EAA AirVenture - Oshkosh, Wisconsin

We finally arrived at Airventure in Oshkosh, WI. Of course, it is better known as just Oshkosh to most EAA members. This is by far the largest air show in the United States. Let me just say at the outset, as a first time attendee, this place is HUGH!!! But our focus is on small things that fly, RC airplanes and flight. So, we are happy to report model aircraft were well represented here.

First, Airventure is a scale modelers paradise. Want to model a C47 or DC3? There were 21 to choose from.   Surely among the rows and rows of experimental, classic and vintage aircraft you would find your hearts desire. One of the really cool things about Oshkosh is you can wonder right among the aircraft no strings to keep people from walking all the way around them . But touch them only with your eyes!

Be sure to check out the EAA museum on the field for some of the unique aircraft that made history.

Like the Bugatti Model 100 Racer pictured here.

One other great resource for the RC scale modeler is the Boeing Aeronautical Library housed on the lower level of the museum. In talking the the library staff, they can help finding scale documentation for various airplanes and in many cases can provide more than just 3 view aircraft drawings.

Now there is even more of interest to the RC modeler at the EAA museum, as a new exhibit has opened featuring model aircraft and flying. The EAA collaborated the the AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics) to get the details just right. The display is truly impressive. For instance look at the RC radio collection pictured below. How many of these radios have you flown with or remember?

While this post has dealt primarily with scale modeling and the museum, during my next post we will look at some of the other RC aircraft offering that were at Oshkosh AirVenture.

Kopters Over Kragness Heli FunFly - Fargo North Dakota

There’s just something great about new things. The smell of a new car, the sound of the wrapping coming off a new RC helicopter or airplane kit. Well we are proud to bring you two new things. 

To start with the first annual R/C helicopter fun fly, Kopters Over Kragness Heli FunFly. This look to be the start of a glorious annual tradition. Check out Valley RC Flyers website. They have a great flying field just over the North Dakota - Minnesota boarder in Moorhead. It features a turf runway surrounder by acres and acres of farm fields. Not only that but it even sports shade trees over the club house.

But we promised you two new things. The second is Dave Mullen. Dave is new to RC with just over a years worth of flying under his belt. Check out his flying skills in the video below, as he wrings out his Align T-REX 550E electric helicopter. Dave is looking forward to attending IRCHA Jamboree (International Radio Controlled Helicopter Association) in  August. Go get'em Dave!

Aerial RC flying over Yellowstone in Park Wyoming

As our journey continues, we spent a day at Yellowstone in Wyoming. After see the sights, what better way to enjoy the day than to try a little flying and aerial filming. Well, the wind was gusting up to 15 knots which made for an interesting time with the light wing loading of our electric radio controlled camera airplane.  Enjoy the video and be warned the ride is a bit bumpy.

Flying Club Wanted - Bozeman Montana

The final stop for the day was in Bozeman, Montana. In talking with the local hobby store we were surprised that there really is no RC airplane club in  Bozeman. There are a number of people in the area that fly RC aircraft, but no club and no flying field. So when life hands you a lemon make lemonade!

After asking about were people fly we set out to find such a field. We started with the camera ship. The aerial RC video is below.

Next Ethan flew the new Hobbyzone Aeronca Champ. This is a great starter airplane. What is really neat about it is for a beginner if you get into trouble just cut the throttle and let go of the sticks. In this configuration it will practically land itself!

RC Flying Field Helps Fight Forest Fire-Missoula Montana

The next stop in our continued adventure to the Airventure air show was a stop at the Big Sky Thunderbird Club flying field. The club has been located near Missoula, Montana in Frenchtown for some 25 years according to their website. 

 But today was not to be a normal flying day. The Rock Creek forest fire had broken out in the mountains South of the field. So the field was being used as a staging area to  refueling firefighting helicopters. In talking with the refueling crew they were very happy to be able to use the field for the emergency. Can anyone argue with such a noble use of a flying field as aiding in a natural disaster? I think not. 

First Stop CAMS Field Coeur d' Alene Aero-Modeling Society

After 7 hours of driving our first stop was at CAMS RC field in Post Falls, Idaho. It was a most a welcomed sight. We were greeted at the field by Al, Phil, and Ron. (Sorry guys for not getting your last names or a picture:(  But before flying, Ethan and I decided it was time for dinner and that we would then come back and fly. So we headed out for Wolf Lodge Inn Steakhouse for some of the best steaks we have ever had.  Then back to the field!

After the formalities of proof of AMA membership and frequency controls it was time to fly. Being the wind was light, Ethan took to the air first with the Parkzone J 3 Cub. At an all up weight of 1.3 oz. it may very well be the smallest plane to fly at CAMS field.

Next it was time to launch the camera ship. After several passes of the field and surrounding terrain it was time to land. As soon as the video is edited I will post it here.

Finally Bill Short put on a nice electric flight demonstration with his Hanger 9 Frenzy. This is a 90 size airplane that started life with a SuperTiger 91. He then converted it to electric using 6 lipo 5000 mah Thunder Power cells. He has regular flight times in the 10 to 13 minute range. Bob has been a member of CAMS for 3 years.

As we say good bye to CAMS we will remember the great memories. Thanks guys.

So where will we go next? EAST! So flying fields in Montana look out, for you never know we may come calling at your door.

Have Plane Will Travel

This is the start of a cross country odyssey. In planning our trip from Oregon to Oshkosh Wisconsin for the EAA AirVenture in 2010 we came up with the hair brain idea. Why not fly RC aircraft at Radio Controlled Aircraft Flying fields across the country? For that matter why not shot High Definition video from our camera ship of the fields? So people as why, we ask why not! Thus started our adventure of flying electric airplanes at both air fields and other points of interest. This is a collection of the AMA pilots we meet and the places we visited.