Freeze Fly Report – An Early January Thaw!
Virtually all of those present would agree that the 2004 New Year's Day Delaware R/C Club Annual Freeze Fly was an unqualified success! With temperatures in the 50s under partly cloudy skies, only a weaker or more runway-aligned wind could have made the weather any better for flying in Delaware on January 1st.
In a quick parking check we counted more than 50 cars behind the main runway and more than 15 cars behind the heli runway, with other vehicles coming and going throughout the day. More than 50 aircraft were counted - both fixed-wing and helis. Many spectators, some of whom requested information about membership, aircraft, flight training, and the Club's WRAM Show trip, were present and also enjoyed the day with an almost constant display of flying aircraft.
Very few casualties - we saw a heli and a Mustang go in as well as a totaled Fuji-powered Sukhoi.
At least five first-flights: Matt Chapman's G-62-powered Cardin 30% CAP 232, John Stare's magnificent Hellcat, Rick Scott’s Carl Goldberg Eagle 2, Bill Brenchley’s electric-powered Spirit of Saint Louis, and Kent Eagle’s solo with an AVISTAR.
The "First Flight Award" was earned by Bill Bouchard with his Space Walker, which took to the air at about 7:35 am with Marty Moran, who had reportedly arrived well before 7 am, as the witness. The "ham" awarded to the pilot with the most flights went to heli pilot James Cistola, who registered over ten flights.
President Brian Pasternak was ably aided by Bill Bouchard, Tony Albence, Dick Stewart, John Kirchstein, and many others in gathering up, preparing, and serving up good coffee, donuts, dogs, and soup. Shelby and John Stare brought their highly-sought-after Chicken Corn soup and many others whose names escaped us contributed lots of side dishes and desserts.
Around the Pattern
Welcome To New Members
The officers and members of the Delaware R/C Club extend a warm welcome to our recent new and returning members: Terence Blanch, Bear DE; Robert Flynn, Middletown DE; John Graham, Newark DE; George Haak, Wilmington DE (a former Club officer); Frederick Long, Newark DE (rejoining us after a one-year absence); William Lucas, Bear DE; Robert Nichols, Newark DE; Michael Roselli, Lanoka Harbor NJ (who has produced Warbirds videos in the past); and Tom Sliwinski, Wilmington DE (also returning).
Membership
Dick Stewart reports that the early renewal campaign was very successful with over 80% of Club Members choosing to pay their dues early (by January 15th). Including new members, the 2004 dues income is above 90% of the budget projection! There will be a drawing at the February 3rd Club Meeting for those 2003 members who renewed early. Prizes: A Ryobi 16" variable speed scroll saw, a Dremel rotary tool system (includes mini saw attachment) and an Evolution .61 NT 2-stroke glow engine all about the same value.
Tickets with the name of each eligible member have been placed in a container. Three tickets will be drawn. Attendance at the Club Meeting is not required unless the winners want to choose the prize. Also at the meeting, State Park Stickers will be handed out to 2004 Club Members who pre-purchased them through the Club by Jan. 15th.
WRAM Show Club Bus Trip Signups – Last Call!
The annual Delaware R/C Club bus trip to the 2004 WRAM Show in White Plains NY will be on Saturday, February 21, 2004. Diane Hudak is organizing the trip. You can sign up for the trip at the Club Meeting on January 6, or contact Diane personally (phone: 302-366-0246 or e-mail: av8orsangel@delaware.net) to make your reservations. All those who have participated in past trips can relate stories about the fun that was experienced by all. The cost of the trip is $36 per person, which includes the cost of the bus, admission to the show, and light refreshments on the bus.
Warbirds Over Delaware Report
A couple of changes in the operating procedures for Warbirds have been established to help the event run even smoother this year. Pilots who registered for Warbirds last year, and Delaware R/C Club members, will likely be able to pre-register for this year’s event online with only a few mouse clicks unless some changes are necessary from last year’s registration information; this is dependent on successful implementation of a new online database which is currently in the testing stage.
A $20 landing fee has been set; this fee will be used to cover pilots’ Park Entrance Fees, a ticket in the pilots-only raffle, and, if possible, an event souvenir similar to those distributed at some other major events. If we are successful in attracting major sponsors, we will reevaluate this fee.
Because of increasing space demands, the main runway pit area will be reserved for guest club tents; however, one tent will be set up in that area for use by Club volunteers and the press. The few Club members who typically fly in the event can set up personal tents in the main pilot area on the knoll and can also place their aircraft in front of the Club tent.
Club Board Meeting Date Change
To resolve developing conflicts, President Brian Pasternak reports that the Board will meet on the fourth Tuesday of the month – 7 pm at the Friendly’s Restaurant on Route 896 at I-95 in Newark.
New Garden Air Show Date Change
Matt Chapman reported that the date for the New Garden Air Show has been changed to June 13, 2004. This returns the show to its former schedule of the second Sunday in June after having been moved to the first Sunday, and was done in part to avoid a conflict with another aviation event. The change places this show on the day after the Club’s Fun Scale Contest.
Help Us Keep You Up To Date
In order to keep all our members informed of all Club news, it is crucial that the Club remain informed of all changes to our members’ contact information. Please send all changes of address and phone number to our Treasurer, Dick Stewart (302-368-2911 or BALTICPLY@aol.com). E-mail address changes should be sent to John Kirchstein (jakirchstein@comcast.net) and Carl Hauger (cewhauger@yahoo.com).
Classifieds
FOR SALE:
Great Planes Slow Poke with an O.S. FX .25 engine plus servos, no receiver. All for $110
Contact Del R/C member Herb Crossan 814-435-6314
FOR SALE:
Dynaflight Spitfire. Painted, nicely built, flies very well. 120 GMS 2-cycle with Airtronics radio installed. New TX and RX batteries. Tru-turn spinner. No hassle fixed gear. Just charge the batteries, add fuel and fly. 80" wingspan, legal for Warbirds. Nice package, complete for only $500.
Also, One Design, kitted by Bob Godfrey. Professionally built and finished. Two-piece wing on tube design. RTF with Zenoah G-74 twin, and Hitec servos. All you need is a receiver and battery pack. Plane flies extremely well and is in pristine condition. Only 10 flights. Sacrifice for $1,800.
Also, CAP 232 118" for a 140-150. Czech kit, all composite fuse, LG, wing tube, cowl, and pants. Foam wing sheeted in balsa. Beautiful workmanship. Street price is $1,400. Sell for $800.
Contact Mark Weiss (856)488-6906 office (856)241-0378 home