October Indoor a “Balls-Up” (Table Tennis Balls, that is)

A disappointing night was ahead for all those dedicated indoor fliers who turned up for our October Indoor meeting for the air was filled with, rather than model aeroplanes – balls! Yes, ETSA Park was hosting a round of the Masters Games Table Tennis Championships and, as far as the eye could see, every square inch of the floor space was occupied by a table tennis table. Many of our regulars arrived expecting to fly, only to be turned away at the door.

It was disappointing for Mike and The Phoenix because these activities have been proceeding for a couple of weeks, or more and, even though we had pre-booked the stadium for the third Thursday of each month, throughout the year, no one at ETSA had seen fit to advise us of the cancellation. Peter, from Naracoorte had been in Model Flight’s retail shop at 130 Goodwood Road and, hearing of the indoor meet that night, had delayed his return home to join us. He was one of many who were turned away.

We have always maintained that the Indoor Movement is the “poor cousin” when speaking of booking contracts with ETSA Park and that Netball S.A. always has first option and we religiously respect that but, THIS WAS NOT NETBALL!

Even though we are a comparatively small group of people who are involved in our indoor flying sport, we were treated in a fairly callous manner in not being advised of the cancellation. Mike and I apologise to all those who came along on this unfortunate night and we can only hope that there is not a repeat performance.

Hang in there dear friends – sincerely – “The Phoenix.”

Indoor at ETSA Park – September 29th.

This was a special night, for we of the Indoor Flying Movement became an integral part of the famous Bay to Birdwood Motor Rally. With over 1800 Entries it has become the largest event of its type in the world and, for the first time in its history, we were one of their subsidiary events, known as “Cruising Classics.” We wanted this to be a night to remember and with the main highlight of our programme being Hamish Scott and his Blade 450 helicopter with a fascinating programme of full-on aerobatics, it was just that for nearly 90 people who had not witnessed this type of flying, either indoor or outside, before. Hamish wowed them in the aisles.  To watch Hamish in action you can view the video here:

Special homage and appreciation was paid to the O’Reilly family for their dedication to indoor flying, beginning many years ago with rubber-powered models to ultra modern fixed-wing and helicopters of composite materials and the infamous 2 Ghz frequency of today.

My first picture shows a family group engrossed in every movement of the two micro helicopters that were being put through their paces so expertly by both Hamish Scott and Matthew Waye – they tried hard not to miss a single manoeuvre and, with the manner in which these two pilots were flying, that was nigh impossible. The concentration by both Hamish and Matty is depicted in my next picture.


When the Whiteline 3-1/2 metre long Road Train’s 48 wheels had come to a stop, and its one thousand dollar surreal sound system had rested, Hamish demonstrated his superb control of the Blade 450 by making a delightful landing on the roof of the road train’s refrigerator trailer. An act that met with much applause from the most grateful audience, both young and old.

By this time in the evening, the younger set were as excited as though they were awaiting the arrival of Father Christmas on December 25. Through the generosity of Model Flight with the donation of a radio-controlled Mini Cooper as a Door Prize, it was nearly time for the draw. Our good friend, Simon Morris had issued all people with a ticket in this prize on their arrival at the Netball Stadium, later confirming that he had greeted 73 people with a ticket. It was most fitting that the prize should be a Mini Cooper, for the favoured make of car in the large rally this year was, in fact, the Mini Cooper as it was the 50th Anniversary of their release to the World. My final picture is that of the winners, Geoff and Cynthia Chase of Colonel Light Gardens and, although it was disappointing for the keen youngsters who had hoped for a win, Geoff and Cynthia had entered and competed in each of the 11 Special Events, as well as the actual B to B Rally.

The 20-plus fliers who turned up on the night have my sincere thanks for their efforts on the night, for we truly gave the non-flying mob a night to remember. Maybe we can do it again in two years time for the next Classic Bay to Birdwood Motor Rally and its followers.

A huge thank you from – The Phoenix.

Its still cold at ETSA Park in August but.... WHAT A CROWD!

When I arrived at ETSA Park for tonight’s indoor flying entertainment, the Duty Manager told me that we would be flying on Court One. This was good news as it became a rehearsal for our “big night” in September. As we are a part of The Bay To Birdwood motoring event’s Cruising Classic Programme we are staging what has been officially billed as “Night Fliers On Parade” and, to fit in with the Birdwood organizers, we had to change our September night to the last Thursday night, the 29th rather than the usual third Thursday. With both of our leading aerobatic helicopter pilots, namely Hamish Scott and Matthew Waye appearing on that night, we are hoping for a bumper harvest of supporting pilots and their models to boost our programme so that we can entertain, what we hope will be, a large gathering of spectators.

