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Text by Nick Capone
On Saturday, April 5th, the Aero-Modelers of Perrine conducted their annual Big-Bird Fly-in, renamed AMPS AeroFest 03’.
This year we decided to limit our event to one day. From the many positive comments received, we will consider this in the future.
Once again our event turned out to be a huge success with 28 registered pilots representing four counties. This matched the amount
of pilots from last year, although spectator turnout well exceeded that of previous years.
The weather gods were apparently shining down on us this year with clear skies and a steady 15-knot wind right down the runway.
This weather continued throughout the day and really provided our pilots with ideal conditions for flying their giant-scale airplanes.
Field conditions were absolutely perfect because of the efforts of our field engineer, Frank Drewniany. Out of town for two weeks
and via cellular phone, Frank arranged having our entire field manicured and the access road graded. In addition to the great weather
and perfect field was the fact that after two years, the sprinkler was moved to the North end of the farming field. A big thanks goes
out to Mike Hunt who negotiated the relocation with the farmer.
Pilots began arriving at 8:00 am and were greeted by Loretta Westphal and Charlie Driggers in registration. Both Loretta and Charlie
kept busy all morning with distributing the necessary forms, accepting fees, and providing the pilot packages. This year we provided
additional pilot ”goodies” which included a complimentary lunch coupon, grand prize raffle ticket, building adhesives and a
personalized photo of the pilot and their plane. Gracious donations from Frank Tiano of FTE and Hobby Nut allowed pilots and staff
members to receive CA glue, CA Kicker sprays, and other building adhesives. After an exhausting run of 28 pilots, Vicar Hernandez
and AMPS veteran Smitty began to feel the impact as they conducted business in transmitter impound. As in past years, Vicar’s
organized style allowed this function to operate smoothly, as no delays were encountered throughout the day. Aircraft inspections
this year were simplified by utilizing the IMAA self-inspection guideline, which basically allows the pilots to perform their own
inspection; thus determining their plane’s flight readiness. Our staff simply asked questions pertaining to charged batteries,
cracked propellers, loose hinges and for an external engine kill switch.
Continued below the Photo Show.
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Before any flying got underway, we were greeted by a visit from Bob Musgrove and the members of the Light Aircraft Flyers Association
(LAFA). Based out of South Dade, this group of ultralight and experimental aircraft pilots regularly attend many aviation exhibitions
throughout South Florida displaying their aircraft and promoting the flying of these specialized machines. AMPS provided an area with
electrical power so that LAFA members could promote this aspect of aviation. Thanks to member Mike Piotrowski and son James for providing
those super quiet Honda generators and hooking everyone up with power.
Model flying quickly got underway with our President, Wally Crichton, at the microphone. Year after year Wally does a magnificent
job of verbally painting a picture of all activities taking place. As in previous events, the guys from Coral Springs and Port St. Lucy
(known as the Misfits) took to the air. From my travels to various events throughout the state, I can tell you these guys are a lot of
fun to be around. Next time you see them, ask about their night flying. Believe me, it’s a whole new concept that you’ve got to see!
Every year we welcome these guys because they come to fly and fly they do! Paul Rice was first to take off with his Top Flight P-47,
followed by Dean DiGeorgio with his AD-6 Skyraider. Mike Cipolato (Chip) ran his 37% Godfrey Extra 300L through its paces.
Then Gerry Arcia and Gus Corp masterly commanded their beautiful Edge 540T’s through the routines. Other AMPS members who participated
in early flying included Jorge Droguett with a Laser 200, Tom Caldwell and his clipped-wing J-3 Cub, Bill Bishop with a Great Planes
Tiger Moth and giant-scale newcomer Scott Driesse with his 27% Super Stinker bi-plane. One incredibly large model that stands out
every year was John Mitchell’s 40% Carden Extra 330, powered by a DA-150 twin-cylinder engine. John’s flying and craftsmanship abilities
are something to behold. Do yourself a favor next time. Take a moment to study John’s knack for meticulous detailing! Following John’s
flight was a new pilot to our field, Alex Menendez from Naples. Alex flew his 35% CAP 232 through a dazzling routine that was equally
impressive.
