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	Models airplanes, rockets take over the skies of Salem for ‘Fun Fly’ event By Kevin Hot a r y The Reminder SALEM — The skies over Salem were buzzing on Sunday, Aug. 13, as the R/C Propbusters model airplane club took over the airspace. Local airplane- and rocket-modelers gathered at the Salem Flying Field for a full day of demonstrations and instructional flights at the Mark Rice Memorial Neighborhood Fun Fly. Mark Rice, who passed away about three years ago, “was a big supporter of and contributor to the club,” said Propbusters Vice President Ray Knieriem. The Fun Fly gives people a chance to see what the sport is all about, said Knieriem. He added that he has never seen so many people at one of the club’s events. — All manner of flying machines were on display at the Fun Fly. The smallest fuel-powered plane could be held easily in one hand and was powered by a .04 cubic-inch engine, while the largest planes were powered by 1.8 cubic-inch gasoline engines similar to those found in weed-whackers. These large planes had wingspans of several feet and, on end, stood as tall as a full-grown adult. Several club members gave demonstration flights, showing off their considerable piloting skills. One pilot in particular, John Banks, awed the crowd with the acrobatic tricks he performed with one of the large model planes, including free-falls, upside down and sideways flying, and all manners of loops and turns. He then seemed to turn his plane into a helicopter, hovering just a few feet off the ground with the propeller facing straight up. Club President Dennis Duplice did fly a model helicopter, showing the crowd the array of maneuvers of which those machines are capable. The loudest crowd reaction came when Dick Wilkins flew his plane, a replica of a dog house, complete with Snoopy sitting on the top. After his first flight was shortened by an unplanned crash landing, Wilkins recovered his plane and flew again, performing a series of maneuvers which drew a loud cheer from the audience. The instructional flights were the highlight of the event for many. Audience members were allowed to take the controls of a model plane and fly around the field under the watchful eye of a club instructor, who, with a tied-in controller, could take over control of the plane at the first sign of trouble. Many children, and some adults lined up, eager for their turn to work the controls. After his flight, one first-time flyer named Pootie said, “It was a little bit harder than I thought it would be.” Club member Bruce Oatway told him, “It took me a year to learn what you just learned.” Joining the R/C Propbusters at the Fun Fly were members of the Central Connecticut Rocketry Club, CATO. CATO members launched a number of rockets ranging in size from small models similar to those found in hobby stores, to homemade rockets several feet tall burning the same type of propellant used by the space shuttle. CATO President Al Gloer said he enjoys the thrill of his hobby. “I’m a born-again rocketeer,” he said. While many flights resulted in rockets flying nearly out of site – the club had to get FAA approval to clear airspace for this event – not all were so successful. Chuck Longston’s rocket burst into flames and was destroyed shortly after liftoff. Said Longston, “Now I have to build another one.” The R/C Propbusters club meets monthly at the Salem Library, and information about the club and upcoming events are available at the club’s Web site, www.rcpropbusters.com The Northeast Amateur Modelers Association meeting, to be held in Salem on Sept. 22-24, should attract an even greater variety of planes, according to Ray Knieriem. R/C Propbusters is also always looking for new members. The only requirement, according to Knieriem, is, “You must want to fly.” Ready to fly. R/C Propbusters Safety Officer Tom Vernon brought his model glider to the Mark Rice Memorial Neighborhood Fun Fly in Salem. Photo by Kevin Hotary. Preparing for liftoff. CATO members Ulf Jonsson (left) and Chuck Longton prepare a rocket for launching. This rocket’s engine burned through an o-ring on liftoff, destroying the rocket. Photos by Kevin Hotary. Snoopy plane. Dick Wilkins received loud cheers when his flying doghouse – complete with Snoopy piloting – took to the skies at the Mark Rice Memorial Fun Fly in Salem. First-time pilot. Gabrielle (left), who had never before flown a model plane, receives instructions from Robert Boudreau (center) and Bruce Oatway at the Fun Fly in Salem.