12th annual small fun fly

Model Airplane News, Oct 2002 by Lagor, Jaime

Big fun in Little Rock

For three days every spring, small-- airplane enthusiasts from across the country gather in the heart of Arkansas for what has become an annual retreat defined by fun, fellowship and-- oh yes-a lot of radio control flying. From May 31 through June 2, the North Little Rock Sky Tigers (formerly known as the Maumelle Sky Tigers) played host to the 12th Annual Small Model Airplane Lovers' League (SMALL) Fun Fly. For the first time, the event took place at the Sky Tigers' beautiful new flying field in North Little Rock's Burns Park. Armed with a new name, a new home and a lot of good ol' Southern hospitality, the Sky Tigers proceeded to put on one of its most successful fun flys ever.

SMALL is an informal "organization" of RC pilots united in their dedication to preserving and perpetuating the enjoyment of small model airplanes. These models are, in fact, the foundation on which the hobby grew; they existed long before the term "giant scale" was ever coined. Here and at other, similar fly ins across the country, the only airplanes that are qualified to participate are those powered by .25ci or smaller engines.

In a society that thrives on competition and that values winning above all else, events such as this are rare and refreshing. It isn't a contest; there are no points, no winners and, certainly, no losers. In fact, it doesn't take long to realize that, more than anything else, this annual fun fly is about camaraderie, friendship and a shared enthusiasm for all things small. This year, 85 pilots registered for the three-day affair, and not one of them went home disappointed.

Growing up in New England and never having ventured anywhere near the Mason-Dixon line (never mind below it), I faced with some trepidation the prospect of setting up camp in an open field for three whole days in blazing 95-degree heat and unbearable humidity. But after observing these experienced Southerners and diehard SMALLers for just a short time, it hit me that maybe the heat wasn't an obstacle; it was a catalyst. Before long, I realized that sitting in the shade and enjoying good conversation with old friends while sipping a cool drink was all part of the SMALL spirit.

This is not to say that the models spent more time on the ground than in the air; each pilot certainly had a fair share of turns around the field, some having brought multiple models. At any given time, at least two or three planes were diving, spinning and gliding overhead or racing down the flightline.

Pat Tritle's Curtiss Jenny Biplane was a definite crowd-pleaser. Picture this: a 64 1/4-- inch-wingspan vintage model swooping gracefully overhead with only an 05 Olympus belt drive. It flew so true to scale that you would be hard-pressed to distinguish it from the real thing-from a distance, of course.

One of my favorites was Dale Womack's 1/2-scale Zero. Powered by an O.S. .25 SF engine, this model zoomed past the crowd so fast that it nearly left a streak in the air. Amazingly, Dale's plane is almost 10 years old, and it still runs like a hot-rod!

Throughout the weekend, pilots took turns astounding the crowd, one after the other grabbing the attention of those lounging in the shade. For example, David Bowers and Mark Smith took advantage of any lull in the action to take center stage with their Stop Sign and Flippin Disc. Their ability to make these two radio-controlled flying discs seem to romp playfully around the field was certainly intriguing.

Ever seen a Mustang seemingly hang in midair? I have-now. Harold Poindexter performed some amazing aerobatics with his Slowfly Mustang from Thunder Tiger. Powered by an O.S. .25 FX, this model grabbed its fair share of oohs and aahs.

The entire weekend was crammed with more highlights than I can recount here. In addition to Saturday's all-day extravaganza and some open flying time on Friday and Sunday morning, the weekend included an indoor flying session on Friday night and an awards banquet on Saturday night.

By Sunday morning, only a few truly dedicated SMALL enthusiasts remained, but plenty of high-flying action was still to be found. Paul Willenborg certainly made the most of the open air with his 25-inch-wingspan F-86 Sabre from Fantastic Models. Nicely finished in the colors of the Holland Air Force show team, Paul's little fighter was the definition of "eye-catching."

Many thanks to contest director Ron Stanfield and all the North Little Rock Sky Tigers for their hard work and hospitality. Their diligence resulted in another truly successful event, and I returned home with a better understanding of just what SMALL is all about.

I headed north convinced of something I had suspected from the moment I arrived at Burns Park: SMALL is not as much an organization as it is a family. And like many families, they have a reunion every year. This is perhaps best illustrated by Duncan Stone, who for the past three years has brought along his Sig Kadet. Built by Ron Stanfield, the Kadet was raffled off at the fun fly three years ago, and ever since, it has made the annual pilgrimage with Duncan to reunite with all the other members of this extended family. Over the years, the plane seems to have taken on a new persona. Today, it is more than a plane; it's also a flying symbol of SMALL's true spirit.