The Fun-Fly Air Show, being hosted by the 100 Mile Model Flyers Society, promises to bring the excitement of a full-sized air show in a mini format, July 27-28.
The show takes place at the South Cariboo Regional Airport (108 Ranch) with up to 30 model plane enthusiasts demonstrating what they can do with their aircraft.
With each person expected to bring up to four planes, there should be quite a variety, says society treasurer John Code.
“We'll have model planes and helicopters of all sizes; from small to an eight-foot (2.4 metres) wing span.”
Code says he hopes to see a couple of model jets show up. He explains they have jet engines and can fly up to 200 miles per hour (322 kilometres per hour).
“It's a big deal for a model enthusiast to own one of these because of the complexity and price. Some guys have in excess of $20,000 wrapped up in them.”
He adds helicopters will be fun to watch as they fly upside down and do other stunts outside the normal realm of what a full-size helicopter can do.
“If a real pilot was inside some of the models, they couldn't survive because of the G-forces encountered in the manoeuvres.”
Code says he hopes a few flyers come forward to fly combat, where they'll put expendable planes in the air with a long ribbon tied to their tail. The object will be to chew off each other's ribbon with propellors, Code says.
A limbo contest, where planes fly low and try to clear a ribbon stretched across the runway, and spot landings are both possibilities.
“It really depends on the weather and the pilots. This is really about getting together and flying planes, and we invite the public to come and watch.”
He adds it's normal procedure for each club to host a fly-in each year and put out invitations to other clubs. He's expecting to see flyers come from Prince George, Kamloops, Vernon, Kelowna and Revelstoke.
The public will have the opportunity to view the planes up close at noon, when most will be parked during the lunch break.
“Other than that, we'll try to keep two or three planes in the air at all times, so the public has something to watch.”
Code says he's always had the aviation bug and flies model planes for the same reasons most others do.
“You see a lot of guys who love aviation, but couldn't afford the time or cost of getting a pilot's licence. It's quite a broad, encompassing hobby that appeals to a broad range of interests. There's the mechanics of it and the camaraderie of being a member of a club.”
The fly-in runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to around 2 p.m. on Sunday. Dogs will not be allowed entrance. Gate admission is by cash donation which will be used for improvements to the club facility.
Psalm 23 Transition Society will provide a concession.