Fly-in kicks off today
CARMICHAELS – The world of model aviation will focus on Carmichaels this week when the largest flying event of its kind kicks off today and runs through Saturday.
The Brodak Fly-In, launched 17 years ago, started as a small event where enthusiasts who build and fly control-line model airplanes could compete in various categories, swap ideas and get to know one another better.
The first fly-in lasted three days and drew about 30 people, but it also drew attention in national magazines devoted to model aviation and, over the years, has been recognized by control-line fliers from as far away as South America and Australia.
Hundreds of builders and fliers are expected to attend this year’s event.
The idea behind the fly-in, says John Brodak, was “to host an event where people could get together and have some fun.” But, he says, the fly-in has become more than that. “We think that this is a case where everyone wins. The builders and fliers have a great time. They spend money in the local communities and Carmichaels gets national attention through the advertising for the event,” he said.
The event is held in Brodak’s backyard at 228 Locust St., Carmichaels, where Brodak has constructed six flying circles on 23 acres.
Competitions range from precision aerobatics and combat to “Ladies and Youth Only” basic flights and “Junkyard Wars,” a competition in which a team of builders must build and fly a plane made from scrap.
Control-line airplanes generally have a wing span of 24 to 48 inches, are lightweight and are flown on thin wire cables that are 75 feet long. While the basic flight pattern is a circle, flyers can do figure-eights, rolls and many other patterns, or “stunts,” depending on the skill of the pilot.
Each of the different categories requires different flying skills, and competition is usually divided into beginner, intermediate, advanced and expert classes.
There is no admission charge to attend the Brodak Fly-In. In fact, Brodak says, “We encourage nonfliers to come out and see what control-line flying is all about. It’s a great sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.”
The oldest entrant to compete at the fly-in was 89 years old while the youngest was 7.