Fly-for-Tots 2009 - 2010/03

FUN-FLYS ARE great to attend. Not only
do you get to do a lot of flying, but you also
get to see a bit of everything, from
helicopters to jets and all types of propellerdriven
models. The Raleigh Durham Radio
Control Club (RDRC) Fly-for-Tots (FFT)
event takes it to the next level; all money
raised goes to a good cause. The club chose
Victory Junction as its charity, and in 2009 a
remarkable $27,100 was raised.
The key to this gathering is helping
children, which RDRC President Larry
Lewis reminded everyone throughout the
weekend. A total of 230 pilots from
throughout the US heard the call and
converged at the club’s beautiful field the
weekend of September 19-20.
The RDRC site, which is located just
outside Raleigh, North Carolina, provided
pilots with the choice of using either the
paved runway or the grass that runs parallel
to the runway. The field has a wide opening
directly behind the runway, allowing pilots a
lot of depth for aerobatic flying.
No one made better use of that space than
Jason Noll, who put on an amazing flying
demonstration both days with his Extra. His
model flirted with the ground, soybeans, and
trees, to the amazement of the pilots and
crowd alike.
I have a bold—but honest—statement to
make: FFT is like no other event I have
Why Do You Attend Fly-for-Tots?
“It is so cool that somebody put
together a charity fund-raiser around our
sport. We can do what we love and
contribute to a great cause.”
—Fred Midgett of Higher Plane
Productions
“I come to Fly-for-Tots to help support
a great cause that means a lot to me as
well. I know what it is like for those kids
to go and be able to do something normal
like other kids. I wouldn’t miss it for the
world. I want to support the RDRC and
Victory Junction Gang.”
—Chris Carnes of Radio Active
Airshows
“For the fun and entertainment and to
see all the members in District IV.”
—Bliss Teague, AMA District
IV Vice President
“I think the best reason to come to Flyfor-
Tots is because this event represents
modeling in the coolest possible way ever.
This does more for the community and is
a great example for how people can
contribute back to the community and
make model aviation part of the
community, rather than isolate it.”
—Peter Goldsmith of Horizon Hobby
“Well, Fly-for-Tots is a great event
and it’s for a good cause.”
—Seth Arnold
“I come to Fly-for-Tots to help out for
a good cause. Come down and hang out
with everybody and enjoy flying model
RC airplanes, and it goes to a good
purpose.”
—Jason Noll
“I come to hang out with everybody
and support the fund-raiser. It is a good
time out here.”
—Jamie Hicks
“I came for the food.”
—Andy Kane
“I come out to fly with my friends and
help out the charity, and just have a good
time.”
—RJ Gritter
“I think that in the stressful times that
we are in during a recession, anytime we
can be a part of something to help
someone, or at least give a smile to
someone regardless of what level, be it a
child or older person [we should]. Being a
good influence is one of the main things,
and I come to have fun with old friends
and make new friends, and that’s why I
am here.” MA—
Jerry Smith, Fun Fly Champion
—Jay Smith
March 2010 23
attended. The mentality of those who were
there was amazing. The event was all about
fellowship and flying for a great cause.
People of varying skill levels and flying
styles piloted gas-, glow-, and electricpowered
aircraft side by side. At any given
time, you might be flying with a jet pilot to
your left, a 100cc “Hucker” to your right,
and a Scale warbird flier at the end.
Yet throughout the event, the pilots flew
together without issue. There was not even a
midair, outside of the ParkZone T-28 mass
flight. And that in itself was an amazing
accomplishment; all 230 pilots flew from
one flightline with no problems. It’s an
example of what aeromodeling is about.
So what is Victory Junction? It is a camp in
North Carolina for children who are
chronically ill, or suffer from serious
illnesses, and their families. It was Adam
Petty’s dream, and his parents, Kyle and
Pattie, completed his vision after he died in
2000.
To date, more than 10,000 children have
experienced everything the camp has to
offer. It is a great opportunity for kids to set
aside their health problems and enjoy
themselves in a safe environment with new
friends.
