Annual fly-in starts today
The 14th annual Brodak Fly-In, the largest event of its kind in the United States, according to organizers, starts today in Carmichaels. Hundreds of control-line flyers from across the country will be attending this year’s event. Control-line flying is one of the fastest growing sports in the U.S., organizers said. Competition is judged on the basis of pre-set criteria and awards are given to first-, second- and third-place finishers at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. Among the other awards presented at the Brodak Fly-In are a Travel Award (given to the contestant who travels furthest to attend) and a Competitor’s Award (given to the enthusiast who competes in the most categories).
Flyers do much more than fly their airplanes in circles. During their flights they can do barrel rolls, make figure eights, or execute combat maneuvers. Competitive flying is held in several categories, including Old Time Stunt, Classic Stunt, Precision Aerobatics, Carrier and Sport, as well as “Junkyard Wars,” “Perky Postal” and “Ladies Only.”
Each day’s competition begins with a Pilot’s Meeting at 7:30 a.m., with flights scheduled throughout the morning and afternoon at several flying circles.
Overall, the pilots put on a great show. They’re fun to watch, they’re happy to share their hobby with others, and they welcome spectators.
The event is sponsored by Brodak Manufacturing and Distributing Co. Inc., a local company that has garnered national acclaim for top quality kits, motors, paint products and supplies used in building and flying control-line airplanes.
Founded by John Brodak, the company has the most extensive line of airplanes on the market, including both their own designs and re-issues of classic designs from the heyday of control-line flying.
For more information on the Brodak Fly-In, call John Brodak at 724-966-7335.