs for their efforts. Things such as this make AMA and our hobby/sport what it is today.

District V—Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee

Hi gang! As I write this, Tropical Storm Andrea is pelting the state of Florida. We should begin thinking of safety when these storms start hitting our district this hurricane season, and make preparations before it's too late.

We have had a great safety record this year as a district and as a hobby; this is because of your vigilance and concern. Thank you District V members!

I have visited many club meetings and I have had a few eye openers! The biggest situation I have encountered has been lack of information about the AMA.

This is an easy fix. Nearly everything you need to know about AMA is available on our website. You may also contact me or any of your associate vice presidents (AVPs) with questions you might have, but all AMA-relevant information is available and it is yours!

Get to know what your membership offers you—no, it's not only insurance. Going through the entire AMA website will take you a few hours because of all of the great data there!

The AMA staff works hard to provide information on the website, magazine, apps, and other media. We need to take advantage of this. I hope to get more information into your hands so that we are a well-informed, well-organized group of hobbyists!

AVP Andy Griffith sent in this report:

"Tony Stillman and I were invited to join the Kings Bay Modelers on Memorial Day weekend as they dedicated their new flying field. Kings Bay is located near the Florida/Georgia border near the Naval Submarine Base. Club president Jeff Howard invited the public and for a small town in Georgia, a surprising number of people turned out.

"There were 25 registered pilots and well over 100 spectators. The field is in a great location and was made possible through the efforts of Jeff and the property owner, Howard Davis III. With 600 x 50 feet of mowed grass we had no trouble flying Giant Scale planes.

"Fellow RC Club of Jacksonville member Steve Betts and I did an aerotowing demonstration and 16-year-old Neal Kapaloric from Deltona, Florida, stole the show with a breathtaking, down-on-the-deck 3-D routine. Despite a mechanical problem with his own plane, Neal borrowed a 50cc Extreme Flight Extra 300 from Bryan Stephens and flew the halftime show without skipping a beat.

"To cap off the day, a full-scale Super Cub, flown by Jeff Stanford, landed and he let the kids (both big and little) take a close-up look at this neat plane. The highlight for most of the kids though was the aerial candy drops from Jeff's Decathlon.

"The weather was perfect and the club served burgers and hot dogs, had candy for the kids, and the whole event had a great vibe. Thanks for inviting me to have fun flying at your new field. I can't wait to come back up and hang out!"

Associate Vice Presidents: AL: Rick Grim, (256) 656-0859; [email protected]. FL: Andy Bowen, (386) 736-1688; [email protected]; Chuck Foreman, (352) 237-5078; [email protected]; Pablo Fernandez, (239) 549-3293; [email protected]; Andy Griffith, (904) 993-4956; [email protected]. GA: Kris Dixon, (478) 484-3849; [email protected]. MS: Dave Wenzel, (912) 754-9619; [email protected]. PA/Del surer, (228) 860-4829; [email protected]. PR: Juan C. Cortes, (787) 674-3995; [email protected]. SC: Roger Marshall, (803) 432-2347; Don Wise, (803) 534-8164; [email protected]. TN: Owen Maughn, (423) 331-3933; [email protected]. Dick Tooman, (615) 793-2204; [email protected]. Safety Coordinator: Red Schofield, Newberry FL, (352) 331-8410; [email protected]. Webmaster: Tony Fadino, [email protected].

District VI—Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma

Please welcome Gary Himes as District VI's newest associate vice president. Gary loves to build and fly a large variety of aircraft, enjoys people, is easy to talk to, and travels to many events. He is from the north Kansas City area. If you see him please congratulate him on his new role.

National Model Aviation Day (August 17) is almost here. The purpose of the event is to showcase model aviation in a positive way. It would be nice to see some constructive news about our hobby nationally.

At the time of this writing, there are 60 registered clubs. You have until August 1 to get your club signed up at www.modelaircraft.org/nmad.aspx. Hurry up and get in on the fun.

