6th Annual John Kilsdonk Memorial Fly-in

[Tom Weedon]

Well, I just returned from the 6th Annual John Kilsdonk Fly-In at Broome Park, Flint, Mich. and I have to say it was a HOOT!!!!.  Over 30 pilots and about 70 to 80 planes attended, plus family members. Free soda pop, and hot dogs courtesy of Rick Sawicki (Rick, we'll figure some way to pay you back (thanks)), and GREAT WEATHER!! Everyone got many chances to fly on 3 circles, so there was little waiting. In between flights, there was great discussion on stunt flying, airplanes, engines, etc, etc. As a returning C/L flyer from long ago, I welcomed the chance to learn all the new stuff, and relearn some of the things that I forgot years ago. Thanks every one! (I mean that). Lastly I was the only one to entertain the crowd with an outside loop into the pavement with my Berkeley P-40. I'll have it back together shortly. Then there was the exciting flight with my Flying Clown and a McCoy 29. That thing is a bit-- to fly! (grinning) Almost wasted that one.

Anyway, Thanks Rick, Frank, Curt, Randy, et.el for a FUN DAY!!!
 
Tom Weedon

[bob branch]

The Kilsdonk was indeed a fun event. It has been held for a number of years now in memory of John Kilsdonk who was responsible for getting a control line circle at one of the local to Detroit RC fields. This year that club lost its field so the site was moved to Broome Park in Flint, MI (about an hour away). It has been held just as a fun fly event and not as a contest and this year being my first experience with it I was very suprised. I thought that CL stunt was the primary activity out there in control line flying and anyone else was fringe stuff. I now know that its the other way around. The number of fliers and the number and variety of planes was shocking. This was not the 20 to 25 guys who show up for stunt contests in the Detroit area, there were about 5 or 6 competative stunt fliers, the rest were pure sport fliers who fly control line just for the pure fun of it, not for competition.  The variety of planes was just amazing from from full zoot stunters to profile scale to electric anything you can think of, to half a and even a scratch built version of a schwietzer sailplane with motor that actually did a single wheel roll of grass takeoff with a half lap on the ground in perfect control. Would not have believed it had I not seen it.

Additionally we got to see one flier flying with the control line seat you may have seen in the ama magazine. Amazingly a plane as small as a .19 will actually pull the  pilot around in the seat from the takeoff roll on grass! No outside power required. Any parapalegic would be able to fly with this as well as folks with bad legs or as the pilot who had it who was experiencing debilitating dizziness that would send him to the ground in two laps if he stood. By all means recommend this device if you know someone who could be helped. I mention it cause I just scawfed it in my mind when I saw the ad. My bad.

One of the interesting things to have come from this years Kilsdonk is that next year, there will be 3 control line flyins in Michigan with each hotbed of control line, Kalamazoo on the west side of the state, Lansing in the Middle, and Flint in the east hosting one. For those of you who do not fly stunt you should seriously think of organizing a similar event in your area. It will really do alot to promote Control line flying and is one heck of alot of fun. Over 120 flights and only one crash. Man that is some bunch of skilled fliers. And engine runs? Man, many so sweet those of use who are serious stunt fliers were going over to see what was doing it. Everyone got to see planes they used to fly, wanted to fly, and even some the owners could not identify finally got identified. The stunt fliers enjoyed it as well as as you can see in the event ads, there were some serious stunt fliers in the group that helped organize it. Everyone participated and everyone had a great time. Put one together. I think you'll find it has a life of its own and will easily become an annual institution.

Bob

[frank carlisle]

Here is a group picture........

[Leroy Heikes]

You forgot us scale competitors who showed up. OK! it was just me, but next year there will be more. Especially after I tell them about the paved circle. My Super Solution made numerous touch and goes on it.

Leroy

[frank carlisle]

Leroy's Laird Super Solution has an electronic control in it that came from Clancy Arnold. He had the control fastened to the handle but said that he planned to move it to his belt because it was making it difficult to adjust the throttle and fly the plane at the same time.
The plane worked very well.
I have a picture of the group of planes Leroy brought and in it was the Super Solution. I worked a little magic in photo shop and made it bigger. The picture lost a little resolution but here it is.

[frank carlisle]

Bob Labadie is the fellow that brought the "PILOTCHAIR"--got a picture of that also.

Why hasn't anyone mentioned my LA HEAT ?

[Leroy Heikes]

Frank;
    Put in an excellent show with his LA Heat. The problem is everyone is watching the plane and nobody took any inflite shots of it. One of the guys here at work made the statement that he wanted to see a picture of it flying. I do not think anyone took a picture of it flying. It was an impressive site though!

Leroy

[frank carlisle]

Thank you Leroy.....