A memorable summer
by Jim Hiller
jetmodeler@earthlink.net
Summer 2015 finished in a great way, with two enjoyable model meets: Wings & Warbirds Over Port Clinton, in Port Clinton, Ohio, followed by the return of the Labor Day weekend Dayton Ohio Giant Scalers (D.O.G.S.) Airshow, held in Dayton, Ohio.
Wings & Warbirds is an unusual event. Not only is it a model airplane fun-fly, it’s also an air show. It includes full-scale aerobatics and warbird flybys.
The FAA stationed an observer on the field to observe the August 22-23 event and the coordination of the model aircraft and full-scale flying. The first pilots’ briefing required a visit to the conference room. It was a formal briefing with the air boss for full-scale operations and the model aircraft flightline coordinator, along with comments from the FAA observer, setting the stage for the weekend’s activities.
The FAA observer requested that jet modelers keep the maximum airspeed at less than 150 mph because the flight-box size would be limited for safety reasons (the north area had an active cross runway).
Model flying started at 9 a.m.,
followed by a formal opening ceremony that included a color guard presenting our nation’s flag. Then there was a flyover of a beautifully restored Grumman Avenger from the Liberty Aviation Museum. After its flight, it was displayed within walking distance of the flightline.
Model flying resumed, with some breaks for full-scale aerobatics—including a formation aerobatics show by Ken Rieder and Jon Thocker of Redline Airshows. These top-quality air-show performers flew Van’s Aircraft RV-8s and were a highlight of the event.
This fun-fly is held at the Erie-Ottawa International Airport, with all model aircraft flying from the north/south runway. Normal flight operations continued on the east/west runway, which is located beyond the northern end of the show runway.
The flight box for model flying was set up and monitored to ensure safe operations, while
spotters at the north end prevented us from overflying the active runway. A spotter directly in front of us helped us avoid overflying some aircraft hangars and the aircraft parking ramp.
The flightline coordinator worked with control tower officials to hold full-scale activities on the east/west runway when a turbine model was flying. There was concern about whether the jet models with greater airspeed could be safely operated without violating the north end of the flight box. This was truly appreciated when we were flying our large, heavy scale jets.
Yes, this air show is complicated not only for the organizers, but also for all of the pilots involved—both full-scale and model. Thanks to good coordination, communication, and pilot discipline, all worked well and we had a great time flying and enjoying the air show. I flew my Der Jet Vampire, along with Ken Olsen’s FeiBao T-33—a great aircraft for this warbird event.
Of course, along with the jets, a warbird event has to have some wonderful flight scrambles with aircraft from World War I and World War II represented. This event is open to all types and sizes of models, with plenty of flying for all.
A variety of modeling was represented—from small electric-powered aircraft to large scale warbirds. There were also some 3-D flights, along with civilian scale aircraft.
The Liberty Aviation Museum hangar was used for overnight parking for larger model aircraft. This service simplifies life when dealing with our models, and the jets looked good parked beneath a classic Stearman PT-17.
Aviation events such as Wings & Warbirds Over Port Clinton bring together many facets of aviation for all to enjoy together, and to display modeling to a large audience in a positive, enjoyable atmosphere. This is a gathering I look forward to returning to next year.
Two weeks after that event, pilots packed up and went to Dayton, Ohio, for the renewal of the D.O.G.S. Airshow, which was held September 4-6 at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. We got to fly our favorite models off of the famed museum runway. It was a wonderful sight for flying, and the view of the museum directly in front of us was truly special.
This event has been missed for the past few years because of the state of the economy, but it was great to see it back.
The flying at the D.O.G.S. event is a mix of all types and styles of model aircraft, often with four to six aircraft—from jets to biplanes—in the air at the same time. They fly together without any issues.
In the afternoon, the flying becomes more formal, with scrambles organized by the aircraft type, including 3-D aerobatics, civilian aircraft, classic World War I aircraft, World War II aircraft, sport models, sport jets, and of course, scale jets. There was also some special model flying by pilots such as Ken McSpadden and Mike Adams, who flew Viper Jets in formation.
Ken and Mike put on a show that was second to none by flying large, identical Vipers in perfectly timed crossovers and some special maneuvers such as creating a heart in the sky. The smoke systems on these aircraft came from a common transmitter, making for perfectly timed on-and-off smoke. By taking advantage of the programming features of the Spektrum DX18 transmitter, there was accurate smoke pulsing—an impressive use of smoke in an air show act.
One of my fun moments was when Peter Goldsmith and I put together a British heritage flight. Peter piloted his 1/5-scale Spitfire and I flew a de Havilland Vampire. The pressure was on and we had to step up our game. Our spotters were none other than Ken and Mike.
We had a credible flight cheered on by the masters, and had fun performing formation flying with two different aircraft types. We could hold our heads high. It was not bad for two modelers joining up for the first time.
After a couple of days of flying, we finished the event with an evening at the National Museum of the United States Air Force, with two hours in the museum only for D.O.G.S. show participants. This is the world’s largest aviation museum, and it keeps growing. Every visit is special.
Events such as Wings & Warbirds Over Port Clinton and the D.O.G.S. Airshow at the National Museum of the United States Air Force, make for some wonderful experiences for spectators watching their friends fly all types of aircraft and for pilots flying their favorite aircraft at special fields and events.
SOURCES:
Wings & Warbirds Over Port Clinton
www.rcwarbirdspoc.com
D.O.G.S. Airshow
www.dogsairshow.com
Jet Pilots’ Organization (JPO)
www.jetpilots.org
