Arial view of the Fly-in, thanks to Jason Randall More photos at the end of the report
The BMAC Electric Fly-in took place on Sunday 11th September 2022. The weather forecast was marginal: dry and warm but with a SW wind, 6-10 mph. Southerlies can be problematic here due to the turbulence created by the trees. However, as morning dawned it was irrelevant as we were presented with a dense mist! Fortune was on our side as by 10 am the sun had come out, the mist went away leaving a bright sunny day, blue skies and more importantly little wind.
The Electric Fly-in is our annual event where we invite other local clubs to join us to fly, show our aircraft and swap stories. Just over 70 participants attended throughout the day including 20 pilots from other clubs, the most that I can remember. In addition to the people, we counted over 120 different models of all shapes and sizes. The models and flying were spectacular ranging from graceful scale flying, fast passes from EDF jets, 3D acrobatic routines and soaring gliders. Naturally we had a few incidents: dodgy hand launches, landings – but not on the runway, and interesting unplanned manoeuvres, which resulted in damaged planes and pride. The most unusual model was Essential RC’s hawk. Not a plane but a bird, which flapped its wings.
To provide nourishment Bob McAlpine, our chairman, and Rachel served an all-day BBQ and an afternoon tea with cakes provided by members. Many thanks to them for their skill and endurance and also to the cake providers. It was very much appreciated.
During the day Mike and Debbie Hutchins persuasively sold 262 raffle tickets raising £131 for Club funds. This year we had several prizes on offer, 3 small aircraft models, a small helicopter, one large aircraft model, a selection of glues and coverings, a transmitter and a flight box. A special thanks to Deluxe Materials, 4-Max and Essential RC for their generous support in donating the prizes.
The prize giving and raffle brought the event to a close. Bob took the opportunity to present 10 year-old Finlay Hennessy with his BMFA ‘A’ Certificate, so congratulations to him. Prizes were then awarded to the two models that caught our judges’ eye, a large Avro Lincoln and an Avro Anson. Sadly, the six-engine flying boat the Saunders-Roe Princess didn’t fly, I think we all wanted to see it in the air but it was not to be.
A final thanks to those that helped in the preparation and running of the day from putting out direction signs, car parking, pilot line marshals, erecting safety fences and the marque, running the registration, prizes and catering. It all led to a very successful day. If you could not make it, there will be one next year and for those that did, especially from other clubs, do come again.
