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Eight AM sharp and dust begins to form around the access road. The pilots and their trailers begin to arrive. This steady caravan of
vehicles continued for two hours. By 10 o’clock the majority of pilots were parked and had completed registration in a quick and
efficient manner. This task of pilot registration can become a real headache for both the event officers and the pilot. Trust me, after
traveling several hours to some strange R/C field, no pilot wishes to encounter a registration area that’s occupied by confused and
disorganized personnel. We want to complete those forms as quickly as possible and fly!
Well, I must say Loretta Westphal and Melissa Salony couldn’t have made this process easier. These two gals, professionals in their
personal careers, operated pilot registration like your well broken-in glow engine. Not only did they conduct a “hands-off” operation
for me, but also, after every pilot had registered, they organized all the necessary paperwork and materials I need to submit into AMA
Headquarters. After their registration duties, they graciously offered to peddle raffle tickets to pilots. I can only hope these two
offer their services for future AeroFest events. Speaking of raffles… this year we had two raffles, the pilot’s and the public. Paul and
Vivian Gast, with Marilynn Hogan, managed the public raffle, while the pilot raffle was the sole responsibility of Kelly Mitchell.
Daughter of AMPS member John Mitchell, Kelly has performed this raffle duty for years and does a fabulous job. What a great kid.
Thanks Kelly!
With pilot registration winding down, those registered pilots were now given the opportunity to have themselves and their airplane
photographed. Nearly all pilots took advantage of this offer, which kept Richard, Maribel and daughter, Stephanie Ferrer busy the
entire day. I hope many of you got to see the quality work this trio performed in producing these digital snapshots. The process of
digital imagery is extremely time consuming – positioning the subjects, adjusting for several lighting and focus parameters, color
enhancement, cropping the image, importing of various logos and labels, printing, then cutting and trimming each photo to fit the
frame. Quite a task indeed! A task that involves hours of photo software testing, then determining which is practical for this
particular application. In addition, to expedite this photography process required them to transport and set up all of their
computer hardware at the field. Fantastic job Richard, Maribel and Stephanie! Your efforts are to be commended.
Also guys and gals, when was the last time any of you’ve seen this pilot photo service performed at an IMAA / AMA Sanctioned event?
Its one of those special efforts we do to insure those pilots don’t forget our event the following year.
During the pilot photo session, our very own AMPS President, Wally Crichton, began warming up his vocal cords over the Public
Address system. For those of you who haven’t attended our flying functions in the past, Wally is usually the voice behind the microphone.
With his ability to verbally paint a picture, Wally elegantly explains all field activities in a manner that keeps everyone’s interest
peaked. Of course none of our P/A communication would have been possible if electrical power hadn’t been provided through the efforts
of Mike Piotrowski and Pete Epperson. Again, as in past years, Mike loaned his super-duper, Mega-watt generator for our use. Due to
family commitments, Mike was not able to deliver, set-up and monitor his electrical equipment. AMPS member Pete Epperson to the rescue!
Pete stepped up and assured delivery, operation and the safe return of the generator. One big task to say the least!
Wally’s initial announcement was the formation of a group of ultralight aircraft approaching from the South, directly towards
our field. Known as the Light Aircraft Flyers Association (LAFA), this local group of ultralight and experimental aircraft pilots
regularly attend many aviation exhibitions throughout South Florida, displaying their aircraft and promoting the flying of these
highly specialized machines. What a sight to see; a string of seven planes all setting up for their landing approach. One at a
time, each pilot majestically touched down. AMPS isolated a parking area, so spectators could approach each aircraft up close
and converse with its pilot.
Model flying quickly got underway. As in past years, several warbird modelers, representing the Condors R/C club in Coral
Springs, showed up in full force and immediately took to the skies. Paul Rice flew his Top Flight P-47 Thunderbolt like some
of your average Sunday sport planes. I think Paul burned two gallons of gasoline by the end of the day. You’ve got to love
his aggressive style and participation! We then had the privilege on watching Doug Smith fly his 148” B-17 bomber, while Paul
flew an escort mission with his P-47.
Those of you that attended AeroFest ‘03 may remember a Top Gun pilot by the name of Dean DiGeorgio, who flew a Ziroli Skyraider
like it was possessed! Well, this year, Dean, again, drove down from Port St. Lucy to contribute in the success of AeroFest ‘04.