To lift the entertainment value even higher, we would also like to see four-wheel-drive vehicles (the slippery floor is not kind to two-wheel force) and the Whiteline Road Train will perform, together with its fascinating electronic sound system. As the Duty Manager, due to work pressure, had forgotten all about us, we were so well behaved of course, we found ourselves with all four courts with full lighting all night and this quite successfully hid the fact that we had one of our two best flying numbers (24 in all) not only actively engaged, but, actively engaged over a large flying area which added to the overall safety. As a result of the extra space, I do not recall a single mid-air all night.

I have included only one picture in this month’s story and that is of Model Flight Staffer, Brenton, with the very latest to come from the Parkzone stable, the delightful looking UM F27Q Stryker 180 – a long, long title for such a baby? At the RRP of $179.99 from Model Flight’s Goodwood Road store it shows the way to flying one of the slickest aircraft in the micro group that have become so popular of late. It was a little disappointing in that, having spent some time in marrying the new model to his Transmitter, he was to discover that he needed more time than was available to set up this little aircraft and with a slight fault in the rudder mechanism, Brenton did not want to just give a part display in which he may have not been in full control or at full speed.

The good news in this portion of my epistle is that we will NOW see the Stryker make its debut when the night fliers are on parade. Don’t miss it. I shall leave it up to the discretion of our Web-Mistress or Master to insert my picture of Brenton just wherever he/she sees fit. In closing this month’s rather brief interlude, please stay with me as I remind you all that for us, it is Thursday as usual – the only exception is that our September flying night will be on the 29th and that all fees remain unchanged. Here’s a wee secret … the motoring people who are going to fill the galleries will be paying $5 – the small fee going to a charity of the Birdwood people’s choice, whereas our usual spectators will visit for free. I wish you all happy and exotic flying.

The Phoenix

ETSA Park on a Cold July Night

Chuck Thrillseeker & Mike O'R

A warm touch to a very chilly evening at the stadium this month was in the personality of a “new face” at ETSA Park. The very friendly Chuck T. Seeker, a video camera operator , imported by Michael J. O’Reilly and Chuck displayed his brilliance in shooting some “stuff” on the indoor action. This is not the simplest of filming tasks, with ultra small models and very enthusiastic speeds, but he was able to keep most of the action within the perimeters of his view-finder. Well done!

The Pole Cat

One of the models that were featured by Chuck was the latest in the micro-models that only, that day, left the shelves of Model Flight’s Goodwood Road Store, was the “Polecat,” seen here.  It joins its other family members – the Sukhoi, and the Mustang, which are part of the squadron of numerous micro aircraft that are all the rage of the indoor movement these days.

Jamie Nancarrow

This photo worried me a little in that I was curious – was Jamie praying for some devine intervention with his video production, or looking for assistance when making excuses for his late arrival home to one of Australia’s latest mothers, to be??

Merryweathers in Portrait

In the next picture, the Phoenix presents a little portrait image of the Merryweather family, Brad, Nicole and Emily. Tim and Brad’s young ladies must have travelled many Klicks throughout the night and no doubt, all parents would have enjoyed an undisturbed night of sleep from two little very tired girls.

Entourage de la Brenton

In the absence of Michael and his many Parkzone boxes on this evening, It was difficult not to notice the “entourage’ de la Brenton for, as you can see, he totes an enormous amount of luggage – even taking us back a few years with the delightful yellow Jenny.  Mike Schneider (where is your long lost brother, Jergen?) would no doubt have been discussing the good old days with long time modeler, Eric Astill whom, I am sure will just HAVE to show up one night with a model. You cannot return to this venue very often without getting the bug again Eric and, when that happens, you will be welcomed as you always were.

Long-Time fliers Mike & Eric

Vin appears to be winning in the battle for “The Return Of The Candyman!” Two appearances this year already and ‘tis only August. My final picture this month is of the father, George (one of the few SSL members to regularly fly at ETSA Park) and the son, Daniel, with neither rarely missing a monthly flyin. You too, can join us for we fly on the third Thursday of each month, from 8.30 to 10-30p.m. and you only pay $10 for the priveledge IF you fly – come and enjoy the entertainment, as a spectator, for free.