The RDRC has been supporting this
charity for three years, after visiting the
camp and being forever changed by the
experience.
As do many events across the US, FFT
featured a raffle with some great prizes.
However, RDRC pulled out all the stops
with the grand prize: a turnkey, fuel-it-andfly,
100cc Extreme Flight RC Yak-54. Team
JR’s Matt Balazs, who owns Evil R/C, built
the model. It was decked out with products
from numerous great sponsors and was
worth nearly $5,000.
Another fantastic activity was a
children’s raffle, in which the prizes were
RTF electric-powered aircraft. They were
given away almost every hour, and each
winner received a promise from the club of
free RC flight instruction. All the kids have
to do is return on any weekend!
What a great way to introduce
aeromodeling to the younger generation and
their families and provide a positive learning
experience. The kids’ excitement and
enthusiasm about winning raffle prizes
surpassed the adults’—except Nelson
Phillips, who won the Grand Prize Package.
The noon demonstrations were a favorite,
and the large contingent of spectators let
pilots know when they saw something they
liked. Robert Vess kept the interest and
excitement high throughout most of the
flying, with his spirited commentary via the
loudspeakers. But he didn’t have to work
hard; some of the best pilots in RC stole the
show.
Many warbirds flew in groups designated
by their type or era. World War I was well
represented, and World War II had even
more participation. A big draw was the
“flight of bombers,” which consisted of
bombers and ground-attack aircraft.
Pyrotechnics were used at show center to
create explosions when the models made
their diving passes.
3-D and precision flying also had a good
showing, with representation from Jason
Noll, Seth Arnold, Jamie Hicks, RJ Gritter,
Chris Carnes, and Riley Kissenberth, to
name only a few. Tails touched the grass,
some great team flying was performed, and
RC Aerobatics and IMAC (International
Miniature Aerobatic Club) routines were
flown.
Jerry Smith showed everyone why he is a
repeat National Competition Fun Fly
Champion while having fun with the crowd,
pretending to be an inexperienced, elderly
pilot.
Radio Active Airshows put on a
demonstration with its flying lawn
mower—something that amazes many
people the first time they see it. This group
also took its impressive simulator trailer,
which provided spectators with the
opportunity to experience RC flight on one
of the two big-screen projectors. Even
experienced pilots found it easy to get
immersed in the experience.
The focus returned to the children each
day at the close of demonstration flying,
with a candy drop. A large group of kids of
all ages stood along the flightline as several
models took to the air with their precious
cargo: more than 10 pounds of treats.
Once the aircraft dropped their payloads
on the far side of the runway and were
successfully recovered, the children sprinted
to find the candy, in what closely resembled
an Easter egg hunt. The club made sure no
child walked away empty-handed.
The club even managed to give crowds a
few surprises, such as full-scale flybys by a
P-51 Mustang and a PT-17 Stearman.
There were several vendors at FFT, and not
only did they provide raffle prizes, but some
of them also donated a part of their sales to
the event. Horizon Hobby supported the
cause by attending and providing a free
receiver, on the spot, to anyone who
purchased a DSM transmitter from any of
the vendors at the fly-in.
AMA President Dave Mathewson and
District IV Vice President Bliss Teague also
made it to the event. They helped support the
fly-in and answered questions from members
and the public.
What the RDRC has done with FFT is not
only special; it’s nothing short of amazing. It
has expanded the event each year in both
attendance and money raised and has
managed to garner the local community’s
support. This proactive approach shows what
a club can do for its community, instead of
asking what its community can do for the
club.
I hope that this fly-in will continue to
grow and be successful, as well as be
viewed as a model for other clubs that are
looking for ways to give back to their
communities. Our sport is one of the
greatest in the world, and being able to
enjoy it while making a difference to
someone in need is truly fulfilling. Who
could ask for anything more? MA
Jay Smith
[email protected]
Sources:
RDRC
www.rd-rc.org
Victory Junction
(877) 854-2267
www.victoryjunction.org
03sig1.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 1/25/10 2:56 PM Page 23

FUN-FLYS ARE great to attend. Not only
do you get to do a lot of flying, but you also
get to see a bit of everything, from
helicopters to jets and all types of propellerdriven
models. The Raleigh Durham Radio
Control Club (RDRC) Fly-for-Tots (FFT)
event takes it to the next level; all money
raised goes to a good cause. The club chose
Victory Junction as its charity, and in 2009 a
remarkable $27,100 was raised.
