46th Annual Model Aircraft Show Flies into Hinsdale
46th Annual Model Aircraft Shows Flies into Hinsdale
Look up! It’s a Bird! No, It’s a… Plane?
Have any of you seen those neat RC planes that you can launch into the air and fly around? If you haven’t, now is your chance to head out to the STARS Flying Field, located at 5006 W. Shore Road in Hinsdale, NY on July 8-9th for their 46th Annual Fun Fly Event.
Happening from 10:00am-5:00pm both days, you can see all types (and sizes) of model aircrafts take to the sky and perform an impressive number of stunts and aerial acrobatics. (Note: These aren’t your kid-friendly RC models; these are hobby grade, professional creations.) There will be miniature jets, helicopters, warbirds and more.
Event organizer Gary Fitch gave us a small background on how it all got started. “Briefly, this flying event began as the Southern Tier Aero Radio Society (STARS) primary fundraiser, 46 years ago. The goal was to raise enough money to purchase land and develop a model aircraft flying field that our club controls, this after losing several flying fields that we didn't own. Our goal was accomplished after 24 years, and today the event is still our primary fundraiser to help us pay for taxes, ground maintenance equipment, building maintenance and upkeep.”
With an event this huge, they are always adding new features. This year the event is co-sponsored by the "AMA" Academy of Model Aeronautics - District II (New York & New Jersey). District II will be raffling off a new model aircraft to a lucky spectator on Saturday, July 8 at 3:00pm.
Their roster will feature a noontime show on Saturday, July 8 with three separate attractions. First, they will have control line flying demonstrations to include "combat using streamers attached to the aircraft" and "precision aerobatics”. The second event will be a "climb to time" where pilots have 30 seconds to fly as high as they can before they have to cut power and glide. The last three to land win trophies. The last noontime event will be an "egg drop”. Model aircraft will have a cup attached to the top of the wing with a raw egg in it. Each team consists of one pilot and one person on the ground with a skillet. The pilot takes off and gains altitude then rolls upside down dropping the egg. The team member on the ground has to try to catch the egg with the pan. (I hope the person who catches the egg is wearing a helmet, just in case.) Trophies will be awarded for the most successful drop and catch.
This exciting weekend will once again include a Classic Car Show on Saturday with trophies to the top three cars. If you wish to participate, cost is $10 per car. Throughout the weekend, model aircraft of all types and sizes will fly. You may see real jet (turbine engines), military warbirds, civilian aircraft, helicopters, and unbelievable 3D flying of both fixed wing aircraft and helis! (It sounds like a high-flying good time… do you see what I did there?)
Don’t worry about going hungry while you’re watching all the in-air happenings. Hot dogs, white hots, soft drinks and water will be available on-site. On Saturday evening there will be a BBQ dinner; cost is $15.
There will be entertainment on the ground as well. Music will be played all day and into the evening during dinner. Raffles for pilots and wanna-be pilots, and for ladies will take place, along with 50/50 raffles. Model flying will continue right into the night with aircraft that are lit by LED lights from within.
This fundraiser doesn’t only support STARS, it also supports a great cause. Gary said, “A portion of our gate proceeds and car show entries will go the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.”
The Southern Tier Aero Radio Society "STARS" is one of the oldest model flying clubs in the U.S., founded in 1932. They are a Chartered Club, among 2,600 others nationwide, with the Academy of Model Aeronautics of Muncie, IN. STARS is an AMA Gold Leader Club and has received three different national AMA awards, one of them being the National Heritage Award and Plaque. STARS is open to new members and they have a free flight training program for members where almost anyone can learn how to fly. They are about Fun, Family and Fellowship and they look forward to sharing this great activity with you! For more information contact Gary Fitch at 716-341-2813 or email gmfitch@hotmail.com.
