2nd
Annual Warbird Fly-In
May 2011
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95th holds 2nd Annual Warbird Fly-in
Radio controlled airplane modelers from around North Carolina joined members of the 95th Squadron RC Model Airplane Club for a fantastic day of flying on Saturday, May 14 at the Club's field in Gaston, N.C. Pilots began arriving about 7:30 a.m. to set up their tents, unload their airplanes and prepare them for a day of flying. Although the day dawned hazy, by 9:30 a.m. the sky cleared and pilots were anxious to get in the air. Model warplanes from all eras of aviation history from a DeHaviland Tiger Moth from WW1 to today's jets filled the air throughout the day. Spectators were treated to some awe-inspiring flying as pilots put their models through a host of flight maneuvers and were able to talk to the pilots about the planes they built and flew. They were especially thrilled by a noon-time flight demo of a model King Cat jet flown by visiting RDRC Club pilot Mike Hollowell. Powered by a 36-pound thrust jet turbine engine, the plane reached speeds in excess of 200 miles per hour. Mike also flew a nicely detailed model B-25 Mitchell bomber, a workhorse of World War II. In all, 18 pilots put over 40 warplanes through their paces while Club Vice president Frank Mintz expertly described the action over the PA system. Pilots and spectators took some time out to enjoy some hot dogs, chips and sodas around lunch time and then it was back to flying. Thanks to Doug Hughes for the write-up and photos. |