The Phoenix at ETSA in February, 2007Well – what a pleasing group of 11 people gathered at the ETSA Park Netball Stadium to open the indoor season for 2007. The number, whilst heartening, can and no doubt will, be improved, for a number of well known faces were conspicuous by their absence. We did welcome Mal Pring back to our flying venue for Mal has been absent for quite some months and it was great to hear one of his faster models screaming above the highly polished floor at the stadium. The floor had its annual re-surfacing in January and some may realize that that was the reason for us not having an appointment there in that month. Some excellent flying by all present was witnessed and one may even believe that, yes, absence does make the heart grow stronger – or, perhaps, develop an increase in flying ability. Whatever the reason, those present really did seem to enjoy themselves and several found it necessary for the Clerk Of The Course, Model Flight’s Managing Director, Mike O’Reilly to call “Time Gentlemen, please!” 
Steve Nelson, full-size commercial pilot, can usually be relied upon to front up with a new and different model, and his February appearance was no exception. A fascinating Bipe, called “Carbon Traveller” interested all and sundry with its all-moving wing and somewhat intricate linkages that seemed to move every which way, and even these were different for each joint was created by a length of plastic tubing that held both ends together. Steve, the perfectionist, still admits to having a lot of adjusting and sorting before he will be satisfied with its performance. I thought it was great, even at that early stage. Incidentally, you can get one off the net and I think the figure was about US$150. Even when you receive the kit, there is still a heck of a lot of intricate work to do, which includes the covering.
A model, of which Model Flight is justly proud is the E-Flite Blade CX2. As this little helicopter is widely spoken of on their Web Page, I shan’t waste your reading space, except to say that it really is a model that virtually flies straight out of the box. It comes with the lot. Spektrum Radio (and even the dry cells for that are included) a Li-Po battery AND charger etc. You will want for nothing except plenty of spare time to enjoy it within the confines of your lounge etc. There were 4 of them performing at ETSA, two of them featuring L.E.D,s and one of those even had flashing lights. 
I have included a photo of Justin Galbraith and his immaculate foamie, the pair often featuring in past columns of mine and, as always, a whopping great beaming smile. His other model which is not shown in the picture, is his T-Rex Heli which he flies which such excellence, that all other fliers deem it a pleasure to sit that one out and witness his skill.
Whilst on the subject of skilled performances with helicopters, Calvin Puah just continues to improve at every showing. After his recent marriage to the lovely Geraldine, one may have expected his flying to be steadied down but, watching his inverted heli, dusting the floor from about 10 centimetres, one would hardly believe that a matrimonial life has lessened his flying ability. The Phoenix says – congratulations Calvin and Jerry. Kirk is another who is patiently improving his whirlybird flying – not in a hurry to do aerobatics, such as inverted, but to stooge around the flying area, showing amazing skill. 
The Southern Soaring League had a double representation this month with, the afore-mentioned Mal Pring, together with its President, Mark Stone whose flying is always a lovely sight to behold, with his latest display being no exception. Andy Hollitt was in attendance, as was Holdfast Member J.J. and his flying improves with every visit. Those last two are exceptionally keen modelers – being seen regularly at The Hub at Aberfoyle Park, where flying is available on Sunday mornings. 
Calvin had a friend, James, keeping a close eye on proceedings throughout the night, and there is a little space here for Mike to tell of his visitor on the evening. 
We were fortunate to have Stefan Knechle (visiting from Switzerland) join us at the SSL Club meeting earlier in the week, and then at Indoor Flying. It was a pity that Stefan flies Mode 2 otherwise he could have tried his hand at helicopter flying. He is a former Eurotour F3B Champion, and as a member of the Logo Team, won more Eurotour F3B competitions with his ‘Wobbigong’ model than any other competitor in the last 5 years. Stefan also managed to spend an hour or so at the local watering hole with Nick Chabrel and myself. Nick had a lot of questions regarding the upcoming F3B World Championships which are in Switzerland at a field that Stefan knows well. He imparted some valuable tips. (Mike) There were quite a few of our regular fliers missing so I feel sure that the numbers will increase, especially when the weather starts to cool down somewhat. We are booked on Court 1 for the entire 2007 and, once again, we will be meeting there on the third Thursday of each month, 8.30p.m. to 10.30pm right throughout the remainder of 2007. I do hope that you can see your way clear to join us. The cost is still the same at $10 and even if your ma-in-law wishes to come and watch “her boy”at his best, the dear lady will get all that entertainment for no cost at all. Please try and keep in touch with “The Words of the Phoenix” during the year for we do attempt to keep you up to date with, not only flying, but all things modeling.
Phoenix Indoor Flight Reports
Indoor Flying at ETSA Park 2008
| Date |
Court |
Time |
| November 20th |
1 |
8.30-10.30pm |
| December 18th |
1 |
8.30-10.30pm |
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want a quote on how much freight it will cost to send items to me.
