District VII - 2012/09

I guess I’ll spend a few words this month
on a topic that might be a bit out of the
comfort zone for many of us.
Earlier this year, MA Editor-in-Chief
Jay Smith wrote a column entitled
“When the unthinkable happens.” The
subject matter was the result of the
sudden and untimely death of a mutual
modeling friend of ours. I’d like to take a
minute here to reinforce Jay’s message:
make your wishes known.
Those of us who have been around
the hobby for a while end up acquiring
a lot of “stuff” throughout the years. I
often joke with my friends that my kids
will have a field day going through my
models and equipment when I go. But in
a sense, I’m fortunate, as is my wife, in
knowing that we have someone who will
know how to handle my models after
I’m gone.
Please do yourself and your family
a favor and have that conversation. It
can eliminate much of the stress and
uncertainty for those we leave behind.
Now back to the fun stuff.
The 38th annual Sig R/C Fly-In was held
on June 9 and 10, 2012, at the Sig field
just south of Montezuma, Iowa.
Considering that the weather was hot
and windy (temperatures were in the 90s
and winds more than 20 mph at times),
the event was well attended by fliers
from local clubs and fliers from out of
state.
Districts VI, VIII, and IX were all
represented in this District VII event.
I attended as did several District VII
associate vice presidents including Tim
Jesky (D-VII VP), Kent Woods (Iowa),
Lloyd Swanson (Iowa), and Mark
Robotti (Minnesota). Mark flew down in
the clipped-wing Cub that he purchased
from Hazel Sig-Hester. Talk about a
piece of aviation history!
CD Bob Nelson and the entire crew
of volunteers were professional in
their approach to safety and in event
coordination. The featured airplane this
year was the Sig Rascal 110 ARF, and
prizes were given for the best glowpowered,
best gas-powered, and best
electric-powered aircraft.
Additional prizes included most
flights, most amazing flight, and best
kitbash. One flight that could have been
voted for most amazing was the touchand-
go that left the main gear behind on
the ground.
Two other events for Sig airplanes
were the bomb drop and the turf tag—
an airborne version of touch-and-go
musical chairs. Other aircraft also seen
gracing the skies included a Hangar 9
Extra 260, a Trick RC THL Zagi, and a
homemade foam (glow-powered) replica
of a Russian SU-24 Fencer (which looks
similar to a F-111 Aardvark), in addition
to all of the Rascals, Somthing Extras,
Four-Stars, and Kadets.
The Sig Manufacturing booth was well
stocked and busy for the entire event.
It is apparent that this company is well
positioned to continue in the business
that it has been a part of for many,
many years. Several of the company’s
employees were always busy talking with
the pilots at the event— getting their
input and ideas.
Of course, any article for the Sig R/C
Fly-In needs to acknowledge the field
hostess, Hazel Sig-Hester. Hazel is a
spry 90 years young and likes to meet
and greet as many of the attendees
as possible. Her signature golf cart in
Spacewalker yellow and red colors was
seen all over the event.
And speaking of Spacewalker, hers
was on display in the hangar across
from the food concession. More history!
For those not familiar with the history
behind Hazel, the Sig field, and Sig
Manufacturing, an Internet search is
highly recommended. “Ninety Years of
Wheels and Wings,” to include a 2011
Corvette, is more than fitting for a lady
who proudly wears a shirt that states “I
don’t drive fast, I just fly low.”
Kudos to everyone involved with
putting on this event and continuing
to be active and visible not only in
the industry but in his or her local
community as well.