1991 KRC ELECTRIC FLY
A record high of 156 Electri-fliers jammed southeastern Pennsylvania's Buc‑Le Aerosportsmen field for the 12th annual running of this fun‑oriented meet. The event was held September 21–22 in Quakertown, Pennsylvania, and drew participants from 17 states, Canada, England, and one spectator from France. The meet follows a fun‑fly format and has grown from three participants in 1980 to this year’s record attendance.
Overview
- Date: September 21–22, 1991
- Location: Buc‑Le Aerosportsmen field, Quakertown, PA (about 40 miles north of Philadelphia)
- Registrants: 156 (22 more than last year)
- Countries represented: United States, Canada, England; one spectator from France
- Registration fee: $5 for one day, $8 for the weekend
Format and Events
The Electric Fly uses a fun‑fly format: modelers fly and participate in simple, for‑fun events. This year’s events included:
- Twenty Loops — Fastest Time
- Barnstorming
- Thirty Rolls — Fastest Time
- All Up Last Down
Awards were given to first through third place in these activities (plaques plus cash of $50, $25, and $15). Additional awards:
- Saturday: Stand‑off Scale and Pilots' Choice
- Sunday: Best Old‑Timer and Pilots' Choice
Despite interest in the events, many participants emphasized sport flying and socializing along the flight line.
Field and Facilities
- The Buc‑Le field provided over 900 feet of useful flight line—roughly the length of three football fields end to end—packed with models and modelers.
- KRC set up charging stations along the flight line; one station used a brand‑new auto battery‑maintained 12‑volt charger.
- A remotely located generator supplied power for the flight line and public address system. KRC improved the PA this year by adding several high‑power speakers to cover the extensive flight line.
- To accommodate the large turnout, concessions were handled this year by the volunteer organization North Penn Goodwill Services. On‑field food service was available morning through mid‑afternoon; proceeds benefited volunteer causes.
Weather and Radio Safety
- Weather: chilly mornings that warmed both days, no rain; some wind Saturday that tapered off Sunday.
- Radio safety: over several hundred flights there were no channel‑to‑channel interference reports. A few mishaps (including two midairs) occurred, but none attributable to radio conflicts.
- Safety measures credited for the success:
- Ten appropriately spaced flight stations with specific channel assignments
- Requirement that radios be narrow‑band and gold‑stickered
- Special thanks to Model Aviation’s "RC Flying Today" columnist George M. Myers for promoting safe field practices.
Raffle, Prizes, and Socials
- The KRC raffle, supported by generous donations from the model industry, was a major attraction and helps underwrite the meet.
- Prizes included radios, kits, batteries, etc. Two lucky winners received fully equipped, flight‑tested, ready‑to‑fly electrics—a Great Planes PT Electric on Saturday and another fully equipped model on Sunday.
- Door and field prizes were announced throughout both days.
- Saturday night Dinner Buffet/Social: held at the local fire hall (less than two miles from the field). This year’s 140 available seats sold out by mid‑August. The dinner was prepared by a home‑based catering service; prizes were distributed after the meal.
Notable Flying and Performances
- Steve Neu (California), U.S. F3E team member, brought two performers: an F3E ship and a pylon racer. His blistering vertical climbs and straight‑out speed amazed the crowd—many had never seen F3E flight before.
- Bill Miller (KRC charter member) looped and rolled his Astro‑motored Whisper helicopter, performing several maneuvers multiple times over the weekend to great acclaim.
- Keith Shaw (Ann Arbor, MI) demonstrated showmanship across eight planes (classic favorites and new designs). He spent substantial time talking one‑on‑one with attendees, offering advice and insight.
Trends, Issues, and Outlook
- A clear trend: small .05 power systems are declining while larger, higher‑performance systems (15‑size motors and up) are increasing. The “seven‑cell” era is waning as electric systems mature.
- Some participants expressed the desire for more flying time. High attendance led to long waits for popular channels even with a 20‑minute pylon limit; organizers are considering ways to improve flying opportunities.
- KRC expects continued growth and anticipates an even bigger Electric Fly in 1992.
Thanks and Closing
The author thanks those who expressed appreciation for the monthly column and offers holiday wishes: a joyous and safe season and a happy Electri‑flyin’ New Year. Please include a SASE with correspondence requesting a reply. Take charge, everyone!
Survey Results
Of 156 registrants, 106 returned questionnaires. Key highlights:
- The average participant has modeled for 25.8 years and has been in electric for 6.46 years.
- This year’s participants have attended an average of 3.63 Electric Fly meets.
- Each person brought an average of 2.14 planes — estimated total: 334 electrics.
- Of those responding, 59 also fly wet power.
- Event preferences: 18 wanted more "fun" events; 11 wanted AMA events added; 7 preferred a meet with no events.
- Despite desire for more flying, no one voted for a future registration limit.
- Of those responding, 26 wanted the meet expanded to three days; 5 wanted four days.
- Eighteen voted for more social activity; 16 wanted guest speakers.
- An even 50 wanted the addition of a swap shop — a strong message KRC will consider.
Modelers rated various aspects of the meet as follows (EX = Excellent; VG = Very Good; G = Good; F = Fair; CR = Crash!):
Modelers Rate 1991 RC Electric Fly EX VG G F CR
- Fee 52 29 2 1 0
- Field 71 27 1 0 0
- Concessions 41 33 6 1 0
- Organization 51 28 3 0 0
- Frequency Control 51 29 3 0 0
- Raffle/Prizes 48 33 4 0 0
- Dinner/Social 31 13 5 1 0
When responding to advertisers, mention that you read about them in Model Aviation.
Everyone can look forward to more air time next year.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