Dean thrilled the audience with a magnificent scale flight of Doug’s B-17 Bomber. I must emphasize “scale”. If anyone has read or
viewed the actual occurrences of B-17 missions during the European campaigns of World War II, you know many bombers returned to
their English home bases with one or more of its four engines disabled, landing gear that never extended and/or various flight
surfaces inoperative due to enemy flak or Axis fighter plane attacks. Through some innovated engineering, Doug replicated some of
these failures with remotely independent landing gear and a smoke generating system on one outboard engine. As Dean turned on final
approach, he would activate the smoke, and then extend only one side of the model’s landing gear. With smoke now bellowing out of
one engine and only one gear down, he skillfully brought the plane in for a simulated emergency landing on one wheel! Talk about
flying ability! Dean then slowly throttled the engines up, and gracefully regained altitude. Only he could have performed this
simulation and make it look so real. Dean is truly one of the most gifted R/C pilots I have had the pleasure to associate with.
Herb Chutter from Spring Hill, Florida, drove down and flew his beautifully crafted model of a Stinson SR-9 Reliant. As with
all of Herb’s airplanes, his latest creation is a work of art. Included is a scale cockpit, equipped with actual upholstered seats,
rib stitching and a flawless fabric-covering job.
Charlie Driggers flew his handsome Ryan STA-M powered by an OS 90 4-cycle engine. This particular model started life as the
civilian red/white version which many of you are familiar with. Offered as an Almost Ready to Fly (ARF) plane, Charlie quickly
changed that status! Utilizing his many modeling skills, he literally stripped all the plastic covering off, eliminated one of
the two cockpits, re-skinned the airframe with balsa, and then covered the assembly with the more realistic fabric finish.
Sprayed with automotive basecoat paints and scale vinyl graphics, he successfully transformed an “ugly duckling” to a gorgeous
swan! Nice job Charlie.
Tom Caldwell followed the flight pattern with his attractive clipped-wing Piper Cub. At 86” and utilizing an OS 120, this
model really hauls the bacon! Tom won an award last year for his craftsmanship and flying abilities with this model.
We had another Cub participate this year, which was built and flown by our very own club Secretary/Treasurer, Rick Pellecchia.
Rick and his son, Rick Jr., took to the controls of their ¼ scale version of this popular Piper design and did a superb job with
a shifting wind pattern. Those of you who fly Cubs know this is one model that is best left on the ground during those windy days.
It will get you in trouble fast!
Scott Henry demonstrated the flight capabilities of an attractive ¼ scale Taylorcraft. Equipped with a Saito 182 Twin
four-cycle engine, it really propelled this plane with authority, while sounding as sweet as a 4-cycle twin does!
Coral Gables Senior High Principal and AMPS member Alex Martinez commanded his 100” Monocoupe through the skies. She’s powered
with a Moki 1.35, which appears to be an excellent choice of engine, offering lightweight and tremendous power. Alex also brought
with him his new Navy Peashooter. Because of constant wind changes, he chose to leave it grounded for AeroFest 04’. Smart decision
Alex. Next time you see him, maybe he’ll have his Peashooter airborne and will give you that flying demo. Believe me, she’s an attractive
airplane, though I’m curious of its flight characteristics. They do have a reputation of being a handful because of their short-coupling,
narrow wheelbase and high wing loading.
With noontime fast approaching, the concession area really started to heat up! Charlie Driggers, Steve Salony and Frank Drewniany
manned the grill, slinging those burgers and dogs for a hungry crowd. Ethel Bishop, Henrietta Pellecchia and Stephanie Ferrer
distributed all the food, beverages and snacks. By 3:00 this cooking team sold hundreds of burgers, hot dogs and a variety of beverages.
Great job everyone!
With noontime festivities now underway, AeroFest commentator, Wally, and co-Contest Director Mike Laughlin shared the announcing
of activities to an anxious public. New for this year was a helicopter demonstration performed by Kevin Murray of Broward County.
Kevin flew a scale rendition of an Augusto 109. The quality of Kevin’s flying, along with a diversified selection of maneuvers,
kept everyone’s attention. Quite surprising is the fact that he has been flying R/C helicopters for only 1-½ years!
