 AUGUST FOUND THE PHOENIX
AT ETSA PARKThis was not a good showing, especially after our record crowd in July, and this evening found us down in numbers of both fliers and spectators, particular the latter.
However, they all rose, both of them, to their feet in wonder and admiration for the tiny Cessna 210 Centurion that saw Mike O’Reilly taxi it across the highly polished floor of the stadium, and lifted ever so gracefully towards the rafters. Unlike some of the larger models, it hardly raised a reflection – it being so small. Let me give you the facts, dear readers: It is an RTF model with your choice of either red or yellow and with a wing span of approx 20 cms, it is a joy to behold as its 2.4GHz Spectrum Radio – proportional ofcourse – controls it through its selection of delightful manoeuvres. It comes with a quite attractive display stand which serves also as its battery charger and this enables one to re-charge the 3.7V 70mAh Li-Po pack in only 15-20 minutes. It was, indeed, a wonderful flying display from the master, whom we all know, could put on a fascinating display when flying a paling off the fence, provided it was controlled by a JR Radio.
Please don’t rush to your favourite hobby shop to purchase a Centurion for there is some doubt that they will be in the shops, with a purchase price of near the $200 mark, in time to be someone’s most appreciated Christmas present.
To add to the the enormous amount of sadness in the world today, we were all jolted to realism on learning that two very important members of the Model Flight Staff from Maple Avenue Keswick are departing for what we all hope, will be greener pastures. I speak of the computer whiz, Calvin Puah who, for quite some time now, has been spending the third Thursday night of each month helping heli pilots in their endeavours to become as efficient as is he. Not an easy task. The other gentleman whose presence will be missed in a similarly high degree as Calvin is Tony Williams who, for some time now has been controlling the front counter with his abundance of knowledge and guidance. They will both be sorely missed and I’m sure that you join me in wishing them both every success in their new ventures.
Let me get all the teary stuff off my plate by letting you all know that one other who, together with his outstandingly smooth flying skill, be it with fixed wing or helicopter, will be missing from our ranks until, at least, the end of the year. Justin Galbraith, for whom I always seem to find space in my columns is parting from us temporarily for work-related reasons. His antics at our last gathering, which saw him fly his foamie under the handrail, which runs in front of the spectator seating, and then quickly pulling up to miss the seats and roll over the top before lining up for another attempt, was done, as Justin explained, “because he couldn’t find anything else to do!”
He will always be one of the great characters among our wonderful monthly gathering, and if we ran an attendance book for our indoor meets, then JG would top the list. We look forward to his safe return.
Okay – all happy stuff now. Your friendly Phoenix managed to be a happy snapper this month and my pix lead away with the shot of Mike and his little Cessna. I think his smile shows that he is looking forward to bundles of orders for this delightful model, rather than the problems that lie ahead of him in endeavouring to fill the large footsteps that have been left by his vacating staff. 
I also found Don Rosella squatting down, leaning over one of his own-design magnificent helicopters as he makes some final adjustments before another fascinating flying display. We really do have some experts among our group at ETSA and they are great entertainment for the spectators, that is when they are able to join us. 
It was great to see that Greg was able to join us again. We have not seen a lot of him in the past but, having regular treatment on a dicky knee over a number of years, it must be rewarding for him and certainly a pleasant surprise for those who have known Greg as long as I, that he has discarded his walking stick at long last. You seemed to be quite contented sitting with Mike Schneider for the larger part of the evening. I’m sure that the “Red Baron” would have brought you up to date with features of modeling that you may have missed for a long time. I hope we see you hanging on to a transmitter in the not too distance future. 
Another of my pickies shows a handsome duo – Jurgen and Dennis, both showing off their all-foam models and that may not be of the high degree of interest on which I have placed the picture. In my years of communicating with you, dear readers, I have never known anyone to be successful in procuring an image of Dennis, be it 36mm or digital. I am either sending it to the Art Gallery or, perhaps, even I might offer it on E-bay. If you see The Phoenix driving around in a Bentley or Rolls in the not too distant future, then you will realize that I had a successful sale. Oh damn! Pardon my sudden burst of French but I just realized that Michael O is in the U.K. at present – he could have hopped across the channel in the Eurostar and offered my picture to The Louvre in Paris.
I have waffled long enough and, as I leave you all for another month, I go with a reminder hanging in the air – we will gather again at ETSA Park on September 20th. It can be an interesting night’s viewing with no cost – BUT – if you wish to pop a model in the boot (of your car) then it will only cost you ten dollars to fly from 8.30p.m. until 10.30p.m.
Phoenix Indoor Flight Reports
Indoor Flying at ETSA Park 2009
| Date |
Court |
Time |
| Thursday 17th September |
1 |
8.30-10.30pm |
| Thursday 15th October |
1 |
8.30-10.30pm |
| Thursday 19th November |
1 |
8.30-10.30pm |
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I
want a quote on how much freight it will cost to send items to me.
