Hundreds to flock to Carmichaels for Brodak Fly-In
CARMICHAELS – The largest event of its kind – the 22nd Brodak Fly-In control-line model airplane competition – begins Monday.
John Brodak said the goal has always been to host an event where enthusiasts who build and fly control-line model airplanes could compete, swap ideas and get to know each other. Interested competitors travel from across the country and world, including from Australia and Japan this year. About 130 pilots have signed up.
Brodak hosts the event at his Cumberland Township home, where he has constructed six flying circles in his backyard. Brodak was instrumental in reviving the sport and manufacturing company is the largest control-line kit producer. Building the plane, Brodak said, is part of the fun.
The planes are lightweight and flown on 75-foot-long wire cables.
Control line began to fall out of favor when radio control planes grew in popularity, he said.
“Our type of flying is hard,” Brodak said, explaining the skill and control it takes to keep a plane in the air. He said many interested now began in their youth, like he did, before the radio planes.
“We’re a little concerned because not a lot of young people are in it,” he said. “But we’re such a close organization.”
Despite the concerns, the annual event is a family affair, a helpful atmosphere for old and new friends to share in a common hobby.
Nearly 3,000 pilots have made over 12,000 flights with over 65,000 miles flown, but the event didn’t begin as popular as it is now. According to a news release, Brodak’s Fly-In started out in {span}1997 {/span}with about 30 competitors and lasted only three days. It’s since garnered national and international media attention. Past participants have ranged in age from 7 to 89.
Control-line planes have a wingspan between 24 and 48 inches. The basic flight pattern is a circle, though pilots can incorporate rolls, figure eights and other patterns and stunts, depending on their skill. Different categories require different skill sets, and competitions are divided into beginner, intermediate, advanced and expert classes.
Different competitions range from acrobatics to combat to ladies and youth only divisions. There’s even a “junkyard wars” competition, where a team builds and flies a plane made from scrap.
The event runs through Saturday and is free for the public to attend. For more information, visit brodak.com or call Brodak Manufacturing at 724-966-7335.