The latest news on the FAA situation: AMA leaders met with Jim Williams, the executive manager for the FAA UAS Integration Office, on May 8. During that meeting, they worked out the details for moving forward and enacting the Special Rule for Model Aircraft provided in the FAA Modernization and Reform Act passed in February 2012.

AMA is working with the FAA staff to develop a Memorandum of Understanding that will serve as a signed agreement for enacting the new law, Public Law 112-95, Sec 336. With any luck, we should have a signed agreement in place later this summer.

The 4 State R/C Club held its annual spring fun-fly in Neosho, Missouri, on its snow date, May 5. Unseasonably cool temperatures and wet conditions didn't dampen the spirits of pilots in southwest Missouri.

Pilots showed up to fly and took part in an egg drop, carrier landing, and other skill-testing games, and enjoyed the provided lunch and camaraderie. The 4 State R/C Club, located near the historic Fort Crowder area, is home to roughly 30 active members who fly helicopters, 3-D, sport, and Scale aircraft.

Plans are underway for the announced fall fun-fly, set to be held Saturday, September 7, 2013.

Program of the Month:

The AMA Walk of Fame at the International Aeromodeling Center is designed in the shape of a large propeller and signifies the history of the hobby with names from all sectors of model aeronautics. A brick in the Walk of Fame includes your name, or the name of an honoree. It's a permanent testimony to your continuing support of the hobby.

Walk of Fame bricks are available in different shapes, colors, materials, and prices. Watch for specials during the Nats and again during the Veterans Day holiday. You can order a brick online at www.modelaircraft.org/supportama/donations.aspx or by contacting Mandee Mikulski at (800) IFLYAMA, ext 277. You will find her friendly and easy to work with.

Happy flying! ✈

District VII—Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin

Tim Jesky Vice President

[email protected] 2886 E. Country Ln., Monroe MI 48162 Tel.: (734) 384-6085; www.amadistrict-vii.org

I'd like to begin this month's column by sharing some information about a few of the many AMA programs and benefits that are available to assist our members and clubs.

Did you know?

  • This year, AMA awarded more than $30,000 in Flying Site Assistance Grants to clubs. The grants provide clubs with the opportunity to receive up to 10% of their field improvement costs.
  • Scholarships totaling more than $40,000 were distributed to our members for college tuition and associated expenses.
  • Take Off And Grow (TAG) grants are awarded to clubs hosting events that bring model aviation to communities and the public. These grants help offset the costs.
  • Flying site disaster assistance funds may be given to clubs to make facilities accessible and usable after a natural disaster.
  • The AMA Club Recognition and Rewards Program allows clubs to earn cash rewards for public relations efforts and promotion of model aviation.

These are only a few of the services that AMA provides to its members and clubs. Not all applicants will receive grants or awards, but everyone has an equal chance. You can't win if you don't enter!

More information can be found at the AMA website: www.modelaircraft.org.

Before I run out of ink and column space I'd like to give a final shout out for all to get on board and participate in the National Model Aviation Day to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project on August 17. Information about how to register or find a participating club can be found on AMA's homepage. These brave men and women stood up for us; let's stand up for them.

The following report comes from my good friend and fellow modeler, Mike Pavlock, of the Radio Club of Detroit (RCCD). Mike serves as CD of Watts Over Wetzel (WOW), and along with the RCCD club members, he put together a fun weekend of electric-aircraft-only flying. I've attended this event for several years, and brought my wife and grandkids along for the 2013 version. I'll let Mike tell you the rest.

"WOW, I was there." WOW, or Watts Over Wetzel, at the Radio Control Club of Detroit's field is in Wetzel State Park and is RCCD's annual celebration of electric-powered flight. In its eighth year, this two-day event continues to grow and is now truly a must-attend event.

Southeast Michigan had picture-perfect weather on both days and it was great to be back with so many wonderful pilots at the season's first big fun-fly. Several of the 78 pilots attending were first timers, and for some, the first time camping overnight at the field.

CD Mike Pavlock held an 8:45 a.m. pilots' meeting and safety review. At 9 a.m., the flightline was open and the propellers were spinning. With five active stations, there wasn't much wait for flight time.

