The Fox Valley Aero Clubfoxvalleyaero.blob.core.windows.net/.../September_2012_Flypaper.pdf · THE...

The Flypaper is a monthly publication of

The Fox ValleyAero Club

An Illinois not-for-profitCorporation

P.O. Box 837St. Charles, IL 60174-0837

www.foxvalleyaero.com

AMA Gold Leader Club

Academy of ModelAeronautics Charter

Club #252

President:Thomas [email protected]

Vice President:John [email protected]

Secretary:Tony [email protected]

Treasurer:Paul [email protected]

Flypaper Editor:Doug [email protected]

New in this issue:Officer / Chairperson ReportsAircraft Spotlight: Dave Murray’s T-33 page 10Shots From the Field page 12Meet the Members: R. Thomas Flint page 18

S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 2

page 4

critter photo

mailto:[email protected]





http://www.modelaircraft.org/

http://www.foxvalleyaero.com

Our flagship event, the Festival ofFlight, was held back in July. Ihave prepared a report on theevent, and compiled a photojournal of many of the people andplanes from that weekend. Ihave photos from five differentphotographers besidesme—thank you all for sharing. Be sure to look for the photocredits by the images. The write-up can be found on page 4.

Gary Stephens and Paul Jacobs have provided some photos ofWarbirds and Classics Over the Midwest, held in Fond Du Lac,Wisconsin. What a huge event! The photos can be seenstarting in Paul’s report on page 14.

This month’s Meet the Members features a relatively newmember, R. Thomas Flint, a.k.a. “RTF”. He is very enthusiatic

Members and friends,

Last month I sent out a notice regarding flying overthe trees to the west, as well as the houses andfamilies that are located there. I had reached out toMr. White last week to check on our recentperformance but didnt have any luck in directcontact. Mr. White did return my call and didrespond in a positive manner on my voicemail. Hementioned that there has been a noticeable differenceand appreciates our efforts in not over flying hishome. He also wished us well for the balance of the

season. I want to thank you all for your efforts. It has paid offin a positive manner and is a very good start to changing our

habits. Through this new awareness that we now haveof our neighbor and complete cooperation of all our

members and friends this potential storm has passed.

Speaking of storms... I read in the almanac that anotherstorm is headed our way.. This storm will be

destructive in nature and most likely single out thelarge tree just to the north of the pavilion. I was going toforward on to the membership the specific book and page

number for reference but have lost that information. Thethreat is real, really!! Someone better tell the bugs that it's timeto move and get out while the getting is good!!

With September here, the writing is on the wall. Fall colorswill soon be upon us as well as north winds and the chill offall. Before that happens, get out and enjoy some of the bestweather that northern Illinois has to offer.

Remember, one more major field event is yet to come...... Thehighly anticipated annual FVAC turkey fry / fly. Plan onattending this event with family and friends. Now is the time

S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 2

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Tom Spriet–[email protected]

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w w w. f o x va l l e ya e r o . c o m

to plan on what fabulous culinary creation you can bring toshare with the FVAC family.

Keep them out of the trees and see you at the field,

Tom SprietGHP

FROM THE EDITORDoug [email protected]




about this hobby and a great guy to talk with. His responsesto the Flypaper’s probing questions can be found on page 18.Thanks for taking the time to share, Tom!

I’m starting a feature this month that I should have done a longtime ago: Shot of the month. Dale Gathman and others haveprovided so many great images over the past year+ that I feelneed to be shared. This month I’ve included one by Dale anda rare one from myself. I have a feeling it will be Shot(s) of theMonth most of the time, so maybe I need to figure out a newname? You can find them at the back of this issue.

Have you visited the Club website photo galeries lately? If not,give them a look. Several events from this year (before theFestival of Flight) and last year have been added by ourwebmaster Paul Apostolos. I will be sending another disk tohim soon with the Festival, IMAC, and Cub Scout Rocket Dayimages. I’ll let you know when they’re posted.

I’m writing this column during the Bears’ season opener vs. the

Colts. It appears that therest of the Club is also watching! Ihappened to click on the field camerafeeds to see who is out there on such anice day—no one! Thanks to Prez. Tomfor working to get those camerasinstalled—I find them usefull andentertaining.

