2007 AeroFest

On Saturday, October 20^th, the Aero-Modelers of Perrine (AMPS) hosted their 12^th annual AeroFest 07’ at Silver Field. AeroFest, the AMPS showcase model aviation event, features a diversity of model airplanes which meet giant-scale requirements of an 80” wingspan. AeroFest also supports various raffles, halftime exhibitions and an award presentation. As in previous years, AeroFest 07’ was a big success primarily due to favorable weather conditions, pilot participation and keen coordination regarding event planning and utilizing membership manpower. In total, the event attracted 39 registered pilots who represented four counties within Florida. Spectator attendance far exceeded previous years.

Conducting an event such as AeroFest requires months of planning and preparation, especially the day before the event. Absent from our usual daytime job responsibilities, Bob Cox, Vicar Hernandez, Tom Caldwell, Cliff Root and I spent the day carefully designing a parking system to accommodate hundreds of automobiles, installed spectator barriers, positioned tables, trash cans and kitchen equipment, and performed general field policing. Fortunately for us, field conditions had been prepared in advance by both Mike Hunt and Cliff Root, who collectively worked on improving the access roads into our facility and providing functional use of the newly-acquired real estate. Cutting back the dense vegetation which surrounds Silver Field really improved traffic flow, parking conditions and overall airplane visibility for both pilots and staff.

Traffic flow initially began at 7:00AM with the first caravan of trailers arriving into Silver Field. Once models and equipment were unloaded and assembled, pilots were greeted by our registration crew, consisting of AMPS Junior Member Tony Hernandez and his Mom, Jaime. Butch Wenrich also assisted in this crucial function, ensuring all pilots completed the proper flight documentation and received their pilot package. The pilot package consists of a free lunch coupon, raffle ticket and a bottle of CA glue, graciously donated by Frank Tiano of FTE (Frank Tiano Enterprises). Every year Mr. Tiano is asked for a donation, and each year he complies with a generous quantity of ZAP-brand adhesives used in our modeling activities. Thanks Frank!

All transmitters were then impounded into the station by Jose Sarmiento and John Vargas. This year, we had an abundance of the increasingly-popular “spread-spectrum” 2.4 Ghz. radio systems. As many of you are aware of, this technology poses no frequency conflicts; however, to ease the concern of many modelers who utilize the traditional 72 Mhz. units, AeroFest officials decided the 2.4 Ghz. transmitters should follow standard impound practices. This procedure may change in the future as model aviation eventually utilizes only spread spectrum technology.

Flying quickly commenced with AMPS veteran member, Mike Laughlin, performing the public-address commentating. Mike was extremely generous in providing an entire P/A sound system which performed flawlessly throughout the day. Interfaced with a CD audio player and Mike’s ability to paint that verbal picture, he kept the audience entertained for hours.

The first pilot to take flight was Ritchie Holt from Davie with his 120” wingspan Edge 540, equipped with a 3W-150 and an impressive smoke system. AMPS member Butch Wenrich followed with his scratch-built Aeronca C3. Butch utilized Balsa USA ¼-scale plans; however, enlarged them to 1/3-scale, resulting in a 144” wingspan model. It really displays an impressive image as she flies by! Power is provided by an O.S. 240, 4-cycle engine.

Warbird enthusiast Mike Haspas flew a Ziroli-designed 94” P-47 Thunderbolt in a very scale fashion, followed by Vincent Giuffre from Port St. Lucie. Vincent’s 92” Hawker Sea Fury bored holes through the skies via a 4.2 Brison gas engine.

