Indoor Flying with the Phoenix in January

WE COMMENCE 2013 AT THE NETBALL STADIUM...

Whilst the evening started off in a somewhat mild manner, it did end up being a fascinating night of indoor flying, as they usually do. Netball SA’s Duty Manager, Adam was back with us after what has been a fairly long break when he had been rostered on other shifts that just did not coincide with our flying times. Welcome back Adam.

I open the photographic portion of this months story with a shot of, not only the box but also of the latest baby heli which, although only released in the U.S.A. at present, it will be showing its pretty little face in our leading hobby shops in the fairly near future, so watch for it.   It is called the Blade (what other name did  you expect) mCP X BL and don’t be fooled by its rather docile appearance as it sits before you. More on that model shortly. I also took a shot of the P-40 Warhawk and, as you all know, dear readers, these  “Micro” models with the tiny wing-span but enormous turn of speed have been flooding the market over the past twelve months and the Warhawk is one of the latest. An attractive little model that will find pride of place among the Corsairs, Spitfires and others of this breed. As you are all aware, I have spoken of Chris Brislin in earlier stories – how he is the greatest flier who has appeared, not only at our Indoor Meetings, but also at various World competitions, in which he has come out in front of most other competitors. Chris joined us this month, but although we didn’t give him, or expect him to do much flying, for me, as the cameraman, I did use him in static displays and probably my main pix this month shows Chris, demonstrating tender loving care, even when just holding one of the most recent aircraft to hit our shores. (For shores, read Model Shops.) The aircraft is called The Visionaire and, at present, all I can say is that it is a very attractive model, but you can see that for yourself.  It is a delightful design and I shall withhold other details until more is known of its performance. I will say that I suggest that you keep your eyes on a “field near you” and, who knows, you may be one of the lucky ones who will witness this beautiful aircraft on its maiden flight. Watch for it! Now, you will see  four of our regular members of our Indoor Flying Movement and I, who was sitting behind them could see the humourous side of  this display. Each of their heads moved in unison with the others and I thought for the moment that the Bernard Tomic/Roger Federer match had been brought forward to last Thursday night.  When I took my camera around to the other side and faced them, I realized that they were watching Hamish Scott with one of his outstanding flying displays whilst demonstrating the afore-mentioned Blade MCPX. They are, from left to right, Ben (the most recent addition to Model Flight’s Staff, Chuck T (who still needs a haircut before he gets it caught in a spinning prop,)  Hamish, who is the worker of the group and the boss of us all, Mike O’Reilly. I could not help but notice that no matter who picked up the “Visionaire” and then placed  it on the newly re-surfaced shiny floor of the stadium, it immediately gathered a group of interested on-lookers. It is just that sort of aircraft, as my final pix shows. Now, fellow indoor fliers, particularly  those of you who did not make it to the January fly night, we ARE BACK IN BUSINESS which means that we continue to meet for fellowship on the third Thursday of each remaining month for 2013 – the flying fee has not changed ($10) and it is still a free night’s entertainment for those who prefer to just come along and watch. Yes we are still meeting at the Netball Stadium at Railway Terrace, Mile End. In closing, I wish you all, a wonderful 2013 and may good fortune shine on you and bring you all those  model aircraft for which you have wished throughout 2012. A  friendly farewell from the “Phoenix.”