For the most part, the weather in the first half of 2024 hasn’t been kind. Never ending rain, wind and cold temperatures has kept flying days to a minimum – especially towards the east of the country. The Midland Area Fly-In has been a gem in the calendar for many modellers, flyers and clubs over the past few years and it felt like this year was no exception. Everyone was eager to take part once again, meet up with friends old and new. This years fly-in was a week earlier than usual, taking place on the first Sunday of July. A lot of hope was riding on a weather forecast that matched the previous three Fly-ins: sunny, hot and not too windy. All eyes were on the weather forecast, like political scientists awaiting the exit poll on election night, eager to see what our fate would be.
While the weather forecast was showing an all too familiar outlook for the weekend; for the masses that braved the meteorologist’s prognostications and threw caution to the wind, we were treated to sunshine, a moderate breeze down the strip and some fantastic views of dramatic weather systems as they passed by in the distance. In short, a fantastic flying day!
Unfortunately the helicopter and control line flight lines were empty this year. But with a huge group of flyers from 12 different clubs in attendance, the flight line was full of variety and a surprisingly good mix of fuel power, and electric power. With Pilots Briefing at 9:45, flying began in earnest at 10:00. Gliders, aerobatic, scale, 3D printed, foamies, EDFs, ARTFs, kit built, plan built and scratch built; they were all there!
Like last year, two Flair Magnatillas stole the show with a fantastic, albeit unprepared, duo flying slot. A Flair Hannibal was also in attendance with a colour scheme that really zipped against the dramatic sky. If you do have a Flair Scout Range model (Magnatilla, Atilla, Puppeteer, Legionnaire, Baronette, SE5a, Fokker D.VII etc.) and are planning on attending next year please bring them along! Another duo flying slot from two E-Flite EC1500 in both USAF and Cargo schemes was also a delight to see. The models looked very impressive in the air, akin to a RIAT flying display.
The raffle table was stocked full of goodies once again including: HobbyZone Duet S2 RTF, Bottles of Nitro Fuel, LiPo Batteries, an Airbrush, JP MB-339 and a Top RC P51-D Mustang. Thanks to J Perkins, Logic RC, Optifuel and Masons Models for the prizes and further thanks to Masons Models for organising the raffle.
With another Fly-in in the rear-view, we are already looking forward to next years Midland Area Fly-in. We hope that you can make it! We can guarantee that it will be one of the most enjoyable flying experiences you’ll have in 2025!
Midland Area Fly-In 2024