‘Till next month, Doug

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continued from previous page

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Fox Valley Aero Club Calendar of EventsSeptember 13 FVAC Member Meeting 6:30 Board 7:30 Regular at Township Hall

October 11 FVAC Member Meeting 6:30 Board 7:30 Regular at Township HallOctober 21 Fun-Fly & Turkey Fry 10:00 AM FVAC Field

November 8 FVAC Member Meeting 6:30 Board 7:30 Regular at Township Hall

December 7 Annual Christmas Party Hilton Garden Inn

January 1 First-to-Fly Fun Fly 10:00 AM FVAC Field

February 23 FVAC Annual Swap Meet Kane County Fair Grounds

Past Events of 2012January 1 First-to-Fly Fun FlyFebruary 25 FVAC Annual SWAPApril 21 Member Work DayMay 26 & 27 Classic Pattern ContestJune 2 & 3 FVAC Pattern ContestJune 9 Kids DayJune 10 Fun-Fly & Pig RoastJune 15 & 16 Al’s Helicopter Fun-FlyJune 21 & 22 Festival of FlightAugust 4 & 5 IMAC ChallengeAugust 18 Cub Scout Rocket Day

Unless youwant moremeat tray-type tipsfromme—let’s hear from YOU!

Who has a tip they can share?


THE 2012 EDITION of the Fox Valley Aero Club Festival of Flightis in the books. 90 pilots came together with aircraft of all different sizes,types and power systems.

Club Treasurer, Paul Jacobs served as Contest Director again and organizeda smoothly-run, enjoyable event for both pilots and spectators. PresidentTom Spriet and Board member Eric Karl worked early in the year topromote public interest in the event by organizing our parade floatappearances in St. Charles and Geneva. Field preparations started onWednesday as Field Maintenance Chairman Greg Bohler and membervolunteers got the field set up and ready for the crowds to arrive. SecretaryTony Sokol kept the crowd entertained and informed as he worked themicrophone announcing pilots and their aircraft.

report by Doug Swanson

Jim Watkins photo

Doug Swanson photo

Jen

Kelle

r pho

to

4

Bill Brundle, Sr. flewthe Hangar 9 P-47D-40Thunderbolt 30cc ARFJohn Fischer’s smoke-belching

Beast on flyby. JR radio, DA 120 power

Great Planes Stearman flownby Steve Baker. Futaba radio,O.S. 1.20 4-stroke

Ed Gombash’s Hangar 9Extra 260. DLE 55,Spektrum radio, 78” w.s.

Alvin Cole flies a scalepattern with his Hangar 9Cessna Skylane. 98”, O.S.1.60 twin, Futaba 7C

Matt Brustlehovers his WingsMaker Slick 540

Armin Weber pulls some G’swith his Byron P-51. 85” w.s.,G62 engine Dale Gathman photo

Cliff Fullhart’s 80”Sopwith Pup poweredby a G23, Futaba radio

Dave Groenendal’sEG Aircraft MX-2


David Engel’s JN-4Jenny. 105” w.s., CRRC50, Futaba guidance

Paul Makowski photo

Paul Makowski photo

Paul Makowski photo

Dale Gathman photo

Dale Gathman photo

Dale Gathman photo

Dale Gathman photo

Dale Gathman photo

critter photo

5

Kevin Kessler flew thisHangar 9 Super Cub. HitecAurora 9 radio, 20cc, 108” w.s.

Dale Gathman photo



Several members of the Civil Air Patrolwere on site from Friday eveningthrough Sunday. They helped withparking direction, golf cart ferrying ofspectators and guarding the aircraftstorage tent, both during the show andin the overnight hours.

Bending Creek BBQ Concessions provideddelicious food for sale during both days of theevent. A post on their Facebook page on day onereads: “What a blast we are having at the RC flyingshow! Great business and gorgeous weather! Comeout and join us!”

The stormy weather of last year stayed away thistime. Sunday morning had a few light sprinkles,but nothing thatrequired anyaircraft to be putaway. Most ofthe time theweather wasnice, with lightwinds.

Aircraft wereflying each dayfrom 9:00 a.m. on throughout the day. When 12noon struck, the pre-planned noon-timedemonstration flightsbegan. The demosprovided a great variety ofaircraft types and flyingstyles for the crowds (and

fellow pilots) to enjoy.

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A few of the Civil AirPatrol members whovolunteered their timeto help us out.

Debbie Brustle and DorieJacobs sold the custom-made shirts for the event.