Another popular halftime attraction was national IMAC competitor Ransom Fairchild, who drove down from Delray Beach to perform
in our event. Ransom really thrilled the crowd with his 40% Voltex, which sports a 118” wingspan and is powered by a 3W-150 twin-cylinder
gas engine. How ‘bout those torque rolls at ground level!
Following Ransom’s demonstration was my favorite spectacle - the ever-exciting warbird gagle. For those of you that may have never
viewed this skit, this gagle 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. What makes this demonstration interesting is the amount of warplanes that become
airborne together. Us AMPS members are only used to viewing four models airborne at any given time - now we have 10! For 12 minutes
we had the skies over our field filled with Corsairs, B-17’s, P-51 Mustangs, P-47 Thunderbolts Stukas and a L-19 Bird Dog. All
planes landed safely.
Next on the halftime agenda was our candy drop. As with last year, LAFA member Bob Musgrove performed the honors of candy dispensing
from his ultralight aircraft. With Mike Laughlin at the microphone, 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, Mike gave the kids the OK and the rush was on!
I’m confident every kid received his or her share of goodies. After all, twenty pounds of candy is one heck-of-a lot of sweets! All of
this was made possible through the generous donation of AMPS member Kees Bouwkamp. For several years now, Kees has cashed in many
favors from his previous employer and provided our event with several dozen pounds of candy. Thanks Kees!
We finished our halftime activities with the spectator viewing of all models. Pilots were asked to wheel their aircraft out to
runway center. This serves two purposes; one, the public is now given the chance to observe these miniature aircrafts up close, and
two; they vote on which model is their favorite. Similar to last year’s AeroFest event, the judging criteria for the People’s Choice
Award includes a voting ballot that spectators fill out. Information is entered such as pilot name, number and their choice of
favorite model. These ballots are then dropped into the ballot box and later tallied by Chief Judge Rick Pellecchia and his staff
of judges. It’s a system that has worked well.
The flying portion of AeroFest ‘04 now resumed and continued into late afternoon. Our very own Event Coordinator Vicar Hernandez
flew his beautifully modeled 1/5th version of a Pilatus Turbo Porter. Built from a IKON WEST kit, it sports a 98” wingspan, powered
by a OS 120 4-cycle engine and is equipped with functional flaps. Vicar flew it in a very scale fashion, considering the winds were
gusty and often changed directions. Flying a light wing-loaded model (especially top wing, cabin style) in these conditions can be
very tricky. Vicar made a perfect wheel landing, but as the model slowed, wind lifted one wing panel, steering the plane towards
the pits. It safely parked itself into the pilot station with no damage to the model. (Good call there Frank D. – on the pilot
station shrubbery. They performed as intended.)
Veteran AMPS member Chris Hogan flew his 35% CAP232 airplane like he still competes in IMAC Competition. Chris has been
modeling for 40 years and it clearly shows in his quality of craftsmanship and flying abilities. With a wingspan of 105” and
powered by a BME gas engine, this model really performed with authority.
One of the youngest fliers to participate in our AeroFest events was 8-year-old Brandon Dunlop, son of Keith Dunlop. I have
flown with Keith for years and figured he’d involve his son into this wonderful hobby at an early age. Early indeed. Young Brandon
flew his giant-scale PT-19 very well. Dad has so much confidence in Brandon’s ability, we may see the youngster flying Dad’s 100”
Stuka in next year’s warbird gagle! No easy task to say the least.
One of the final flights performed on this balmy afternoon was by our very own IMAA District Director Rod Gier, with his 1/3
scale Balsa USA Stearman. This is one huge biplane folks! Spanning over 120” X 2 wings, she’s powered by a 3W –150 twin-cylinder
engine w/ smoke. This model is extremely striking, both on the ground and in-flight. Rod drove south from Cocoa Beach (a 5.5 hour
drive) to participate in our event and to witness for himself one of the largest and most successful R/C clubs in his District.
Rod’s jurisdiction resides throughout 5 states, so his comments on our facility, member professionalism and event organization
were really appreciated.
