District IX

District IX

Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming

In 2020, I was able to visit the Aberdeen Area Modelaires Labor Day Fun Fly in South Dakota for the first time. This traditional event is always held over the long Labor Day weekend. Here are a few words from Event Manager Gary Guthmiller.

“Fliers started showing up on Friday. Many came from South Dakota, but only a few arrived from out of state because of the COVID-19 restrictions. Moderate temperatures and light wind were enjoyed by the fliers and spectators. Several brought their campers and support crew with them for the long weekend to enjoy the day and night flying, along with nice campfires.

“Saturday brought some very brisk crosswind conditions, but that didn’t stop the flying. After lunch, we had a short meeting with District IX Vice President (VP) Jim Tiller and club members to discuss the FAA letters of agreement and our action plans.

“This event is always a highlight of our year. The laid-back flying and after-hours camaraderie of this event keep people coming year after year.”

Many clubs in District IX start out each year with a New Year’s morning event in whatever weather

Three men discussing model aircraft at a flying event — Roger Lang and Paul Winterton discuss some issues with VP Jim Tiller at the Aberdeen Modelaires Fun Fly.

Mother Nature brings. I always enjoy publishing pictures from these events to thumb our noses at those who fly in the southern tier of states that put on a jacket when it gets below 60°. Welcome to our world here in the US outback!

Group of model aircraft fliers outdoors — The Pikes Peak RC Club in Colorado Springs CO, held its annual Frozen Needle-Valve event on January 1. Only Kevin Hogeweide was brave enough to get one flight on his electric ducted-fan jet.

Group of fliers with model aircraft outdoors — The assembled fliers at the Beresford Area Radio Flyers Frozen Finger Fly in South Dakota.

In Aberdeen, I met old-school master modeler Jim Levell. Here’s a picture of his Tiger Tail. This airplane is scratch-built from plans. The Tiger Tail is finished with carbon-fiber tissue, dope, Dupli-Color, and automotive polyurethane clear. You must see this finish to believe it. Power is a S.T. G60 blue head engine. With metal retracts and digital servos, it weighs roughly 7 pounds.

Roger Lang and Paul Winterton discuss some issues with VP Jim Tiller at the Aberdeen Modelaires Fun Fly.