IN MAY WITH THE PHOENIX AT ETSA PARK, Adelaide, South Australia
Well dear readers, this month at ETSA Park proved to be one of our best and most enjoyable evenings for nearly two years. Our largest number of fliers attended and, those who arrived early, like the Phoenix, such as Kirk and Andy, found that they didn’t have to wait until 8.30 to commence flying. As is often the case, if the “Leedies” have finished their Netball Training early, and the court is empty, then we get the go ahead from the Duty Manager.
The evening commenced with a pleasant surprise for me in the appearance of Phillip Neate. Phillip has been around the place for a number of years but, of late, has not been able to make the evening’s event so, once again we witnessed the very steady flying of his red and white Tiger Moth. His Moth was one of three flying on this occasion and they are all delightfully steady aircraft that are a pleasure to watch. I chuckled to myself part way through the night when mayhem seemed to be the order of the night, particularly for one flier who seemed to glean certain delights from mid-airs – pity. There he was, bashing his way through the traffic that was, at times, quite heavy and putting on a show that was reminiscent of derby events at the now-extinct Rowley Park Speedway. One just had to look above all that action to see Phillip’s Tiger Moth circulating endlessly, well clear of all that rubbish and in all its old-time glory. A credit to you Phillip.
It is well to realize, at times, that some of our fliers spend considerable time and money in maintaining their beautiful models and it is a sad end when it is blasted out of the sky by someone with other views.
Kirk and Mark continue to improve their expertise with helicopters. Not in a hurry to emulate some of the top fliers, such as Don Rosella, Justin Galbraith and now we can mention him as an old friend, friend of world champions, Colin McGinn. J. J. managed a goal, whereby his ‘foamie’ hung rather forlornly from the goal basket. 
The “eyes” were certainly upon us most of the night with Tony and Calvin seeing all from a non-flying position but, as always, Calvin was ready to offer advice or assistance to those who may seek his expertise.
On noticing that Justin was flying his Ikarus Shock Flyer, that is, the one void of lighting, when queried about its whereabouts, we were promptly informed that his son had sat on it. Knowing Justin’s repairing skills, which are nil, so he tells us, it will be sometime before we see that attractive aircraft in action again. It has probably been dropped off in his spare bedroom with his T-Rex. Ah well – he’ll get sick of others enjoying themselves to the fullest – he will return – I’m sure!
The flying space above the highly polished wooden floor of the stadium was a very busy and, sometimes, congested area for most of the night but, as a few mid-airs thinned out the traffic it could only improve, especially for the slow-fliers. 
I have it on fairly good authority that one of Glen Curtiss’s Jenny JN-4 slow flyers will debut at ETSA Park next month. This is a rather cute little bi-plane of some 32 inches of wing span, controlled by micro-servos and powered by one of the cutest little E-Flite brushless motors (Park 250) that one can find around the traps. Watch this space – it comes from the same establishment that manufactures the Blade CX2 Heli, a Cap 232 and the Extra 260 so they should know their business.
Speaking of the Blade, have you placed your order with Model Flight yet?
Through the week, I handed my Blade to Australia’s fastest Super Truck Driver, Bob Middleton and he was amazed to find that practically anyone can get a Blade CX2 off the ground and look the expert while at it.
I should like to close this month’s epistle dear friends with “the aircraft in the rafters” story. The pilot, who shall only be known as, no, not The Stig, but J.J. managed to fly his often-out-of-control foamie up into the highest rafter where it nestled with apparent satisfaction and gazed down at its controller with a huge smile on its dial. What was really needed then was a v e r y l o n g pole, which was not available. The ever forward-thinking Justin Galbraith sort out the Duty Manager, from whom he acquired a basket ball, with which he proceeded to display his goal shooting expertise. A bounce on the floor in front of him, aim and shoot. He, whilst not actually scoring on several shots, did manage to make contact with the resting model but was not able to dislodge it. The spectators, particularly those who had been shot out of the sky by the wayward model, cheered on Justin with words such as, “hit it Justin – hit it hard”,” Or “Knock it down – smash it” and other unpleasant sayings, not suitable for print. Eventually, Justin scored a top goal, dislodged the model and it fluttered down to the floor, appearing little the worse for its experience.
That, and more you can witness for yourselves at ETSA Park, Railway Terrace, Mile End on the third Thursday of each month where it will only cost you ten dollars to fly and not a cent to sit and enjoy the antics of others, without actually flying.
Phoenix Indoor Flight Reports
Indoor Flying at ETSA Park 2008
| Date |
Court |
Time |
| August 21st |
1 |
8.30-10.30pm |
| September 18th |
1 |
8.30-10.30pm |
| October 16th |
1 |
8.30-10.30pm |
| November 20th |
1 |
8.30-10.30pm |
| December 18th |
1 |
8.30-10.30pm |
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I
want a quote on how much freight it will cost to send items to me.
