2024 – Flying Field Events – Johnson County Radio Control Flyers

Any pilot can describe the mechanics of flying.
What it can do for the spirit of man is beyond description.
– Barry Goldwater

Annual Summary:
The first half of 2024 was filled with interesting weather and environmental events. Day before the Feb-2024 swap meet we experienced a snow and ice storm. First week of April we experienced the total eclipse and had flyers at the field. Excess rain kept the flying field under water most of the time. A day before the May fun fly and tailgate swap meet we had another rain storm on top of the saturated ground. Fortunately, the May 18th event had fantastic weather and a great turnout!

Swap Meet at Johnson County Fairgrounds
17-Feb-2024

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Eclipse Fly-in
08-Apr-2024

Witnessing the eclipse from the flying field with pilots Jim Craig, John Riley, Matt Finney, Clark Boncquet, Glenn Johnson, James Clear, Ken Erickson, and their families was an honor and an absolute pleasure! Before the eclipse, pilots were actively flying and enjoying the calm air space. John, Matt, and Glenn graced the skies with multiple planes. Clark flew his cargo plane over the field and dropped at least two loads with parachutes, which can be seen in three blue sky photos at the end of the gallery below. Jim Craig took to the skies with his Brave night flyer during the eclipse; seeing the night flyer in the dusk like setting was a neat sight. Unfortunately, after multiple great flights, Glenn experienced an issue that shortened his flying time for the day. Overall, history and memories were made at the field.

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Fun Fly and Onsite Tailgate Swap Meet
18-May-2024

Weather began with a dense fog that lifted about the time pilots were arriving or preparing to take flight. In the early hours, people setup their tailgate swap meet items and shopped too. Throughout the day we saw more people show up to buy and sell items in the swap meet.

Although the field was water logged from excess rains people were not deterred from the swap meet or flying activities. Unfortunately, we did not count the number of people or items for sale. At the event we had 18 pilots travel various distances to join us and collectively fly nearly 80 planes. Was great witnessing the active engagements that included pilots sharing tips, tricks, fun stories, and overall having a great time. No question, an impressive display of collaboration, talent, and beautiful aircraft! Speaking of talent, the first competitive fun fly task was knock over the noodle, which had five pilots participate. Brian Merrell flew his way to first place. After hours of open flying the second fun fly task, limbo, had five pilots participate. Pilots for each competitive event were different, with only one pilot participating in both tasks. The light breeze added a fun element to the limbo challenge. After a round of impressive flying, Mike Habig captured first place in Limbo. Extending a congratulations to Brian and Mike on attaining first place. Great flying! Would also like to take a moment to thank Ken Erickson for extending his knowledge and skills on the microphone. Ken can sing too! In addition, Ken volunteered his time and talents to create and manage both of the fun fly tasks. Assisting Ken with the tasks was Mike Habig, Clark Boncquet, and Kevin Kyle; thank you gentlemen!! Between the action, while planes recharged and cooled off, pilots were able to personally refuel at the concession area thanks to Christina.

If you are an AMA pilot we look forward to seeing you on the flight line at an upcoming event. To our spectators, please review the JCRCF event calendar and add entries on your personal calendars. We are looking forward to seeing each of you soon…

Now to present a few photos from the event.

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Gambler / Ticket Fly-in
15-Jun-2024

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Warbirds Fly-in
13-Jul-2024

As we approached the event, forecast was for a very sunny day with temperatures reaching 90 degrees. No question the day was warm. Overall very good pilot and plane turnout leading to an impressive aerial demonstration gracing the airspace over the flying field. Petry continued to demonstrate his elevated and impressive pilot and packing / transportation skills; thank you Petry! Unfortunately, due to timing conflicts, we were unable to capture photos of many incredible pilots and planes in flight during the event. Those in attendance experienced in high definition.

We offer our thanks and express gratitude to Jeff Wagner for his time and talents cooking. In addition, we extend a congratulations to Jeff as he also won the F4U Corsair raffle. <clapping> Congratulations Jeff !!

Aside from great flying we also experienced a day of collaboration and fellowship along with the absolute pleasure of welcoming two new JCRCF members, Preston and Brian. Welcome Brian and Preston!!!

Now to present a few photos from the warbird event.

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Model Aviation Day Fly-in – Supporting USO
10-Aug-2024

Although breezy, we had another good day at the JCRCF flying field. We began the day looking up at our fine American flag, along with the USO and Indiana flags, gracing the airspace at the field; beautiful sight. I am going to miss pilot names and what they flew… my sincere apologies in advance. Overall, we saw pilots brave the erratic winds and fly multiple aircraft throughout the event. Kevin deployed a UMX/Micro size plane that cut through the wind and he showed the wind who was boss. John V. had a sailplane land gently in a pine tree on a limb. Other pilots stepped in to help John with retrieval (thanks all). Warren flew multiple jets and also a helicopter. Warren demonstrated grace and finesse with the helicopter – very smooth flying. Preston, a newer pilot, refused to let the wind deter him and took to the skies with multiple planes. Preston did a fantastic job compensating for the wind and taking charge of his aircraft; great job Preston! Despite an injured hand Chuck B. took to the skies with his F16. Ken hand launched a UMX/micro cub and it performed nicely with a light breeze. No doubt, good times…

Congratulations to the hourly door prize winners, Kevin K., Al S., Warren L., David G.!

If you missed this event, please make a note of future events and join us at the field.