13th Annual: Joe Nall Fly-In
By Jerry Smith
Event details
The Joe Nall Giant Scale Fly-In was held May 18–21, 1995, at Hartness Field in Greenville, South Carolina. The event was sponsored by the Confederate Air Force, IMAA Chapter 94, and the Blueridge R/C Club. Pat Hartness hosted the event on the front yard of his 400‑acre estate. More than 470 registered pilots attended.
- Location: Hartness Field, Greenville, SC (Hartness estate)
- Dates: May 18–21, 1995
- Sponsors: Confederate Air Force; IMAA Chapter 94; Blueridge R/C Club
- Host: Pat Hartness
Attendance and weather
I arrived on Thursday, the first day of the event, and almost didn't find a parking place for my motor home. Many pilots arrived several days early to ensure a prime location.
The weather wasn't ideal. Between threatening storms and high winds there was still considerable flying. After‑hours flying was permitted until dark each day, and some pilots flew in the mornings before the event officially began.
A pilot doesn't fly three or four times a day at an event this size; he's lucky to fly once or twice during the whole event, weather permitting. Of course, some never expect to fly—these modelers are satisfied just to be part of the event. They put their airplanes on the flight line, then socialize with once‑a‑year friends and take it all in. As Kirby McKinney (one of the event's directors) put it, "One‑third come to sit and talk, one‑third come to display their planes and fly once, and one‑third want to fly all the time." It's those that want to fly all the time we really worry about.
Organization and amenities
I asked Event Director Mike Gregory why fliers keep coming back. He said, "There are many reasons with different folks, but first and foremost is good old Southern hospitality. We bend over backwards to see that they have a pleasant experience. We are fortunate enough to have the Hartness estate as an event site with all its amenities."
He added that each year improvements are made and mistakes corrected from the previous year. "We now have it down pat. The computerized flight line has really helped us a great deal and cut down the number of people required in the transmitter impound tent, allowing it to be controlled from the headquarters gazebo. This was a big plus this year. Without the computers we couldn't have done it. Registration was up 75 pilots over last year. The wind and rain messed us up some. However, we had no major complaints and everybody seemed happy. It's really a big undertaking."
One of the event amenities was the Hartness model workshop, where pilots repaired and tuned their airplanes. One pilot installed a new engine; another brazed landing gear. The facility—tools, glue, and covering material—was available to any registered pilot. Eddie Clarke, part of the Hartness staff, was on hand to lend a hand and direct modelers. Many pilots took advantage of this service.
Models on display
Walking up and down the flight line I saw all kinds of models proudly displayed: Extras, Lasers, Cubs, Stingers—the usual variety you would expect at a meet of this size. There were also some more unusual models and examples of outstanding workmanship.
Awards
One of the nice traditions at the Joe Nall Fly‑In is the awards program, held on Saturday afternoon.
- Joe Nall Award (for fairness, sharing, camaraderie, and the ideals of a good R/C pilot): R. B. Kincaid, Pelham, Alabama.
- Bob Smith Award (most realistic flying): Bob Johnson, Northwood, Ohio.
- Bob Smith Award (most realistic aerobatic pilot): Committee selected two pilots—Frank Noll Jr., Dayton, Ohio, and Gerald Neal, Mooresville, North Carolina. They will share the single trophy, each keeping it for six months. Frank won the coin flip and will keep it first.
Don Lowe presented Bob Godfrey with an AMA award for his contributions and his "Tournament of Champions" aircraft designs over the years.
Memorials
Mike Bogardes included a touching memorial honoring three fliers who are no longer with us: Jim Pepino, Ed Izzo, and Cliff Bennett.
Looking ahead
The Joe Nall Fly‑In will happen again next year and will most likely be bigger than ever. The event takes place in the middle of May—plan your vacation now to experience this four‑day event.
I plan to be there to see my friends, fly with them, and enjoy the Saturday night barbecue—there were 850 people in Pat's backyard this year. It's the social event of the year.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
