Apollo Lorans
The big iron gates at the Hartness Estate in Greenville, South Carolina were opened to the modeling world for an event never seen before in this part of the country: The inaugural Masters World Aerobatic Championship took place October 3-5, 1996 at Hartness Field. It promises to be an annual affair for years to come. The purpose? To bring to the eastern part of the United States skillful flying by some of the best RC aerobatic pilots. For many years the Tournament of Champions (TOC), held every other year in Las Vegas, has attracted many of the world's top RC aerobatic pilots with high-dollar prizes. According to Masters host Pat Hartness, an event such as this can be successful without such prizes.
Joe Nall Flying: Giant-Scale Southern Hospitality at Hartness Field
THE JOE NALL Giant Scale Fly-In is unquestionably the premier event in the Southeast for Giant Scale airplanes. The four-day annual event was held May 16-19, 1996 at Hartness Field, a private 400-acre estate in Greenville, South Carolina. This year's fly-in was sponsored by International Miniature Aircraft Association (IMAA) Chapter 94 and hosted by Pat Hartness, who generously allows it to happen on his front yard. After 14 years the event is well-organized; the registration and flightline are controlled by a computer database. The high-tech system makes it all happen as easily as possible.
13th Annual: Joe Nall Fly-In
The Joe Nall Giant Scale Fly-In, held on May 18-21, 1995, was one of the largest modeling gatherings ever held in the southeastern United States. The event was held at Hartness Field in Greenville, South Carolina, sponsored by the Confederate Air Farce, IMAA Chapter 94, and the Blueridge R/C Club. Pat Hartness hosted the event; it took place on the front yard of his 400-acre estate! I keep saying that this event will outgrow the location, but it just keeps on happening. More than 470 registered pilots attended. Nobody bothered to count the airplanes on the flight line-it was just too overwhelming. I arrived on Thursday, the day the event began, and almost didn't find a parking place for my motor home. Many pilots arrived several days early to ensure a prime location.
Aerodrome '94
WW I-vintage model and full-scale aeroplanes came to Alabama for a trip back in time. Aerodrome '94 was held August 20-22 at the Gadsden municipal Airport in Gadsden, Alabama. This event was the second of its kind; Aerodrome '92 was held at Guntersville, Alabama (the home of Ryder's Replica Fighter Museum). The Gadsden airport provided more space and better accomodations for the large crowd expected to attend the event.
12th Annual Joe Nall Fly-In
The Joe Nall Fly-In is over, and only fond memories remain for those who were lucky enough to attend. I say "lucky" because this is as close to RC heaven as you will ever get. It took place May 12-15, 1994, on Pat Hartness' private 400-acre estate in Greenville, South Carolina. The organizers of this super International Miniature Aircraft Association (IMAA) event were the good folks of the Confederate Air Farce, chapter 94, Blue Ridge Miniature Aircraft, chapter 456, and the Western Carolina RC club (WCRC). It wasn't always called the Joe Nall Fly-In. In its beginnings in 1982, it was known as the Greenville Fly-In. About five years ago, Joe Nall, a good friend to many modelers, was killed in an airplane accident, and Pat Hartness renamed the event in his honor. Through the years, it has grown in popularity as modelers find out about this unique mecca for Giant Scale modelers.