Bending Creek BBQ Concessionsprovided the food

Saturday morning greeters L-R: Joe Cubalchini, MarkHamilton and Bob Watson

DJ Johnsonhelped withpilot registrationJoe Pedone helped pilots and

spectators find their way.

Club President TomSpriet, Vice PresidentJohn “JT” Turner &Treasurer and EventCD Paul Jacobs pausefrom their weekendduties to smile for thecamera.

photos this pageby Doug Swanson


Each day Armin Weber, Steve Gawlikand Eric Karl organized a group ofwarbird pilots to make strafing runsdown the runway. The aircraft rangedin size from giant-scale to .50-size.Regardless of size, they all flew scale-like maneuvers in a race track patternaround the field.

14-year-old Mitch Marozas put on ahelicopter demonstration that can onlybe described as unbelievable. I’ve seensome impressive heli flights and videoson line, but this flight was over the top.Al Smith brought out his gigantic 60%

scale Extra 260. This behemoth madeseveral low-level knife-edge passesdown the flight line beforeexperiencing a flame out and deadstick. The field went from total silenceto loud cheers as he made the turn overthe corn back towards the field and asafe landing.

Dave Murray and Greg Wrightimpressed the crowd by burning up thesky with their turbine-powered jets.Dave flew his scale Global Jet ClubFeiBao T-33 and Greg made low, high-speed passes with his BVM Bandit.


7

Event Announcer and ClubSecretary Tony Sokol keptthe spectators informed allweekend.

Both pilots andspectators enjoyed thecombat demonstration.

John Fischer’s DA 50–powered P-40screams out of the sunshine.

Bill Mikesell’sDauntless. 100”w.s., GT80power, Futabaradio gear,Robart retracts.Eric Karl’s Top Flite B-25J Mitchell Bomber.

88.5” w.s., Robart retracts.

Dale Gathman photo

Dale Gathman photo

Dale Gathman photo

Jim Watkins photo

Jim Watkins photo

Jim Watkins photo

critter photo


Dan Rocha flew his crazy-fast Swist F5D.Announcer Tony Sokol set up the flightsurprise by describing the plane as a nice,easy–going glider. After a few circlesoverhead, Dan pushed the left stick forwardto reveal the planes true flight envelope.This high-speed glider needs to be seen tobe appreciated.

Several pilots took to the skies with combatSPADs trailing streamers. A few “kills”were made, as evidenced by their streamersfloating slowly to the ground.

Chris Gini put on an aerobatic freestyleshow set to music with his Aeroworks Extra

300. I’ve seen Chris perform demos for along time now and each time he impressesme with new moves which I haven’t seenbefore.

Jim Martin flew several flights with his FlyEagle F-14 electric ducted fan jet. Thisimpressive aircraft weighs 52 pounds and

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S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 2 w w w. f o x va l l e ya e r o . c o m

Al Smith props his 60% Extra 260 before flyingseveral low knife–edge passes across the field.

Chris Gini flew afreestyle demo tomusic during thenoon-time show.

Following the noon demos thespectators were allowed out onthe flightline to inspect theaircraft and talk with the pilots.

Dan Rocha withhis Swist F5D

Fly Eagle F-14electric EDF by JimMartin. 9’ w.s., JR12X, 14s 10,000Mah battery perside, Neu 1915motors, Tam Jets110 fans, 5 min.flight time.

Foamy air guitar!

Paul Makowski photo

Doug Swanson photo

Doug Swanson photo

Doug Swanson photo

Dale Gathman photoDale Gathman photo

Jim Watkins photo

critter photo


Author’s note: I want to thankall of the photographers whohelped me with thisreport—please see each photofor their individual credits. Mygo-to guy, Dale Gathman, hascome through again with somegreat work. Paul Makowski hascontributed images for a fewevents this year and I’m

grateful for his giving of time to help out.Member Tom Keller and his wife, Jen,approached me at the last meeting withthree DVD’s full of photos fromphotographers who attended the Festivaland have donated their work to the club:Jen Keller, Jim Watkins, and critter. Jenhas a web site at www.JOLPbyjen.comand critter has a flickr photostream at:http://www.flickr.com/photos/critter. Iwill work with our webmaster to get all ofthe photos posted on the website. Also,Tom Keller has put together a video of

Dave Murray’s T-33 flight during the Festival.Look for these additions soon. –Doug

9

spans 9 feet. An operating swing-wing mechanismadds to the scale realism.

