The Inaugural Air Show and Picnic

Location: Holden Field

Date: July 22, 2007

Report:
The Quinapoxet Madel Flying Club is celebrating its first season at the new Model Airfield on River Street, Holden. The club conducted its Inaugural Air Show on July 22nd, 2007.

The event couldn't have been better. The weather certainly cooperated with a moderate breeze straight down the runway that offered little challenge to the 32 registered flyers.

On this hot day, we provided comfort to our spectators with plenty of canopies to protect folks from the sun and ample food and beverages. The field condition was excellent and easily accommodated the many more visitors that we had expected

Many thanks go to our local Sponsors:

Colubris Networks
Ledgerock Fab
Holden Martial Arts
RC Buyers Warehouse
Henry's Hobbies
Once Upon a Storybook
Gabriels Tailoring and Tuxedo
Northeast Bio-Tech
Towne Cleaners
Rotti Enterprise, LLC
McKinlay's Liquors
Blue Plate
CCS Dance Academy

And a very special mention to Bob Rice at HobbyUSA in Ashland who donated cash AND three aircraft that were definitely a big hit during as raffle prizes. Other raffle prizes were donated by some of the listed sponsors too.

John Glazellis, a world champion RC pilot, treated us to one of his magnificent freestyle presentations with a 46% Extra. If you haven't seen a nearly ½ scale plane with a twin cylinder 150cc gasoline engine hover at only 3 feet altitude then you haven't lived.

The day started well, with many club members arriving early to help set up. The "Food Hall" was the first thing to do. We set up a separate tent with table and chairs so that folks could relax in a comfortable eating environment rather than struggle with food up at the viewing area. This was really appreciated. The gates opened at 10:00 AM.

There were many canopies in the spectator view area and in the pits to protect people from the hot sun that day. And to protect the static displays of simple trainer aircraft to world class scale WWI planes and WWII Planes. Mitch Epstein brought his magnificent 12 feet wingspan B-17 for a static display. There were way too many planes to record accurately, but the estimate puts the count up to 100 planes. We had visiting pilots from other clubs in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire.

In addition to John Glazellis' display, the open flying throughout the day was punctuated with other specific flying displays by Mitch Epstein's HUGE SE5a, Mitch Buckley's ailing P-47. Ailing? Yes, Mitch was having problems with the retractable wheels but he did a successful "Wounded Warrior Returns" landing with a collapsing wheel on touch down - Just like in the movies. The pilot walked away unscathed, thank goodness. There were many more notable flying and static displays by home and visiting pilots. We all saw radio controlled helicopters and an extremely fast RC jet. Well, if you were too slow, maybe you didn't see it…………

The day was also punctuated with two sessions of Buddy-Box activity run by Joe Zacame. The "Buddy-box" as we call it, is a device that allows the dual control of a model aircraft. Using this system, a novice pilot is safe to fly, allowing the instructor to instantly take over control if the student gets into trouble. Approximately 16 spectators took their inaugural flight at our Inaugural Air Show. Four of our dozen or so qualified instructors took these folks into the skies above Holden for their first flights. So, who participated in the "Buddy Box" sessions? Kids, adults, moms, dads, brothers and sisters all took turns and spent 5 - 10 minutes flying their first RC aircraft. This is truly a hobby for everyone. Many of these have since joined the club and started in their new hobby.

The "Control Tower" closed at about 4:00 PM and the Air Show was declared "Finished".

If anyone is interested in joining this great hobby, the club is now open for membership. Members are entitled to free flight training. If you are not yet sure, come visit us on River Street, Holden and have a trial flight.

DVD's of the Air Show are available for $12.99. Please e-mail crtmmac@verizon.net for more information on getting a trial flight, joining the club or purchasing the DVD.

Colin Towers, CD