Rim Country Flyers Annual Fly-in October 1, 2008
Radio controlled model planes are an exciting, demanding, sometimes frustrating, but always fun hobby for many people of all ages. This year's Fly-in was no exception. For those interested in trying this hobby, instructors were on hand to give free lessons. A landing fee of $10 included a lunch and a raffle ticket for various prizes. Food and beverages were also for sale. The West Valley Helicopter Club was also on hand demonstrating their flying skills, doing stunts and available to answer questions for those interested in this unique brand of radio controlled flight.
David Howells, a retired guitarist for Jimmy Buffett, has other interests and flying radio controlled models is a prime passion. The T-34 Training Navy plane in front of him is a good example. Howells also has larger, competition models but that type of plane need a hard, smooth, surface to take-off and land. Many planes of this type weigh-in around 45lbs or more.
Heather Wagoner and her dad, James, watch as Heather gets into the groove of flying her piper cub type of radio controlled model. Wagoner has been flying radio controlled planes for 4 years under her dad's tutelage. The family belongs to a flying club in Mesa called the Arizona Wing Nutz. Nice name.
Billy Adams watches his model closely as he puts it through its early paces at Peterson Field in Rye, during the Rim Country Flyers Annual Fly-in, Saturday, sept. 27.
Mother and son get into the act as J.J. Mangino, left, and his mom, Terri, carry this P61 to the flight area in preparation for take-off. The plane belongs to John Mangino and he took it up for a short flight. The plane is an example of what model plane enthusiasts call an A.R.F. (Almost Ready to Fly) model, which means the plane needs very little assembly but does require wiring, a motor, painting, decals and some modification if you are experienced enough to handle that.
John Mangino's P61 looked more like a real plane than one would expect as it flew a circular pattern above Peterson Field in Rye, Saturday, Sept. 27, as part of the Rim Country Flyers Annual Fly-in.
Bob Schwarz watches as Billy Adams plane comes in for a little touch and go. Schwarz has a new A.R.F. and was eager to get it up into the air at Peterson Field during the Annual Fly-in sponsored by the Rim Country Flyers, Saturday, Sept. 27.
Jonah Lyons took the propeller off of this Sig. 4 Star 40 A.R.F. model at the Rim Country Flyers Annual Fly-In, Saturday, Sept. 27. Lyons has been flying radio controlled planes for a year and this is his fourth plane. To see more photos of the fly-in visit our photo gallery.
J.J. Mangino connects a wire from the body of this P-51 to the wing before flipping the wing over and fastening it to the body of the plane. Rim Country Flyers conducted their annual fly-in event at Peterson Field in Rye, AZ., Saturday, Sept. 27.
Not all landings end well. If one is out of practice or hasn't flown a particular plane for awhile, anything can happen. Luckily, the only real damage was to the propeller, an easy fix. Jim McCarter's plane will live to fly another day. See you next year!