Young Matt Brustle demonstrated 3-D flight on bothdays, first with his Extreme Flight Yak 55 and then withhis Wings Maker Slick 540.

Bill Brundle, Sr. Product Developer for Hangar 9, madethe trip up from Champaign. He brought and flewtheir new P-47D-40 Thunderbolt 30cc ARF—a great-looking scale aircraft.

Following the noon demonstration flights, thespectators were allowed out on the flight line to inspectthe models more closely and talk with the pilots andbuilders of the aircraft they just saw fly. This is alwaysone of my favorite times during the Festival—whatpilot doesn’t like to talk about his aircraft? A note to myfellow pilots: If you want to generate interest in a less-than-impressive aircraft, put a Barbie or Ken doll in thepilot’s seat. It works every year!

I know I had a great time at this year’s Festival of Flightand I’m sure all of the other pilots and spectators did aswell. Be sure to make plans to attend the 2013 Festivalof Flight!

Mitch Marozas’Gaui X7 heli inone of its more‘unusual’ flightattitudes. I saythis because itwas normallyflopping aroundinches off of theground!

Dave Murray readies and taxies his Global JetClub FeiBao T-33 out for a demo flight.


A couple of planes crashed into the back of BobBoen’s SUV. Oh wait, those were carefully packed inthere for the ride home! Nice job, Bob.

Doug Swanson photo

Dale Gathman photo

Jen Keller photoJim Watkins photo

critter photo


lightspotBy Doug Swansonphotos by DaleGathman & Doug

This month I highlight Dave Murray’s GlobalJet Club FeiBao T-33. This model has beenfeatured on our float display for publicparades and recently at the Festival of Flight.

Specifications:Airframe and Retracts: FeiBaoDistributed and Painted by: Global Jet ClubWingspan: 108 in.Length: 100 in.Radio: Futaba T10CAPReceiver: Futaba R6014FSServos: Futaba S9156 (Ail. and Elev.)

Hitec 645 (Rud. and Flap)Turbine: Jet Cat P-180, 40 lbs. thrustOnboard Batteries:

8000 mah 7.4v for turbine4500 mah 6.0v for half of flight controls2400 mah 6.6v LiFe for remainder of

flight controlsAir Tanks and Valves: Robart (4)Fuel capacity: 180 oz. Flight time: 10-12 mins.Smoke fluid capacity: 80 oz., 6-7 mins.

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SHOTS FROM THE FIELD

Mariano Rosales, Freewing B-17Jason Flowers w/Trex 600 Nitro Pro(w/flybar), Trex 700e (flybarless), GreatPlanes Cherokee w/O.S. FS52, Stinger 64

Rich Gabrys w/Ace Pitts Model 12 w/DA170

Tom Blassickw/Great PlanesExtra 330L Kitw/DA100 andPhoto realisticcockpit

Nick Trifilio w/Hangar 9 Giant ScaleTiger Moth w/OS GT33cc Gas

Jim Finks (guest flyer) w/ Trex600 Nitro Pro (flybarless)

Piotr Niedoba w/CardenExtra 300 40% w/DA150

by Dale Gathman

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Doug Swanson photo


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Labor Day Weekend sure cameup pretty quick at the FVAC! Asthe summer flying season comesto a close, a lot of activities tookplace this year with somechallenges and great memories.Some of our members haveexpressed concern about toomany activities during the

summer’s weekend “prime flying” time. We will review thisyear’s events and determine how to improve or modifymonthly activities in 2013. No doubt some of the key eventslike Kids Day, Al’s Helicopter, Festival of Giants and IMAChave been successful for our members and guests.

Many members are now flying on 2.4. GHz. I have noticed thatthere are still those flying on 72 MHz and not using thefrequency board! A fellow member lost his plane whenanother member, using the same frequency, turned on his

transmitter for a ground check. Every RCpilot who comes to fly must continue tocheck the frequency board, place theirAMA card on the board and remove a pin

designated for their frequency! This is a safe cross-check andwill maintain safety on the ground and air! Just the other day,a fellow pilot maidened his plane on 72, and did not use thefrequency board.

Looking ahead into next month, there will be our annualTurkey Fry where all members will enjoy the cooking of ChefsKarl and Tom Spriet! The date has been set for October 21, totake advantage of the nice fall weather for good eats,conversation, and of course, some flying.

