Mather Aerospace Lazy Bee Fly-In

Model Airplane News, Jan 2001 by Syme, Thayer

Reports from readers around the world!

Rarely in model aviation has a single modeler changed the face of flying around the world. In recognition of this unique occurrence, the Mather Aerospace Modelers of Sacramento, CA, recently held their third annual Lazy Bee Fly-In to honor Andy Clancy and his whimsical creations.

These guys are self-professed members of the "Lazy Bee religion" who zealously spread the word about how much fun they have with their glow- and electric-powered Bees. Andy himself made the drive up from Arizona to join the festivities, and nearly 40 other pilots came with 55 Clancy-designed or -inspired airplanes, ranging from three diminutive 22 1/2-inch-span Lady Bugs up to a few 6-foot-span Big Lazy Bees. Official events included Single Pylon Racing, Wingless Slalom, Bomb Drop, Roulette and Assigned Team Formation Flying.

Pilots in Single Pylon Racing took off from a standing start and circled a pole until the allotted time had elapsed. The winner was determined by the total laps. Surprisingly, large, fast models did not have a clear advantage. Smaller and lighter models could turn very tightly and, despite often slower speeds, were frequently among the top finishers.

Competitors in the Wingless Slalom event taxied only their fuselages through a series of pylons and then across the finish line to break a suspended balloon. Under-inflated Trexler wheels and the lack of nosewheels provided some interesting lines through the pylons.

In Bomb Drop, each flyer took off with a paper cup rubber-banded onto its wing. Inside was a "bomb" that was to be dropped near one of four targets on the runway. The only way to release the bomb was to generate some negative G forces. Pushing full down-elevator worked well, but only if you had plenty of altitude! Points were awarded for distance from the nearest target, with bonus points awarded if that target had previously been chosen by the pilot.

Roulette began as soon as the pilot took off and crossed the "ready" line. A spinning wheel commanded an thing from "land now" to "five consecutive spins." The pilot then completed the task and landed as quickly as possible. Most pilots went for altitude to await their fate and dove at the strip as necessary.

The official events concluded with Team Formation Flying. Practice was impossible, as pilots were assigned partners that day. There was a good mix of skills levels, which proved quite amusing to the crowd.

At the end of the day, pilots enjoyed a free-for-all. As many aircraft as possible took to the skies en masse. It really was a sight, with several people commenting on the sound of the "swarm" of Bees.

The day ended with awards generously donated by Clancy Aviation, Mather Aerospace Modelers, R/C Country Hobbies, MACS Products and Master Airscrew. CDs Mike and Susan Bigler did a wonderful job of putting this event together, with additional assistance from other Mather Aerospace Modelers; all of them should be congratulated on a most successful event. I will certainly be back next year with a few Bees of my own.

For more information on the Mather Aerospace Modelers, write to club secretary Dean Raymond, 3378 Irish Mist Way, Sacramento, CA 95826; masmrc@yahoo.com, or visit the club's website at www.geocities.com/masmrc.