Founders Day 2002

Founders Day 2002 almost wasn't. It had been postponed from earlier in the summer due to various other activities. On this day, 9-15-2002, the weather man had predicted rain all day. The morning was overcast and with a little breeze but no rain. I had several calls inquiring as to weather or not we were still having the event. Since our president had not told me otherwise, I said yes. 

The weather held off until all demo flights had been completed and it really didn't start to rain until almost 5:00 PM. I counted over twenty five people in attendance and I'm sure there was many more than that.

Club President Jay Jennings is presenting Owen Dwire an award during the opening ceremonies as some of those attending watch.

Special invited guests were from left,  AMA AVP Steve Moulton,  Mrs. Bliss Teague, and AMA District IV VP Bliss Teague.

Jay Jennings presents Owen Dwire with a certificate for his accomplishments in the pilot achievement program.

Bill Hamby had the big Extra 330 which got all of the attention. It's quite a model! It has over 5.8 amps of batteries on board to run all of the big servos!  It's beautiful, Bill!

AMA VP  Bliss Teague poses with Bill and the huge Extra.

That is what you call light construction, but it's all spruce. The structure is almost too nice to cover. Very little sheet balsa here. Look at the size of that engine. The prop is a  30 / 10.

One of the big hits of the afternoon was Carl's Nettle's Toro Lawnmower. He was getting ready to trim the grass along the edge of the runway and it got away from him!

The doggone thing actually took off and flew! Here it is making a low pass down the runway. I suppose it was looking for some high grass to cut!

Tim Smith practically assembled an electric powered ZAGI flying wing at the field and did a super demo of what can be done with electric powered models today. It flew great for about ten minutes. His girlfriend Calla watches him work. She also got to try her hand with the buddy box trainer.

New member Ryan Truchot, his wife, and guest Steve Sczali (sp) watch the activities. Steve and Ryan are pilots for Piedmont Airlines and fly the Dash 8.

If you did not come due to the weather forecast, you missed a good event.I think everyone who wanted to fly got a chance to do so.Owen gave several folks a chance to fly using the buddy box. Bruce Utne and Phil  Greesley did a great job on the bergers and drinks! The weather turned out to be pretty good for flying. It was somewhat humid, but not hot.

Thanks to everyone who came out to make this a good afternoon!!!!!!