From the workshop, I will be working on my Hangar 9 Extra260 and attempt my first gas plane. I will start to pick up the“mechanics” over the course of various fall swap meets and/orlook to Santa Claus to bring me a new DLE or DA 50.

Regarding our own Fox Valley SWAP, I have sent in theadvertisements to both AMA and Kane County Fairgrounds.Your Fox Valley Aero Club SWAP will beSaturday, February 23, 2013.

Early-Pay Rental Discount, if paid by February 1st, is: One Table: $15.00 eachTwo Tables: $12.50 eachThree or more: $10.00 eachAll table rentals after February 1st will be $20.00 each. All tablerentals include one free admission. Cost for admission (nottable rental) is $5.00 at the door with children under 12 FREE.From last year’s success of indoor foamy flying, we will offerthis again starting around 1:00 pm. AMA cards are required.

I look forward to seeing everyone this fall and fly safe!

JT

VICE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGEJohn Turner–[email protected]



S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 2

It has been a quietmonth for a change, andDorie and I had a chanceto travel to Fond du LacWisconsin to visit fortheir Warbirds &Classics event. I’veincluded a few picturesto give you a feel for thesize of the event and to

show some of the great airplanes onthe flight line. Carl Bachhuber and hisCanadian friends put on a great showand I was able to hand out someFestival shirts as they were unable tocome to our event this year butperhaps the dates can be coordinatedin the future.

That’s Gary Stephensdiscussing a scratch builtRussian something to Dorie.There were many familiar

faces there including Doug, Dennisand Eric from Robart as well as BillMikesell. If you get a chance to attendthis event don’t forget to eat some thebratwurst as it is the best in thecountry.It’s hard to believe it is Septemberalready and we have only two eventsleft this year. The annual Turkey Fly &Fry is scheduled for October 21 andthe Christmas Party for December7th. The treasury is in great shape soboth events should be spectacularagain this year.

See you on the flight line,

Paul

TREASURER’S REPORTPaul [email protected]

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Warbirds and Classics over the Midwest

Gary Stephens has shared a few of his photos from the Warbirds and Classics overthe Midwest event held in Fond Du Lac, WI. Over 250 pilots were registered, someof whom had multiple aircraft. That’s Gary at the upper left with his Top Flite P-47.


President Tom Spriet called the meeting to order at7:45pm.

Secretary Tony Sokol asked for additions orcorrections to the July minutes as published. A motion to

approve was made by Alvin Cole and seconded by David Todd. Theminutes were approved.

Treasurer Paul Jacobs reported that the checkbook is in goodshape with all Festival expenseshaving been paid. We had a goodturnout with 90 pilots registered.Many thanks to Paul and his wifeDorie for all the work they did toput on a great Festival.

Paul also mentioned thatwe a have a half dozen newmembers since the last meeting.

Vice President JohnTurner was contacted by aTribune reporter regarding localclubs. Although only a slightmention of the FVAC appeared inthe article, John will becontacting her and otherreporters regarding theupcoming Cub Scout rocket fly.Hopefully we can gain some goodpublicity and along with amention of the AMA, we mayeven qualify for their cashpublicity award.

Looking ahead to 2013, aflyer has been designed for the upcoming February 23rd Swap Meet.This will go to the AMA for publication as soon as possible to allowothers to plan ahead. The individual entrance fee is $5 and tables willbe $15 for one table, $25 for two tables, with 3 tables and abovepriced at $10 each if paid by February 1st. After that date all tableswill be $20.

Hopefully Mike and Rosemary Raynes will be able to handlefood concessions again this year. A Foamy Fly is also plannedfollowing the meet.

Field Chairman Greg Bohlernoted there are two large holesthat have appeared about ¾ ofthe way to the West end of therunway on the South side.Temporary repairs will be madewith a more permanent solutioncoming later in the flying season.Greg also thanked everyone forthe help setting up and tearingdown for the Festival.


SECRETARY’S REPORTTony Sokol–[email protected]

Fox Valley Aero ClubGeneral Meeting Minutes

August 9, 2012 @ Township Hall

photos byDoug Swanson

16 continued on next pagePaul Jacobs Greg Bohler

John Turner



Membership Chairman Sal Perno introducednew member Bob Peters.