The key to this gathering is helping
children, which RDRC President Larry
Lewis reminded everyone throughout the
weekend. A total of 230 pilots from
throughout the US heard the call and
converged at the club’s beautiful field the
weekend of September 19-20.
The RDRC site, which is located just
outside Raleigh, North Carolina, provided
pilots with the choice of using either the
paved runway or the grass that runs parallel
to the runway. The field has a wide opening
directly behind the runway, allowing pilots a
lot of depth for aerobatic flying.
No one made better use of that space than
Jason Noll, who put on an amazing flying
demonstration both days with his Extra. His
model flirted with the ground, soybeans, and
trees, to the amazement of the pilots and
crowd alike.
I have a bold—but honest—statement to
make: FFT is like no other event I have
Why Do You Attend Fly-for-Tots?
“It is so cool that somebody put
together a charity fund-raiser around our
sport. We can do what we love and
contribute to a great cause.”
—Fred Midgett of Higher Plane
Productions
“I come to Fly-for-Tots to help support
a great cause that means a lot to me as
well. I know what it is like for those kids
to go and be able to do something normal
like other kids. I wouldn’t miss it for the
world. I want to support the RDRC and
Victory Junction Gang.”
—Chris Carnes of Radio Active
Airshows
“For the fun and entertainment and to
see all the members in District IV.”
—Bliss Teague, AMA District
IV Vice President
“I think the best reason to come to Flyfor-
Tots is because this event represents
modeling in the coolest possible way ever.
This does more for the community and is
a great example for how people can
contribute back to the community and
make model aviation part of the
community, rather than isolate it.”
—Peter Goldsmith of Horizon Hobby
“Well, Fly-for-Tots is a great event
and it’s for a good cause.”
—Seth Arnold
“I come to Fly-for-Tots to help out for
a good cause. Come down and hang out
with everybody and enjoy flying model
RC airplanes, and it goes to a good
purpose.”
—Jason Noll
“I come to hang out with everybody
and support the fund-raiser. It is a good
time out here.”
—Jamie Hicks
“I came for the food.”
—Andy Kane
“I come out to fly with my friends and
help out the charity, and just have a good
time.”
—RJ Gritter
“I think that in the stressful times that
we are in during a recession, anytime we
can be a part of something to help
someone, or at least give a smile to
someone regardless of what level, be it a
child or older person [we should]. Being a
good influence is one of the main things,
and I come to have fun with old friends
and make new friends, and that’s why I
am here.” MA—
Jerry Smith, Fun Fly Champion
—Jay Smith
March 2010 23
attended. The mentality of those who were
there was amazing. The event was all about
fellowship and flying for a great cause.
People of varying skill levels and flying
styles piloted gas-, glow-, and electricpowered
aircraft side by side. At any given
time, you might be flying with a jet pilot to
your left, a 100cc “Hucker” to your right,
and a Scale warbird flier at the end.
Yet throughout the event, the pilots flew
together without issue. There was not even a
midair, outside of the ParkZone T-28 mass
flight. And that in itself was an amazing
accomplishment; all 230 pilots flew from
one flightline with no problems. It’s an
example of what aeromodeling is about.
So what is Victory Junction? It is a camp in
North Carolina for children who are
chronically ill, or suffer from serious
illnesses, and their families. It was Adam
Petty’s dream, and his parents, Kyle and
Pattie, completed his vision after he died in
2000.
To date, more than 10,000 children have
experienced everything the camp has to
offer. It is a great opportunity for kids to set
aside their health problems and enjoy
themselves in a safe environment with new
friends.