AMPS President, Tom Caldwell, was next to fly with his 95” Hanger 9 - Cessna 182. Many of you may remember Tom winning this model in last year’s AeroFest raffle. Tom utilizes a Saito 180, 4-cycle engine to pull the Cessna through the air. Lake Worth’s scale-model builder, Paul Rice, thrilled the audience with his Dehavilland Mosquito MK VI. Scratch-built from Don Smith plans, this twin-engine British fighter spans 110” and is powered by a pair of Zenoah G-45 gas engines. Paul claims his Mosquito weighs 52 lbs. He and his fellow warbird pilots recently returned from Colorado where his model was featured at the “Warbirds Over The Rockies”, an event which is quickly becoming one of the largest-attended warbird events in the country. I’m told the drive is only 38 hours - one way! AeroFest Parking Chief, Sam Matos, flew an unusual airplane, a Great Planes Ryan STA. Unusual because Sam chose to power this 80” wingspan model with electric propulsion, utilizing li-po batteries from surplus power tools. Very clever Sam! Everyone was impressed with the performance of Sam’s Ryan.

Veteran model-builder Walt Mouha arrived from Fort Pierce with a gargantuan ½-scale version of a Fly-Baby. This popular full-scale airplane first appeared in the 60’s and paved the way in “home-built” airplanes for the private pilot. Walt’s miniature version spans 14’ (168”!), weighs 68 lbs. and is powered by a 3W-140 twin cylinder gas engine. Walt flew it beautifully throughout the day.

Both Ray Mesa and Vicar Hernandez then became airborne. Ray expertly flew his Balsa USA ¼-scale Piper Cub. Its wingspan is 110” and power is from a O.S. 120 - 4 cycle engine. Vicar’s unique model, a kit-built (but heavily modified with scale features) Pilatus Turbo Porter, flew great under his experienced thumbs. Coincidentally, we had two of these unusual models fly at this year’s AeroFest. In addition to Vicar’s, the audience was treated by an appearance from Joe Hughes. Joe’s version of the Pilatus Porter is 144” wingspan, but this isn’t what made it particularly special; it’s powered by an authentic turbine prop engine! Simply explained, this is a turbine jet engine, coupled to the clutched gearbox which drives a propeller. Although rarely-used for power in model airplanes, it performed flawlessly and exhibited a unique sound and smell from the burnt jet fuel.

We then observed three identical Hangar 9-P-47 Thunderbolt’s fly in unison by AMPS members David Reyes, Alejandro Acevedo and Carlos Coloma. All three models exhibit 82” wingspans and use Zenoah G-38’s for power.

Flying concluded with two Junior Members, Brandon Dunlop and Tony Hernandez. Both youngsters flew their models expertly; Brandon with his Laser 200, wingspan of 96”, and Tony with his 3-D Funster.

With noontime upon us, the concession area really started to heat up! Our usual chef, Richard Ferrer, working beside Julie and Jasmine Lopez, Lynn Olsen, Charlie Driggers and Moses Simana, had two grills cooking to full capacity. This kitchen crew cooked and served hundred’s of hamburgers, sausage sandwiches and hot dogs to the hungry spectators and staff members. Beverage sales exceeded five-hundred cans and bottles. Needless to say, everyone in the Kitchen worked non-stop until 2:00 PM., then all Kitchen activities came to a screeching halt; no food and beverages remained! For the first time in recent AeroFest events, our concession area officially shut down before flying activities ended for the day. Great job guys!

This year’s noontime festivities included a model warbird gaggle; an array of World War II airplanes flying in a loose formation. This particular event is always thrilling for pilots and spectators. Nine military models became airborne, performing an assortment of scale maneuvers, along with the common straffing fly-overs. Eventually, all models completed their routine and safely landed.

Following the warbird gaggle was a spectacular turbine-jet performance conducted by Shani Studnik. Shani flew his Top-Gun quality Grumman F9F Cougar with expert precision, thrilling the audience with a nailing-biting take-off, low-level passes, and landing maneuvers. AeroFest committee members appreciate the efforts of Shani and other jet pilots who demonstrate these highly-sophisticated models to the public at AeroFest. Personally witnessing the sight, sound and overall flight of this technology can be quite fascinating to the non-modeling community.