Flypaper Editor Doug Swanson reported thatthe IMAC competition event went very well with25 pilots competing. Once again a big thank yougoes to Paul and Dorie Jacobs for handling thescoring chores all weekend. Also to CD Mel Ziskaand to President Tom for creating a beautiful

etched mirror award which was presented to the highest overall scorer. DanKnippen’s wife, Glenda, was also presented with a similar plaque expressing ourthanks for all that Dan had accomplished in organizing and running the IMACevent over years.

The event generated enough income to cover all of the expenses. Dougpresented the club with a check for $290 representing the excess income leftover from the event.

Doug reminded us that he is always looking for articles, photos, andbuilding tips to share with the readers of the Flypaper.

Government Relations Chairman Alvin Cole initiated conversationregarding community relations with our neighbors. Tom informed us that therehave been 6 incidents where aircraft have crashed to the West of the tree linewhere several homes are located. Some have been far to the West of thesehomes! Most flyers do not realize how far to the West their aircraft are flyingand how irritating the sound is unless you are standing in the neighbor’s yard.Not only is noise aproblem but safetybecomes an evengreater issue. For thisreason, flying over thetree line to the west isno longer an optionand doing so willresult in seriousconsequences. FlyersMUST turn south

before they come to the tree line. Larger faster planes should stay farther southand higher in altitude avoiding the homes to the West at all costs. The recentIMAC and Festival events prove that the larger craft can stay within theboundaries of our flying area by simply remembering to do so and exercisinggood piloting skills.

Much discussion regarding methods of “self policing” ourselves ensuedyielding several good ideas. We will be pursuing these ideas and more on apermanent basis to insure that theproblem does not escalate to thepoint that we end up loosing thefield.

Dale Gathman displayedseveral eye popping photos ofaircraft in flight during the Festival.The highlight of the presentationwas an action photo of Cliff’s

beautiful WW I biplane doing a“bounce and go” with the right wheeldeciding to go off on its own. Thetiming was impeccable! Cliff did landthe plane without incident.

Todd Culbertson displayed ascratch built rocket that will be usedas a demo flight during the upcomingCub Scout rocket fly. There will be 3Cub packs participating from Bataviaand St. Charles which couldpotentially bring 70 or more Cubs,parents, and friends to the event.

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Bob Peters

President Tom Spriet Todd Culbertson

Dale Gathman

Show and Tell


Chuck Noyes shared anunusual experience with us involvingcontrol surface flutter. The unusualpart came when the problem wastraced down to the battery! Thebattery was changed and theproblem has not reoccurred. Puttingthe old battery back in line causedthe problem to return. Go figure!

Mark Knoppkie displayed hisnewly acquired Spectrum DX-18radio.

A motion to adjourn wasmade by Doug Swanson andseconded by Alan Galle. Themeeting adjourned at 9:03pm.

Respectfully Submitted, Tony Sokol– Secretary FVAC

S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 2

Chuck Noyes

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FlyP.: What is your first experience with scale modelflying?

RTF: My introduction to the hobby of flying scale planeswas when I was 10. My older brother came backfrom a large nearby field holding his wrist allcovered in blood. He had discovered when flyingcontrol line you need a second person to hold theglow engine plane after it starts. A few stitches lateron my brother and I got to do the holding. We bothenjoyed control line flying back in 1957. Then lifecame along and got in the way until a year agowhen I joined FVAC.

FlyP.: What do you enjoy the most about RC Planes?RTF: I always say half the fun is the building and fixing. I

have always enjoyed model making and evenworked as a commercialartist for Monogram Modelsplastic model kits where Idesigned the packaging anddid the photography for thebox covers of the kits. Iphotographed some greatcustom built dioramas ofplanes and tanks.

I enjoy RC plane buildingbecause everything you needfits on a table top, is easy to

lift and requires noladders. In the past I

was always addingon home additions to

our houses, alwaysworking my way up to

larger homes to fit myfamily’s growing needs. The

construction required trailerloads of lumber, endless tools and

sometimes 40 foot ladders. It was like a huge model kit, butthe home additions never fit in a box that fits on yourdesktop. RC plane building is the same creative processwithout the heavy lifting.

I enjoy the RC flying because it is just for me and is a trueescape from everyday pressures. For a few minutes you are onthe edge of control of a record breaking race plane, a strafingmission to take out the tank that is too close to your homebase or flying next to your dad as you taxi that cub and lift intothe air. It is feeling the excitement of a touch and go in awarplane combined with the thrill of doing a victory roll asyou pull up the gear and take off. It is the excitement of goinghome with the same number of planes and pieces you arrivedwith.

