| Usually each month, folks arrive in small batches and seemingly with plenty of leisure time. April was an exception for, when I made an appearance in the stadium, one flier was already in action and, in a very short space of time, a half dozen or more walked in with armfuls of models, that were very soon flying towards the unforgiving steel rafters. These often-mentioned rafters were to play yet another fateful demise to an expertly flown model – and believe me, I MEAN EXPERT. More of that shortly. It was a big night for we regulars, for, after a far too long interlude,
we again welcomed a world famous English gentleman, in the form of Mr. Colin McGinn, who is one of the leading figures in the world of aerobatic model helicopter flying. He should also be named as the “rapid maker of friends” for soon after his entry into ETSA Stadium, in only his second visit there, he was surrounded by a number of people, eager to renew their acquaintances with Colin. 
My first picture shows Mr. Modelflight, Michael O’Reilly on the left with Colin McGinn. This picky is followed by one of Colin, on his knees, preparing his Blade 400 for yet another demonstration flight. 
The flying area was quickly cleared of all other fliers who were eager to watch Colin’s demo as announced by Michael and the excitement began. Jurgen Schneider was seen to put another spectator between he and the “speed of sound” flying Blade as the demonstration progressed. I say “speed of sound” for the flying speed of Colin’s model made it difficult for some of us to follow its manoeuvers. It seemed, as we noticed some
of the flying spectators appear to move back a little, that something was going to happen, that was not included in the script. IT HAPPENED. A tiny error, be it a pilot or equipment error, did happen and the Blade 400 appeared to just tip one of the infamous rafters and then, at this enormous speed plummet into the unforgiving surface of the board floor of the stadium. Silence was deafening! 
My next picture, as the Blade lay where it came to rest, shows the enormous strength of this model. The blades are still in tact with most of the damage appearing to be to the composite body structures, and I should think that the repairs had been completed by the back-room boys by the following lunch time. 
It was very rewarding, be it surprising, to see the return to our flying ranks of Eric Astill and he can be seen in the next picture with, from left, Eric, Michael Schneider, Dave Whitten and Scotty (Broad) Gage. We hope that, after a couple of short flights with the Broad Gage foamie, his wish to return to flying was whetted. Ill health has cut back his activities and now, with all of that behind him, we look forward to further appearances at ETSA Park. 
With Colin being such a likeable Pom, I too, managed to get into the picture, as the next shot exhibits. I always have treated our English import, be it temporarily, with an enormous amount of respect and I was pleased to share a little digital time with him.
Simon Morris had, just prior to Thursday night, made a trip to Canberra with Michael O’Reilly, his manager Jamie Nancarrow and Colin, so it was not surprising that Simon should grace us with his presence on this rare occasion. Simon is seen using the spectator seating for a better advantage of the nights flying. 
I could not let this moment escape my camera. Brad Merryweather, smiling as always, as he helped one of the beginners to life at ETSA Park. Brad was one of several employees of Model Flight who were in Attendance on this night. Others, not already mentioned, were Toddles, Matty Brenton (whose flying time was interspersed with aiding others less fortunate than he), and Dave Whitten, who always seems to find someone in need of his expertise.
Mike Lonsdale, another Model Flight staffer, who has been busy, in the company of Jamie, erecting some of the fittings in their new shop, which is due to open on 5th May at 130 Goodwood Road, Goodwood, was accompanied (or should it be the other way round) by his 14-year-old son Jack. Jack really disgusted me – here was a 14 year old doing things that I had been trying to do for 40 years – or is it 50, and he was doing it with such a degree of excellence that I could hardly keep my hands still to take his picture.
Well done Jack – try and keep him at it Mike and he will be showing Mr. McGinn how to keep his Blade out of the rafters by the time he returns in November. Oops! 
The return of another “face in the crowd” could not be overlooked or missed by my camera. I speak of Phil Dutton who quietly took in all the action during the night hopefully sufficiently renewing his interest to see his return to the indoor flying ranks. He builds a real mean model and they have been missed by many for too long. 
If we had produced an award for the most improved pilot, I do not think it would be hard to select another Blade 400 pilot in Toddles. The first night that Todd came to my attention, he was seen over the other side of the stadium and, with trainer undercarriage attached to his Blade, was quite contented to lift it a foot or so off the floor and down again. This he did for most of the 2 hours flying time. Now, some two months down the track, his Blade is still carrying its trainer wheels, but could be seen doing short out and back circles with a couple of feet space between it and the floor. Well done Todd. Todd can be seen in my final picture on the left of Colin (that man again) and Jamie Nancarrow. Unfortunately, I do not know the name of the 4th gentleman in the white T. He may be a workmate of Daly May, who was yet another Model Flight staffer in attendance at the April fixture. Just as well the shop was closed cos I think the only one missing was Mike’s top shelf co-director and S.W.M.B.O. the lovely Janine.
Dear folks – thank you for sharing this time of communion with me – we will get together once again on Thursday, 15th May. Please keep in mind that if you fly, you pay ten dollars. We do have rent to pay. If you come without your model, it costs you absolutely nothing. Please meet again with your friendly Phoenix – just four weeks from now.
Phoenix Indoor Flight Reports
Indoor Flying at ETSA Park 2008
| Date |
Court |
Time |
| June 19th |
1 |
8.30-10.30pm |
| July 17th |
1 |
8.30-10.30pm |
| August 21st |
1 |
8.30-10.30pm |
| September 18th |
1 |
8.30-10.30pm |
| October 16th |
1 |
8.30-10.30pm |
| November 20th |
1 |
8.30-10.30pm |
| December 18th |
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.