We then conducted one of the two General Raffles. This year, AeroFest committee members decided to place increased emphasis on its General Raffles. Tickets could be purchased by anyone in attendance, and proven very popular this year! AMPS purchased two substantial prizes; a Great Planes Nexstar ARF, complete with full radio and engine, and a Hangar 9- P-51 ARF. To further the prize value, AMPS included a complimentary club membership and flying lessons - quite a value! Thanks extend out to Paul Gast and Beatriz Soriento, who collectively sold hundred’s of raffle tickets throughout the day. Ticket sales continued until the drawing of the second raffle, which occurred at 3:00PM. The General Raffle was a true success for the club. We can only hope to have Paul and Beatriz volunteer their services in future club raffles.

Our traditional AeroFest candy drop soon followed. This event commemorates the 1948 Berlin Air Lift, which Allied forces dropped hundred’s of pounds of candy and supplies to awaiting children in post-war Europe. All candy was provided by AMPS member Kees Bouwkamp, who for every year of AeroFest, contributes several pounds of individually-wrapped sweets for this occasion. Thanks Kees!

With dozens of anxious children waiting for the airborne delivery, a local aviator suddenly appeared from the South with his home-built aircraft. His high-altitude single pass over Silver Field indicated the candy drop would soon follow. With a perfect heading to our runway, he flew in low and slow, dropping the candy directly onto runway center. Once the aircraft cleared the airspace, children were given permission to enter the field. Kids and parents of all ages returned with handfuls of treats.

We concluded the noontime festivities with the spectator viewing of models. Pilots are asked to roll their models onto the active runway so the general public may observe them up close for pictures and conversation with the builders/pilots.

Flying continued until 3:00PM, at which time the Pilot Raffle commenced. This year AeroFest presented their usual impressive amount of pilot prizes, graciously donated by distributors and manufacturers such as Great Planes, Balsa USA, Micro-Fasteners, Dynamic Balsa and Supplies, Nick Ziroli Plans, Propwash Video, Lite Pilots, Hobby Nut, Tru-Turn, and RTL Fasteners.

Be sure and support all these wonderful companies for your future modeling purchases.

The AeroFest award presentation then took place. This year, AMPS presented seven pilots with beautifully-crafted plaques representing specific classes and demonstrations.

The recipients for AeroFest 07’awards were as follows:

• Best of Show – Walt Mouha – ½ scale Fly-Baby
• Best Military –  Mike Haspas – P-47 Thunderbolt
• Best Flight –  Joe Hughes – Pilatus Turbo Porter
• Best Civilian –  Butch Wenrich – Aeronca C3
• People’s Choice –  Shani Studnik – F8F Cougar
• Sportsman Award – Rick Holt – Edge 540
• Craftsmanship Award – Paul Rice – Dehavilland Mosquito

In conclusion, no event could ever be successful if club members do not participate in some fashion. As AeroFest approaches, this usually becomes a concern as it’s often difficult to acquire services from club members. Many of us have various responsibilities and generally lead very busy lifestyles. There are, however, several AMPS members that have contributed tirelessly throughout the years with AMPS events, ensuring their success.

Kudos’ extend out to our parking crew and money men - Sam Matos, Rey Mesa, Herminio Perez and Tom Wulffe. These guys spent the entire day in the hot sun greeting all arrivals into Silver Field, collecting parking fees and directing hundred’s of vehicles into their parking spaces.

Christian Baradit with Jaime Reyes and his wife, who volunteered to perform all the photography duties at AeroFest 07’. These three did a spectacular job on providing those wonderful pictures, soon to be posted at www.amps-rc.com.

Jeff Johnson provided crucial plane inspections and pilot information for use in the P/A announcements. This is especially valuable, as the majority of the viewing audience is unaware of the diversity within model aviation and its rewards.

Cliff Root-the modest modeler, who for years has silently contributed to all phases of AeroFest and other AMPS functions. Cliff’s multi-tasking abilities, from providing the necessary Media publications, manufacturing and displaying the various signages, to collecting and disposing of all trash, proved an invaluable asset. We are so very fortunate to have an individual such as Cliff within our organization.

Last but not least, our primary Board members of Tom Caldwell and Vicar Hernandez. Without their leadership and club devotion, AeroFest would not be the event it has become over recent years.

Hope to see everyone for AeroFest 08’.

Best Regards,

                        Nick Capone

                        Contest Director