I loved walking the pits and reviewing all flying hardware. I was amazed at the engineering and how electrics have been embraced by the flying community.

That familiar smell of grilling let me know the flying season was here, and Jerry Laperriere and Pat Dobson were in the kitchen. During lunch, the flightline was restricted, first for Brian Gilkey providing ultra-high-speed passes with his electric hot liner, then for the unbelievable 3-D flying skills of Chris Hass and Tristen Lobbezoo.

Keith Shaw provided a history lesson with a few of his scratch-built, Scale electrics. A notable aircraft was his 1905 Wright Flyer that made graceful turns with real wing warping.

Throughout the day, pilots were treated to prizes courtesy of Castle Creations, Hobbico, Great Planes, FMA Direct, Malibu Technologies, The Prop Shop, and West Michigan Park Flyers.

Events of this magnitude wouldn't be possible without the dedicated RCCD club members.

Plan to attend next year's event and kick off your flying season by charging your batteries and joining us May 17-18, 2014.

District News

power to be restored, or were unable to travel because of high water.

In May I attended Joe Nall Week at the Triple Tree Aerodrome in Woodruff, South Carolina. There were approximately 1,200 pilots in attendance, and the site was outstanding. Everyone needs to go at least once, but be warned that you will want to go again.

I spent some time with Craig and Clint Trowe, which made the trip more enjoyable. Craig showed me around the entire site.

At next year's event we will fly a District VIII flag on the main flightline, and I hope to spend as much time as possible visiting with district members along the five flightlines. During the two days I was there, I must have walked those flightlines a dozen times.

Clint Trowe attended the Buffalo RC Club's Spring Fun Fly in Amarillo, Texas. There were roughly 10 pilots and some wind on both days, but everyone had a great time. Cliff gave Making a Difference awards to Mike and Lori Sharkey.

I want to introduce two new members to the District VIII team. First is Brian Regan who has taken over as the associate vice president (AVP) in New Mexico. He will be a great addition.

Tony Breyen will be the new AVP for the Dallas-Fort Worth area and the area from Wichita Falls to Abilene. He has been flying for many years and, as did most of us, began when he was young.

Please welcome Tony and Brian and thank them for their hard work and dedication to AMA.

Doug Staines sent me the following report about an event held May 3-5.

The Temple Aero Modelers put on an outstanding RC flight demonstration at the 2013 Central Texas Airshow in Temple, Texas. Under the leadership of CD Fred Huber, the crowds were treated to a night-flight demonstration on Friday, featuring a LED-lighted Delta Wing flown by Fred.

On Saturday and Sunday, the Temple Aero Modelers opened the air show with the flight demonstration, which featured warbirds, aerobatics, Combat, and a ducted-fan jet flights. The club also had a static display of several fine examples of RC aircraft, staffed by club members.

Pat Wilcox and the Jetero R/C Club held a Pattern meet with a great turnout. There were 25 contestants who flew three rounds on Saturday. Later that night, thunderstorms with heavy rain and wind hit the area, forcing the organizers to cancel the last round scheduled for Sunday.

Hope to see you all at the field!

Ed Paasch, the district's associate vice president from Nebraska, sent this update about a fun-fly in the (other) Twin Cities:

"May 5, 2013, was the opening day of the outdoor flying season at the Twin Cities Eagle Squadron flying club in the Omaha/Council Bluffs metro area. The club decided to host an Open House Fun-Fly to celebrate spring and invited the AMA member pilots from all of the area clubs to join them.

"Spring here in the heartland has made the area seem more like Seattle lately, with cool temperatures, rain, fog, and clouds dominating the weather forecast. The rain let up long enough to have a fun-fly, and the pilots started popping up like dandelions all over the field to kick off the day's festivities.

"Pilot David Haney Jr. hosted the event, while grill master Bob English took charge of the cooking and supplied fresh-grilled hot dogs to the hungry pilots. Chips, soda, and bottled water were on hand, as well as plenty of hot coffee to warm the participants.

"A wide variety of RC aircraft was on display, with pilots of EDF jets, Giant Scale gas aerobats, glow-powered sport planes, and nitro and electric helicopters all taking their turns to share the flightline and have fun.

