Micro-Flying

Author: Joe Malinchak

Aerial view of the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum’s World War II Weekend air show grounds with aircraft, vehicles, and displays.

MICRO-FLYING

Joe Malinchak flew the photo mission for the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum’s 35th Annual World War II Weekend air show with photographer Chad Smith. This photo shows some of the amazing assortment of WW II aircraft and vehicles that were present.

35TH ANNUAL
MID ATLANTIC
AIR MUSEUM
WWII
WEEKEND

By Joe Malinchak | joemal@echoes.net

THE MID ATLANTIC Air Museum’s 35th Annual World War II Weekend was held June 5-7 in Reading, Pennsylvania. After a two-year hiatus, I flew my Piper L-4 Grasshopper in the air show.

Getting ready to fly in an air show is very similar to getting ready for a model airplane event. The preparation starts months before the event takes place. My airplane had not flown all winter, and its annual inspection was due before the show. A friend, who is a mechanic, was able to find time in his schedule to perform it. Proof of the inspection, as well as copies of my pilot’s license, medical, and other documents, had to be sent in to the show’s air boss and the FAA one month before the event. I also needed to give the airplane a bath and fly it a little to make sure that it was running okay.

Packing up the airplane also posed a few challenges because of space limitations. I had to fit in an airplane cover because rain was in the forecast, in addition to tie-downs, a bag with some clothes, and other items that would be needed.

I flew down to the event on Friday, June 5. The first day was practice for all of the show’s aircraft. Practice day is usually one of the best days of the weekend because it normally has smaller crowds, which gives me a chance to chill out and see other displays.

The second day started with a 9 a.m. briefing from the air boss, Greg Witmer. We were scheduled to fly the L-Birds (liaison aircraft) at 1 p.m.; however, the wind was very strong at approximately 18 to 26 mph with a 50° crosswind. I elected not to fly because my lightweight Piper L-4 can be tricky to land on a paved runway with a strong crosswind. The wind was also strong on Sunday, but it was blowing right down the runway, so I did get to fly!

I was also asked to fly the photo mission for the air show. The museum needs aerial photos of the event, and what better aircraft to shoot them from than a WW II liaison aircraft! The museum’s photographer, Chad Smith, did a great job of taking the photos. I just had to keep the aircraft flying in a tight pattern around the show grounds because other aircraft were operating in and out of the airfield at the same time.

I really enjoyed displaying my aircraft for everyone to see. It was very rewarding talking with interested people about the amazing history that the Piper L-4 Grasshopper played a part of in WW II. This is a wonderful event where you can see all types of WW II aircraft, vehicles, and reenactors dressed up in authentic gear.

Taylorcraft L-2M Grasshopper liaison aircraft displayed on the air show grounds. — Several different L-Bird (liaison) aircraft flew in the air show, including these Taylorcraft L-2M Grasshoppers.

A World War II military truck and reenactors with parachutists descending in the background. — This looks like a scene out of WW II as paratroopers drop right in front of the show grounds.

Aerial view of an air show and airport seen from beside an aircraft — The author had to fly a tight pattern around the air show during busy operations while photographer Chad Smith took all of the necessary photos.

The author had to fly a tight pattern around the air show during busy operations while photographer Chad Smith took all of the necessary photos.

Indoor Night at NEAT

My wife and I will again hold the Indoor Night at NEAT event at the Downsville Central School gymnasium in Downsville, New York, during the Northeast Electric Aircraft Technology (NEAT) Fair. Please see the NEAT Fair website or the “Scratchbuilt Indoor and Micro Models” section of the RCGroups forum for the latest information. The event will take place on Friday, September 18, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturday, September 19, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Indoor Night at NEAT is open to scratch-built models or models that were built from kits that weigh 2 ounces or less. Heavier models might be allowed if they can safely fly in the confines of the small gym. Micro RTF models that have been repainted or modified to show the pilot’s creativity are also allowed to fly.

AMA membership is required, and all proceeds from the event go to the school. It is free for spectators.

We look forward to seeing everyone at Indoor Night at NEAT!