Stetson Flyers

It was an unseasonably cool and blustery morning, although a much better upgrade from the weather a week before. As I arrived at the field with my cup of Timmie’s in hand, I saw our stalwart, ever-present president already at our field and getting things set up.

As we discussed the sub-optimal weather conditions, the wind was blowing steadily from the north, the sky was a solid grey, and the  temperature was around the 13° mark (REALLY glad I brought my Kenora dinner jacket and a windbreaker) and we were wondering what the attendance was going to be like.

As the morning progressed, the parking lot quickly filled up and at 9:00, Pierre led the pilot’s meeting, the usual rules as per MAAC and such. After that we held a brief memorial ceremony for our friends no longer with us, Sue MacDonald, Jim Denyer and Jason Hlaing. A quick word from Mike Lalonde about the spot landing contest and from yours truly and we were on our way. 

Early on New Year’s Day, 20 members gathered at our snowless airfield for our annual first flight of the year.

The temperature was about -6c with light winds. At 9:00 o’clock, 8 electric planes lined up for take-off, and Rick Ramalho “officially” got the honours of being the first one in the air in 2024, earning bragging rights and a small prize, a pair of MLG skis.

A short time later, we had 2 participants for the Glow/IC category. Gary Robertson initially had a quick start-up and was confidently heading for the flight line, while Greg Oliver patiently ran his engine on the bench, but Gary’s engine stopped while in transit, which brought him back to his own bench. Both pilots finally lined up ready to go and Greg’s plane was off the ground seconds before his opponent. Which earned Greg bragging rights for 2024 and a small prize, a tail-wheel ski,
There was lots of fun and cheering.

Thursday November 30 saw some 46 members and family join together at Mandarin Buffet restaurant for the annual Stetsons Christmas Party.
While the numbers were down a bit, the crowd more than made up for it with enthusiasm and fun. 
A big Stetson Thank You to Mandarin. Great food as always. It always makes me chuckle to see the kids go for pizza and fries, in the midst of 100 delicious buffet items!

Santa's helpers were able to provide gifts to the children again this year. We tried for Santa, but he was tied up in C of A issues on his sleigh!
Louis' folks at Air Inuit were trying to help out, but reported issues with a red nose light not meeting Transport Canada regulations. Fancy that!
Special thanks to Pierre Voyer for adding to the gifts with his hand-made toys from his 3D printers. Fantastic! The kids were delighted.

Several awards were handed out and accomplishments celebrated throughout the evening. 

 NEED REPORT AND PHOTOS 

Well, the weather gods and Mother Nature welcomed the Stetsons Flyer’s to a beautiful and gorgeous day in which to meet, greet and make new friends in an environment where “like minded” model R/C aircraft enthusiasts; (that’s us); Big Boys with cool Toys to a relaxing day of fun and enjoyment.

Approximately 26 registered pilots participated in this year’s event.

On behalf of the Stetson Flyers, I would like to thank club executive and all our sponsors, (Great Hobbies, Orleans Hobbies and KC’s restaurant) for their kind and generous prizes and support.

I personally like to thank all our volunteers who graciously gave up their free time and participation in making this year’s Giant Scale event a very enjoyable and rewarding event, Thank You.

So enough of me, enjoy the pictures.

We had Fun
Hal MacDonald
MAAC 79637L
Event Director