District III
Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia
This month, I am featuring District III clubs that participated in full-scale aviation events. On Saturday, September 25, 2021, I utilized my private pilot’s license and flew my Cessna 172 into Zanesville, Ohio, for the EAA Vintage Chapter 22 annual Fly-In, Drive-In, and Cruise-In.
While walking around and taking in all of the neat full-scale aircraft and classic cars, I came upon a great model aircraft display hosted by the Fairfield Ohio Radio Kontrol Society (FORKS). The club had a perfect location. Everyone walking from the full-scale aircraft displays to the classic car displays had to walk past the club’s model display. Throughout the day, I saw many show attendees checking out the models and asking club members a lot of questions.
On Sunday, September 26, I attended and participated in the 50th annual Vinton County, Ohio, air show at the Vinton County airport. The Jackson RC Aces have been promoting model aviation for years at this show by providing static displays, along with RC flying acts, to complement the full-scale activity.
The show was canceled in 2020 because of the pandemic, so the pent-up demand for an activity made for outstanding attendance at this year’s show.
Members of the FORKS club answered many questions at the Zanesville EAA Fly-In.
Vinton Airshow RC pilots flew everything from traditional and 3D aerobatics to turbine jet and foamie demonstrations.
The RC flying demonstrations kept the crowd entertained between full-scale acts, thanks to the guidance of event Contest Director Nathan Saylor.
A similar event, on the same weekend in Pennsylvania, was reported by Associate Vice President Jeff Black. Jeff wrote, “The Blue & Gray Miniature Aircraft Squadron had a display at the Gettysburg Airport’s breakfast event, held on September 25-26, 2021. This event is held twice a year and is a fundraiser for the Gettysburg Barnstormers, EAA Chapter 1041, to help support its scholarships that are given to young boys and girls who want to learn to fly. This program helps to foster interest in future careers in aviation.”
Thank you, Jeff, for your report. I think it’s safe to say that having your club displays and demonstrations at full-scale air shows and fly-ins is a positive way to promote the future of your club, model aviation, and manned aviation. I would encourage all District III clubs to consider getting involved with their local airports and EAA chapters to promote model aviation, utilizing the resources provided by full-scale aviation.
Until next month, stay safe and fly safely.