Throughout the early flying and well into the afternoon our raffle personnel kept extremely busy selling raffle tickets to both
registered pilots and spectators. Paul Gast and his wife Annette sifted through the crowd of spectators, while Michelle and Kelly
Mitchell managed the pilot raffle table. Because of their hard work and the attractive selection of prizes this year, they were able
to sell hundreds of tickets.
With noontime fast approaching, the concession area really started to heat up! Richard Ferrer, wife Maribel, Henrietta Pellecchia,
Ethel Bishop and Peg Crichton, using three grills, prepared food, snacks, beverages, and condiments. By 3:00 this cooking team sold
several hundred burgers and hot dogs, along with twelve cases of water and soda refreshments. By the end of the day all food and
drinks had been sold out! This was the first time in recent years we haven't had leftovers at the end of the event. Well done guys!
Noontime festivities soon became underway with Wally and co-CD Mike Laughlin announcing the activities to the anxious public.
Included this year was a model tow/glider team from Naples. Veteran pilot Joe Casey flew his tow plane, a 1/3 scale Piper Super Cub
powered with a 3W-100 twin. This engine made short work of towing, as it effortlessly pulled Mike Popescu’s 25 lb., 175” Minimoa
glider up to the clouds. If anyone has ever tried this aspect of modeling you know how tricky it can be to successfully tow these
gliders up to soaring heights. These guys made it look easy and really put on quite a demonstration.
Immediately following this presentation came my personal noon time favorite, the Warbird Gaggle. This gaggle is basically a
follow-the-leader or crude formation flying in which warbird pilots attempt to mimic the flying characteristics of our World War II
aviators. If anyone had never seen this they were in for a treat. I know it gets my blood flowing having numerous 1/5-scale warbirds
flying side-by-side or performing chaffing fly-bys. I say numerous because the actual numbers of flying participants vary. Many events
I attend often exceed 10 planes, (this year’s Top Gun demonstration had 16!). With that number of airborne models, is obvious that
safety now becomes the primary concern. The pilots must solely rely on their spotter to view ahead of the field for obstructions.
And unfortunately, planes do occasionally come in contact with one another, as the case with my highly detailed Stuka dive-bomber.
Many of you may remember it from last year. Well, in true fashion, it was fatally shot down last May by an Allied fighter. A newer
and improved version will soon terrorize the skies this summer!
This year’s gaggle included seven warbirds, representing the United States, Great Britain, Germany and Japan. Taking to the air was
Paul Rice’s Top Flight P-47, Dean DiGeorgio and his AD-6 Skyraider built from Ziroli plans, Jose Gutierrez with his Yellow Aircraft
Spitfire MKVII, Bill Vollmer with a Top Flight P-51 and a gorgeous P-47 Thunderbolt built by Fran Arrigo. Constructed from another
Top Flight kit, this particular scheme named “Miss Beehaving” is modeled from the full scale restoration in which Fran personally
maintained while employed at Chino Air Museum, California. Finishing off the lineup were the Axis planes or “bad guys” as were often
referred too. I flew my trusty old Mitsubishi A6M5 Zero. Built back in 99’, it’s flown at dozens of Fly-Ins throughout the Southeast.
Richard Ferrer flew this year with an absolutely stunning JU-87B Stuka dive-bomber, scratch-built from Nick Ziroli Plans. You may
have noticed it with its sinister snake running lengthwise down the fuselage. Richard really detailed his miniature aircraft to the
hilt, including such scale items as flush/raised rivets, panel lines, hatches, guns, that ominous air siren, and the delivery of
five bombs. Yes, Richard did indeed drop all five during one of his thrilling dive runs. The crowd really loved it!