R. Thomas Flint (RTF)

membersMEET the



FlyP.: I understand you are retired. What was youroccupation?

RTF: I am retired, as is my wife. I worked at NorthernTrust Bank in the loop downtown Chicago as VPMarketing/Graphic Services. Janice taught 5thgrade in the Glen Ellyn School District whereour kids also went to school.

FlyP.: Are you married? Have any children? RTF: My wife Janice and I have 4 grown daughters

and have been married 43 years. Sheencouraged my RC flying to get me out of thehouse. I think she is changing her mindbecause the planes may soon use morebedrooms than our daughters did.

FlyP.: What are your interests beyond modelaircraft?

RTF: With four daughters and three grandchildren, Ienjoy having the time to be with them and helpwith their projects around their homes. My cellphone is like the family ER/911 service and hasheard many stories of “Dad what is that funnynoise my engine is making?” with my response“Ah…..did you ever change or check the oil?”

FlyP.: What are you flying currently?RTF: I enjoy scale RC planes that have flaps. I have

an E-flight P47 D, a Parkzone T-28 D with addedflaps, an E-flight 25e Cub on floats withflaperons, an E-Flight 15e Beechcraft Bonanza,a Hangar 9 RV8, and a clipped wing CarlGoldburg Cub with added flaps.

FlyP.: Do you have any current or planned aircraftprojects?

RTF: I am working on a bi-plane Nieuport 17 NRF(never really finished) that I bought used. Thisvery old half-done VK kit was from 1969. Mybrother has given me an OS Max BlackheadHS60F GR new in the box from the same year.Because of the patina on some of the old plane

parts I am building the Nieuportto look like it was found in a barnand put back into service,perhaps a true barnstormer ofthe day.

FlyP.: What is/was your favoritemodel aircraft?

RTF: I really enjoy flying planes onfloats. I have written an articleabout my float flying experiencethat will appear in the next issue.

FlyP.: What is your favorite full-scaleaircraft?

RTF: The small Cubs and Cessna’s I gotto fly in with my dad as the pilot.

FlyP.: Is there anyone that you look upto in the radio control hobby?

RTF: When you are a newer member like me, Iadmire all members that don’t need to keep alarge Ziploc bag in the car to carry homebroken plane parts. I most admire those whohave maintained an excitement for the sport,still help newcomers, and still love to fly. DanCompton and Cliff Fullhart have helped mewith great patience, kind words, and amazingtechnical knowledge and flight skills.

FlyP.: Are there any embarrassing moments at thefield you would like to forget--but are nowremembering because I asked?

RTF: I tried to trim my own plane, the Beechcraft. Icarefully added a few down clicks to theelevator as the plane was climbing, then a fewmore down clicks as it got worse and climbedmore. At that point I am not sure who wasflying the airplane, the scale pilot or me. One ofus did a perfect hammerhead into my patenteddeath spiral. Only Dale Gathman was watchingand I was happy his camera was put away. As I

walked into the cornfield I was glad for mylarge Ziploc bag. But I can tell you I rebuilt theplane and it is back in the air. Never trim yourown plane as a rooky. That is why Dan and Cliffare a gift to our club.

FlyP.: Are there any facets of the hobby that youwould like to try? (eg. a certain power systemtype, different type of aircraft, competitiveflying)

RTF: So far I have tried both electric motors andglow engines and prefer the pure engine soundand power of glow engines. I really enjoy flapsand retracts on a plane. My ideal pane wouldbe a Corsair F4U with folding wings and slidingcanopy. I would also like to get a twin enginescale plane in the air. The double engineharmony keeps calling the initials of my name.RTF RTF RTF. Yes,Yes, R Thomas Flint is Ready-To-Fly — any time, any weather, anywhere.


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Cliff Fulhart’s Nieuport 17 lost a wheel during a touch-and-go during the Festival of Flight. Dale Gathman caught thisgreat shot of the action. If you look closely, you can see thewheel collar still flying through the air under the rudder.

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Dan Rocha’s 40% Composite ARF Extra 260launches into low Earth orbit. Picture takenduring after-hours fun on Saturday duringthe Festival of Flight. Doug Swanson photo


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Transcript of The Fox Valley Aero Clubfoxvalleyaero.blob.core.windows.net/.../September_2012_Flypaper.pdf · THE...