Indoor FF sites and events
by John Kagan
This is a great time for the sport of Indoor Free Flight. We have fantastic sites to enjoy, and enthusiastic people donating their time to host great contests.
Memorable contests from the beginning of this year include the West Baden Springs event in Indiana, the Round Valley Dome gathering in Arizona, and the EAA Flightfest in Wisconsin, plus many other large and small events. See the National Free Flight Society (NFFS) contest calendar for a complete list of flying opportunities.
West Baden Springs
It has been nearly nine years since we last had the opportunity to enjoy this legendary Category III (between 15 and 30 meters in height) building. The previous time we were here, the huge atrium had been restored, but work on the surrounding hotel rooms had yet to be completed.
This time the luxury hotel was in full operation, and in addition to experiencing one of the best flying sites in the world, we enjoyed top-notch accommodations. Many of us rented rooms that faced inward toward our coveted flying site, and we enjoyed fine dining and luxurious fainting sofas from which to watch our models lightly tapping the girders.
A unique aspect was the presence of numerous hotel guests. The French Lick hotel was solidly booked, and an endless stream of people roamed the atrium floor, amazed at the models flying overhead.
Some speculated that our stopwatches were actually transmitters for controlling our models. Others theorized that the airplanes were solar powered, which accounted for the long flight times. Most simply asked whatever was on their mind, and all of the fliers had a chance to describe the intricacies of their favorite models in detail to a rapt audience. It is not often that we get such enormous exposure, and we spent time to make sure it was fruitful.
Even with all of the people milling about, the air was pristine. Thirty-plus-minute flights would land feet from where they were launched. There was only minimal drift when the sun beamed through the ceiling windows. Hang-ups were rare because the disk in the center of the ceiling and the pendant hanging below were shrouded in plastic.
Words don't do this site justice, especially considering that the West Baden Springs Hotel had previously fallen into such disrepair that it was nearly condemned. Search the internet to see how heroic a feat it was for the Cook family to restore this Indiana landmark. Special thanks to Walt Van Gorder for negotiating access, and to the West Baden Springs hotel owners for having us. Everyone had a positive response to the event, from the fliers to the guests to the hotel staff, so it is likely that the contest will continue. Watch for the 2014 event and don't miss your chance to experience West Baden.
Round Valley Dome
Another Category III contest was held in April, 1,500 miles west at the Round Valley Dome in Eagar, Arizona. In its second year, the contest featured expanded hours, which resulted in even better evening flying conditions. The closed ceiling structure made it nearly impossible to hang up, and the few airplanes that did were freed by a balloon's gentle nudge.
This national-caliber flying site is the result of tireless effort by Steve Riley and other regional model aviation proponents. They "bought" access through popular Delta Dart programs for local school children, and maintained relationships with those responsible for site access — even when the person in charge changed many times.
The contest primarily serves the Southwest portion of the United States, but also attracts contestants from Colorado, California, Nevada, and beyond. Steve reports that they discovered an excellent new restaurant in the surrounding small town, and that a discounted rate at a good hotel has been negotiated.
With the rising cost of national-level sites, it is unusual to find a contest that is so economical. Use some of the cost savings to buy an airplane ticket or extra gas and attend next year. The 2014 event will be the first weekend in April and will feature an additional practice day.
EAA Family Flightfest
The 2013 EAA Family Flightfest, held in February at the AirVenture Museum in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, featured more than 750 museum guests enjoying static models, indoor RC airplanes, Indoor FF, and build-and-take balsa gliders, in addition to the typical exhibits and attractions.
We spent the days flying with kids and their families, and the evenings wringing out our own models amid full-scale aircraft. "Garbage Glider," where we build a catapult airplane out of two Guillow's 8-inch-span, slip-together toys, is still a premier event. Lest you think it trivial, consider that the winning times are now more than 30 seconds, and the winning Standard Catapult times were only in the mid-40s.
H. G. Frautschy has been the driving force behind this event, and Bob Campbell, the EAA's manager of museum operations, has been extremely accommodating to our group. Based on this year's positive feedback, it is likely that the event will continue. Give it a try in 2014—the experience is unique.
SOURCES:
- National Free Flight Society
- West Baden Springs Hotel
- Round Valley Dome Indoor Contest
- EAA Family Flightfest
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
