BRODAK FLY-IN
The 2000 Brodak Fly-In — the fourth in the series — was even bigger than the very successful 1999 event. From June 15–18, hundreds of modelers and their families enjoyed four full days of flying, demonstrations, good food, and more, hosted by John and his wife, Buzz, at their 27-acre home and manufacturing site in Carmichaels, Pennsylvania.
Special Guests and Honors
- Stunt legends and Hall of Fame members George Aldrich and Bob Palmer were special guests.
- Art Adamisin was inducted into the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) Model Aviation Hall of Fame. AMA President Dave Brown presented the honor.
- During the induction ceremony, Dan Banjock flew his 1,600-square-inch double-size Flight Streak trailing red, white, and blue streamers while Al Knight played the Jimi Hendrix version of "The Star-Spangled Banner" on electric guitar.
- During a tearful acceptance, Art paid tribute to his wife Betty, his children and grandchildren, and his modeling friends. Buzz presented Betty with a flower basket and read a card from the CL community thanking her for her contributions.
Event Atmosphere and Purpose
Brodak Fly-Ins emphasize camaraderie over competition. Lifelong friendships are strengthened and new relationships are formed. The event was conceived by John Brodak and Bob Hunt five years earlier while sitting in John’s backyard in Carmichaels.
There are currently five grass CL flying circles at the site — four with paved takeoff areas. Buzz joked that John planned to level their home to add two more circles.
Demonstrations and Workshops
- Dan Banjock and Neil Beekman performed a crowd-pleasing simultaneous show with their Bi-Slob biplanes, executing seemingly impossible maneuvers at low altitude.
- Tom Morris demonstrated his Lincoln Log method of building wings.
- Tom Dixon showed distinctive foam-wing construction techniques.
- Master painter Bob Brookins presented how to properly apply Brodak Candy Apple colors and provided hands-on instruction for modelers new to spray equipment.
- The new line of Iwata spray equipment, soon to be available from Brodak, was on display.
Factory Tours and Hobby Shop
- The Brodak manufacturing plant is located close to the field. Production Manager Jim Hunt (Bob Hunt’s father) provided factory tours several times a day and has developed many innovative tools that help maintain Brodak kit quality.
- The Brodak Hobby Shop was open throughout the Fly-In so modelers could shop for supplies. Vendors displayed and sold products.
Competitions and Winners
- Combat: Bob Hunt borrowed an airplane from Event Director Phil Cartier and won four straight matches, capturing his first Combat victory.
- Fun Scale: Reuben MacBride (Garden State Circle Burners) dominated flying a flawless Fairchild PT‑19, including a midflight pilot bailout.
- Old-Time Stunt had a great turnout, with entrants including Zilches, Ringmasters, and El Diablos.
- PAMPA (Precision Aerobatics Model Pilots Association) classes in Built-up and Profile provided competitive opportunities across divisions.
- Clown Racing and Combat were spectator favorites.
Notable Models, Pilots, and Entries
- Prototype models on display included:
- Bob Palmer’s original Thunderbird and Smoothie
- Allen Brickhaus’s Legacy
- Gordon Delaney’s Pathfinder
- Plans were completed and production was about to begin for the Strega kit.
- Exceptional models and builders included:
- Joe Adamusko’s Spitfire
- Dan Banjock’s P‑51
- Kent Tysor’s Strega
- Pattern masters by Jim Damerell, Mike Rogers, and Gary Lutz
- Bob Brookins’ Showtime and Jeff Kemp’s Gee Bee
- After a 35-year absence from CL, Ron Keith returned with a matching Cardinal and Strega, both finished beautifully with Brodak dope.
- Pete and Marie Bergstrom brought a new model that had not flown yet; many pilots helped get it airborne.
International and Notable Attendees
- Contestants came from as far as California, Colorado, and Canada.
- The United Kingdom was represented by:
- Peter Jackson (“Engine Guru”)
- John Benzing (last year’s Advanced winner at the Fly-In)
- Roger Laddis (world F2B judge)
- Paul Winter (England’s “Bad Boy”)
- US Air Force Colonel Dennis D’Angelo traveled from Stuttgart, Germany to compete in Old‑Time Stunt.
Engines, Equipment, and Sales
- George Aldrich was available throughout the contest to assist pilots with engine tuning, offer advice, and explain his GMA and Jett engine lines.
- John Duncan sold his entire foam-wing inventory on the first day.
Nostalgia and Special Classes
- Nostalgia entries included Lieutenant Colonel Tom McClain’s replicas of Harold Price’s Crusader and Steve Woolley’s Cobra, and Jerry Phelps’ rendition of the Tucker Special.
Weather, Food, and Amenities
- Short periods of rain occurred, but attendees gathered under a large tent to enjoy snacks and hot food.
- Complimentary hot buffets were provided Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon — thanks to Buzz for her efforts.
Video and Contact
Video coverage of the Brodak Fly-In 2000, including bonus footage of Paul Walker flying his new B‑17 Stunter, is available from:
Brodak Manufacturing 100 Park Ave. Carmichaels, PA 15320
Plan to attend the 2001 Fly-In.
John G. Brodak 228 Locust St. Carmichaels, PA 15320
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
