Edition: Model Aviation - 2021/11
Page Numbers: 105
Portrait of Jim Tiller

District IX

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

Portrait of Jim Tiller

Warbird events are popular throughout District IX. There are many from which to choose during the summer. Here are pictures from two such events.

In July, the Pikes Peak RC (PPRC) club of Colorado Springs, Colorado, held a well-attended event. There were 30 pilots and, thanks to concerted efforts by the club, a great turnout of spectators as well. The wide-open field lends itself to all kinds of warbirds, from biplanes to jets.

Awards were given to the best airplane in each warbird era. My hat is off to the club for going the extra mile to attract so much community involvement in their shared passion.

A second event goes on in August at Love-Air RC’s Drake Field in Fort Collins, Colorado. Although I have missed a lot of events this summer, I showed up for this one.

Colorado Warbirds draws warbird enthusiasts from throughout the area, not only because it is a great facility, it’s also a great event. The paved runway makes it harder for the World War I

Spectators watching model aircraft at an airfield

One of Love-Air’s great stories is its success in attracting and training student pilots—roughly a dozen new youth fliers. Club members have embraced the pilot program, and its efforts are paying dividends. It’s a real success story. At the warbird event, they stopped the flying long enough to have those youth members fly together. Great job, Love-Air.

Award winners with model aircraft on an airfield
Award winners at the annual Love-Air Warbird event included Brian Blois and his son, Carter, F-16—Best of Show; Paul Sheffield, Fokker D.VII—Best WW I; Zak Cozzolino, P-47—Best WW II; Don Corum, F-18—Best Modern; and Lucas Sheib—Best Junior.

takeoffs, but it’s a breeze for the modern jets. Most pilots came early on Friday and stay through Saturday with some camping on-site. Late on Saturday, the club holds an informal awards presentation for some of the event favorites.

A model warbird flying during final approach
Kevin Hodgeweide lands his 190 on final approach at PPRC.

At the PPRC warbird event in Colorado Springs, club Vice President Eric Oliver wrangled a great addition to the event. After much coordination with the U.S. Army at Fort Carson, an AH-64 helicopter became the largest warbird present. Kids lined up all day to take a seat inside. PPRC pilots flew their warbirds for the Army representatives and spectators. At the end of the day, all of the pilots gathered for this photo.

Pilots and spectators gathered beneath an AH-64 helicopter
At the PPRC warbird event in Colorado Springs, club Vice President Eric Oliver wrangled a great addition to the event. After much coordination with the U.S. Army at Fort Carson, an AH-64 helicopter became the largest warbird present. Kids lined up all day to take a seat inside. PPRC pilots flew their warbirds for the Army representatives and spectators. At the end of the day, all of the pilots gathered for this photo.

Somewhere over the Somme, east of Ft. Collins CO, Paul Sheffield and Rich Perry fly the dawn patrol.

Award winners at the annual Love-Air Warbird event included Brian Blois and his son, Carter, F-16—Best of Show; Paul Sheffield, Fokker D.VII—Best WW I; Zak Cozzolino, P-47—Best WW II; Don Corum, F-18—Best Modern; and Lucas Sheib—Best Junior.

Jim Tiller

Vice President
jtiller@hotmail.com
Box 828, Custer SD 57730
(605) 390-3878

Associate Vice Presidents

Two model aircraft flying over a field
Somewhere over the Somme, east of Ft. Collins CO, Paul Sheffield and Rich Perry fly the dawn patrol.