The RDRC has been supporting this
charity for three years, after visiting the
camp and being forever changed by the
experience.
As do many events across the US, FFT
featured a raffle with some great prizes.
However, RDRC pulled out all the stops
with the grand prize: a turnkey, fuel-it-andfly,
100cc Extreme Flight RC Yak-54. Team
JR’s Matt Balazs, who owns Evil R/C, built
the model. It was decked out with products
from numerous great sponsors and was
worth nearly $5,000.
Another fantastic activity was a
children’s raffle, in which the prizes were
RTF electric-powered aircraft. They were
given away almost every hour, and each
winner received a promise from the club of
free RC flight instruction. All the kids have
to do is return on any weekend!
What a great way to introduce
aeromodeling to the younger generation and
their families and provide a positive learning
experience. The kids’ excitement and
enthusiasm about winning raffle prizes
surpassed the adults’—except Nelson
Phillips, who won the Grand Prize Package.
The noon demonstrations were a favorite,
and the large contingent of spectators let
pilots know when they saw something they
liked. Robert Vess kept the interest and
excitement high throughout most of the
flying, with his spirited commentary via the
loudspeakers. But he didn’t have to work
hard; some of the best pilots in RC stole the
show.
Many warbirds flew in groups designated
by their type or era. World War I was well
represented, and World War II had even
more participation. A big draw was the
“flight of bombers,” which consisted of
bombers and ground-attack aircraft.
Pyrotechnics were used at show center to
create explosions when the models made
their diving passes.
3-D and precision flying also had a good
showing, with representation from Jason
Noll, Seth Arnold, Jamie Hicks, RJ Gritter,
Chris Carnes, and Riley Kissenberth, to
name only a few. Tails touched the grass,
some great team flying was performed, and
RC Aerobatics and IMAC (International
Miniature Aerobatic Club) routines were
flown.
Jerry Smith showed everyone why he is a
repeat National Competition Fun Fly
Champion while having fun with the crowd,
pretending to be an inexperienced, elderly
pilot.
Radio Active Airshows put on a
demonstration with its flying lawn
mower—something that amazes many
people the first time they see it. This group
also took its impressive simulator trailer,
which provided spectators with the
opportunity to experience RC flight on one
of the two big-screen projectors. Even
experienced pilots found it easy to get
immersed in the experience.
The focus returned to the children each
day at the close of demonstration flying,
with a candy drop. A large group of kids of
all ages stood along the flightline as several
models took to the air with their precious
cargo: more than 10 pounds of treats.
Once the aircraft dropped their payloads
on the far side of the runway and were
successfully recovered, the children sprinted
to find the candy, in what closely resembled
an Easter egg hunt. The club made sure no
child walked away empty-handed.
The club even managed to give crowds a
few surprises, such as full-scale flybys by a
P-51 Mustang and a PT-17 Stearman.
There were several vendors at FFT, and not
only did they provide raffle prizes, but some
of them also donated a part of their sales to
the event. Horizon Hobby supported the
cause by attending and providing a free
receiver, on the spot, to anyone who
purchased a DSM transmitter from any of
the vendors at the fly-in.
AMA President Dave Mathewson and
District IV Vice President Bliss Teague also
made it to the event. They helped support the
fly-in and answered questions from members
and the public.
What the RDRC has done with FFT is not
only special; it’s nothing short of amazing. It
has expanded the event each year in both
attendance and money raised and has
managed to garner the local community’s
support. This proactive approach shows what
a club can do for its community, instead of
asking what its community can do for the
club.
I hope that this fly-in will continue to
grow and be successful, as well as be
viewed as a model for other clubs that are
looking for ways to give back to their
communities. Our sport is one of the
greatest in the world, and being able to
enjoy it while making a difference to
someone in need is truly fulfilling. Who
could ask for anything more? MA
Jay Smith
[email protected]
Sources:
RDRC
www.rd-rc.org
Victory Junction
(877) 854-2267
www.victoryjunction.org
03sig1.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 1/25/10 2:56 PM Page 23