"Roughly 30 or more pilots from five different area clubs came out to enjoy the day. Twin Cities Eagle Squadron club president Pete Rosas declared the Open House Fun-Fly a smashing success, and said it would be a great way to welcome spring again next year."

Congratulations to the Twin Cities Eagle Squadron for another terrific fun-fly!

Greg Hine and I linked up at the Denver Council, District IX meeting at the Air & Space Museum a few weeks ago. He sent me this note that I loved to receive and want to share with all modelers. Thanks for the input, Greg.

"On Saturday, April 27, during this year's Western Colorado Slope Challenge (WCSC), the pilots had a brief ceremony of appreciation dedicating the flying slopes at Big Mesa (west of Hotchkiss, Colorado) and Smith Mountain (south of Austin, Colorado) to Mike Furcolow who discovered, pioneered, and popularized them.

"In appreciation, the pilots of the WCSC, along with several who could not attend this year's event, gave Mike two engraved, granite plaques to be permanently mounted, one at each site."

The Canyon Crosswinds RC club joined with children from the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley to build and fly rubber-powered airplanes. This second annual two-day event was a success for everyone involved.

Jeremy Howard, his girlfriend, Katherine, Richard Fitt, Cory Dail, John Skikas and his daughter, Hannah, got to work helping the kids unpack their AMA Darts and FF Sig Cubs. They laid out the stick-and-tissue models over their plans and assisted the children with assembly. The models were left to dry overnight.

The next day they arrived at the club, just as excited as the kids to see their airplanes fly. A few last-minute adjustments to the models were made, then, the moment of truth.

On the count of three, numerous aircraft were released and took to the air in a display worthy of any air force! Hearing the kids’ whoops and yells definitely made their time and efforts worthwhile. The best flight of the day was a 15-second ROG with the kids running after the aircraft cheering wildly.

A couple of weeks later, the club hosted the children at its airfield for an afternoon of buddy-box flying. Bob Awtry set up his flight simulator and provided initial instruction in the basics of RC flight. Then Bob, Jim Desautels, Richard, and Jeremy helped the kids fly via high-wing trainers and buddy boxes.

The children had fun and reluctantly left the field with their counselors as sundown approached. It was rewarding to see how much fun the kids were having and the smiles on their faces.

The Mather Aerospace Modelers of Sacramento, California, a Gold Leader Club for more than 10 years, held a static display at the California Aerospace Museum this past Armed Forces Day. Aircraft were on display as well as two RC flight simulator stations. The display was set up and worked by five members: Rex Williams Jr., Jim Gerow, Ed Myers, Hank Pajari, and club president Norm Poynter.

A static display at a museum or mall is a great way to recruit new members and reach out to your community. It is one of the electives you can perform to become a Leader Club.

District XI—Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington

Mike Mosbrooker Vice President

[email protected] 533 Birch St., Oak Harbor WA 98277 Tel.: (360) 679-9139; www.amadistrict-xi.org

I recently returned from a five-day visit to East Wenatchee, Washington, the beautiful home of the Wenatchee Red Apple Flyers. This event is timed to coincide with the Apple Blossom Festival held the first weekend of May each year.

At first I was not sure I was in the right place, because I was able to stand without hanging on to something and actually fly light aircraft. Yes, the wind has been known to blow in East Wenatchee. I'm sure I was not the only one there who had a kite in my rig to pass the time when the wind comes up and precludes flying.

Michael Hunt was the CD and was ably assisted by many of his fellow club members. He informed me that he was new to the CD business and I told him it was a piece of cake, as long as nothing goes wrong.

There were 25 pilots from throughout the northwest signed up at last check and they brought roughly five airplanes each, so there was plenty of action. The rumor circulating was that the wind was due to come up at any moment so the others and I started flying as much as we could for as long as we could.

The only problem was that the wind never came up, so after approximately 40 flights, I was tired and out of fuel of all types. Sometimes, having fun is really hard work.

I have many places to go in May, so I stand by for a variety of reports.

Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.