From this list of warbird fliers, one can only notice the popularity of the Top Flight “Gold Edition” kits. If any members are
contemplating the building and flying of a scale warbird, I highly recommend this line. Having witnessed their evolution over the
past decade, I can honestly say Top Flight has really designed winners with this lineup. I’m especially fond of the larger 86” P-47
Thunderbolt, with its wide landing gear stance and generous wing area w/ washout. The increased washout allows it to be flown very
slowly, while maintaining full control. In addition, there’s a ton of documentation on this bird allowing the builder an endless
selection of schemes to choose from. If construction inexperience concerns you, Top Flight includes an easy to follow instruction
manual packed with building photos and tips. I also know of several Internet websites that are specifically dedicated to the
construction of these kits. Intermediate building and flying skills are required but certainly within the realm of the seasoned
Sunday flier. Scale model building and flying can be a very satisfying and rewarding experience to all modelers. Just ask my wife
who claims it’s an obsession. I believe she’s right!
Next on the noon time agenda was our candy drop event. We had a slight change of plans this year, in which Bob Musgrove from
LAFA did the honors of candy dispensing out of his ultralight aircraft. Several dozen youngsters were directed to line up along
the pit area, and as the ultralight flew by, 20 lbs. of treats were dropped. Once the plane cleared, the rush was on! I’m confident
every kid received his or her share of goodies, especially with Tom Schur hand tossing more on the ground for those youngsters who
were bulldozed by their older counterparts.
We finished the halftime demonstration with open spectator viewing of all models. Part of our judging criteria this year included
a voting ballot for the public to fill out. Every willing spectator was given a ballot card and a pencil in order to vote on their
favorite airplane. This really proved to be a success as our assigned judges have quite a diversified selection of votes to tally
for the People’s Choice Award.
The flying portion of AeroFest ‘03 now resumed and continued into late afternoon. Much of this time was spent observing Dean
DiGeorgio fly his AD-6 Skyraider three inches from the ground! No kidding. Even Wally, our PA announcer, commented on these daring
maneuvers. Thrilling to say the least, and certainly not possible had the sprinkler remained in position.
At 4:00 we announced the conclusion to all flying in preparation for the award ceremony and the raffling off of the many prizes John
Mitchell and Mike Laughlin were responsible in obtaining. These gracious donations were provided by manufacturers and distributors such
as: Frank Tiano Enterprises, Warrick Hobbies, R/C Hobbies, Crown Hobbies, Hobby Nut, Desert Aircraft, Robart, Carden Aircraft and Dubro
Products. As a result of John and Mike’s diligence, we provided all pilots with some gift or award. One especially cool gift and one that
really surprised the pilots was from the efforts of members Steve Salony and his wife Melissa. These two spent the entire day preparing
for every registered pilot to receive an attractive photo of themselves and their model, all set inside a professionally created photo
frame. To really set the photos off Steve and Melissa imported our AMPS logo into the background. All of us were very, very impressed
with this deed.
Additional awards were presented in the form of seven plaques. This year we added a Best Sportsmanship award that went to Paul Rice
for his flying participation and determination in repairing his earlier crashed airplane. Other categories included Best Civilian,
awarded to Tom Caldwell for his clipped-wing J-3 Cub. Alex Menendez of Naples won Best of Show, for the flying of his CAP 232. Kevin
Knebel of West Palm Beach took home the Best Flight plaque. His performance with his Gee Bee Model Y really impressed the judges. Best
Sport was awarded to John Mitchell on his outstanding 40% Extra 330. I surprisingly won the Best Military award for the static display
and flight of my new AD-1 Douglas Skyraider. The judges really liked that bomb release. Talk about deadly on impact! And finally,
Richard Ferrer took home the People’s Choice award for his JU-87 Stuka. Again, the crowd enjoyed the wailing siren while diving and
releasing those multiple bombs.
In conclusion, a great thanks goes out to all AMPS Officers and staff volunteers, who selflessly devoted their time to help in
the necessary duties required for a successful event. Of those mentioned earlier I also like to extend thanks to our parking crew
which included Jim Blinco (again this year), Gus Corp, Drew Hartmann, Jorge Droguett and Tom Wulff; Paul Giardelli - equipment setup
and breakdown, Bill Lancaster and Rick Pellecchia for judging, Harry Hawthorne- trash collecting and disposing, Tom McGraw for the
great photos, and Peg Crichton who, after everything was over and done with, walked our entire field picking up remnant trash.
Mike Laughlin and Wally Crichton – none of this event’s success would have occurred without your dedication to the Aero Modelers
of Perrine.
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