With 4 PM now approaching, AeroFest Officials announced for all flying to cease in preparation for the award ceremony and the
raffling off of our tremendous selection of pilot and public prizes.
I must say… this year our club was very, very generous in both quality and quantity of prizes. Much of this was due to the
diligent efforts of several AMPS members, who negotiated either complimentary donations or largely –discounted items through
various hobby distributors and manufacturers.
This year we had Frank Tiano donate a boatload of modeling adhesives and discount certificates for FTE Enterprises products.
Frank has always been extremely kind in his offerings for our events. And his products, well guys, they are the best! Trust me
on this one. I’ve tried all the brands of adhesives. Zap Products certainly lead all competitors in terms of quality and performance.
Give them a try for your next project.
Robart Manufacturing contributed with more adhesives, transmitter trays, packages of their Pointy Hinges, discount certificates
and a dozen of their unique all-purpose wrench. In case you haven’t seen these, it’s a dog-bone shaped wrench that incorporates both
SAE and Metric sizes. Talk about a handy tool for the flight box!
Carden Aircraft was kind enough to donate an extremely valuable gift certificate that you IMAC guys would drool over, and
Desert Aircraft contributed greatly with three carbon fiber props. Both Carden and Desert Aircraft’s offerings were a direct
result of club member John Mitchell’s efforts. John also donated a generous gift certificate towards his company’s products –
Aero Protect. Anyone in need of high quality hardware for their model, contact John. He’s got some really neat stuff!
Through Mike Laughlin, Warrick Hobbies located in Broward County, stepped up to the plate with a huge assortment of both
pilot and public raffle prizes. The main pilot prize, a giant-scale PT-22 ARF model, was Warrick’s primary donation.
Clark Hopkins, owner of our local Hobby Nut, contributed like he has every year with a selection of adhesives, rulers and
deep discounts on several raffle prizes, including some GWS warbird models and a Great Planes G2 Flight Simulator! Some quality
prizes, aren’t they? Give Clark a visit sometime. He’s got his hobby shop packed with all sorts of interesting items and can
quickly get you whatever you may need for your next project. Let’s support our local hobby shops guys!
Crown Hobbies donated several of their shirts and caps. And finally, veteran members Chris and Marilynn Hogan, along with
Vicar Hernandez offered unique prizes this year. Chris and Marilynn donated a beautifully framed, limited edition, wildlife
photograph while Vicar contributed free car wash coupons from the Busy Bee Car Wash on South Dixie Highway. Again, Thanks everyone.
This year, AeroFest ‘04 offered seven plaques to those pilot who scored highest in specific categories. Best Military was awarded
to Vincent Giuffre for his efforts in flying his Cessna L-19 Bird Dog observation plane. Paul Rice took home our Sportsman Award for
the magnificent flying of his P-47 Thunderbolt. The Best of Show award was presented to Doug Smith for his scale rendition of the Boeing
B-17 Super Fortress. The new category this year was the Best ARF (almost ready to fly). This was presented to Scott Henry, who did a
fabulous job on his Hangar 9 Taylorcraft. Selected for Best Civilian was Herb Chutter, with his Top Flight Stinson SR-9 Reliant. Again,
what a gorgeous job Herb did on the construction and finishing of this model. Best of Sport was awarded to Ransom Fairchild who performed
those thrilling flights with his 40% Voltex aircraft. Finally, the People’s Choice Award was won by Rod Gier, who campaigned that
absolutely stunning 1/3 scale Stearman. The Public certainly chose a deserving model.
In conclusion, no event could ever be successful if club members do not participate in some way or fashion. Those several dozen
members who selflessly devoted their entire Saturday for the cause are really to be commented, especially the parking crew of Rafael and
Steve Labarga, Juan Carlos Vallejo, Luis Alvarinas, Kees Bouwkamp, Marco Alicea, Sam Matos and Harry Hawthorne who, like in previous
years, collected all the trash and disposed of it in a proper manner. All thankless jobs, but accomplished by these dedicated members.
Thanks guys and gals!
Can we top the success of this year’s AeroFest event? You bet! Let’s all make that our club goal. Come join me for AeroFest ‘05.
Together, though the effort of everyone, we can make it happen once again for our nationally recognized club and one that other clubs envy.
See you at AeroFest ’05!
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