Father and Son

There is one exception to that last sentence and here it is… In September, we are flying on the last Thursday – the 29th and at the usual times. That month is special for we are part of the “Bay To Birdwood” motoring festivities with a title of “Indoor Flying On Parade.”

Already, Nationally leading helicopter expert, Hamish Scott, has agreed to demonstrate his ability – the ability that has carried him to the outstanding title of “one of the best in Australia.” Hamish, I hope, will be joined by Model Flight’s new-model test pilot, Matthew Waye, himself one of the leading fixed wing and helicopter pilots in the country and these two gentlemen on their own will be well worthy of your viewing. The Manageress of the ETSA Park Stadium, Nadine Hewson is opening the bar for this occasion and a large number of fliers and spectators should make it one of our biggest nights so far.

Please keep that in mind – in September, a change of date means we fly on the last Thursday night – not our usual third. See you then in all your glory. 

Your friendly Phoenix.

It's May - And the Phoenix is at ETSA Park

I had intended beginning this month story with a picture of the present state of the Frequency Keyboard, such as was used for many years to make certain that we would not incur frequency clashes during the night. After giving the matter a very serious thought, in fact lots of them, I could not see the excitement of a picture, and good quality I assure you dear readers, of Michael Schneider’s sole key sitting, totally on its on, in the middle of a large table. Exciting? I don’t think so. Sad? Maybe just a tad. But as we move on the current situation made us all eternally grateful for 2.4gHz.

So friends, my first picture is on Andrew Pile, one of the many fliers these days who are gleaning enormous satisfaction from flying micro and ultra-micro models. Again a silent prayer for 2.4gHz as I watched no less than 5 or these tiny models flitting around the sky like a pack of horse flies – well controlled horse flies at that, I might add, but – oh! so fast. Then as I let the lens of my digi sweep along the “Pit Area” it picked up Wayne and Steve who had been busy preparing their two models – a Blade 400 and a tiny MSR. The MSR (Multi-roater) was the beginning of helicopter flying for many a person who had, previously to the exciting introduction of micro contra-rotating blades, thought it all to have been deeply hidden in the too hard basket.

Then, out of the blue, came a flock of micro-sized fixed wing aircraft – tiny aircraft that, apart from being quite aerobatic, flew at such a rapid rate that they became a bit of a problem for the eyesight of Senior Citizens. My third picture shows one of such models, in the Parkzone Ultra-Micro Trojan.


 I would dearly like to point out, at this point in the epistle, that, due to a malfunction of my “ever-before reliable digital camera” I have been forced to fall back on the photographic talents of my friend Mike O’Reilly for this month’s article attachments and suggest that he might sell a lot more from his thriving business, Model Flight on Goodwood Road, If he would kindly pose his models on a black background. The attached photo of the Trojan sitting on a foam box, resulted in a slight pay decrease for his current effort. In nailing one of our newer ETSA Park fliers, who posed for him with his Parkzone UM Sukhoi, shown proudly flaunting his wares in the next image, all was forgiven.  

Another Michael, (goodness me, they are becoming as popular as twin-rotored micro models) has been flying micro models, just about since their release and he can be seen here with his latest effort, a magnificent micro Corsair which astounded those who had time to watch, by, not only its enormous burst of speed but also of its apparent ease of controlling this delightful little model. If you have the slightest interest in indoor flying, this is the way to go. I say indoor for, whilst they are capable of performing outdoors a dead calm day would make the outing a lot more satisfactory. They are just sooooo light with their all-foam build.

I have included the next picture for one reason only. Yes, it is of a cool cat holding his ever-popular Blade 120SR. Now,” listen carefully for I will only say this once.” Let your eyes wander straight down under the “cat” and you will notice the tail feathers of the 120 and that the vertical fin is as far to the rear as it will go. For some reason, mine had moved itself well forward of this position. Now I must admit that there must be a reason for that cos it had been glued in that position. Just make sure that that little Empennage (wow I’m waxing all technical now) is located at that rear-most position and happy flying.

The usual word, that we have all heard before, and I quote, “Andys at it again!” That means, quite simply, that Andy Hollitt has lodged one of his many Foamies in the rafters at ETSA Park Netball Stadium. Not a difficult task for anyone. The hard part is in getting it down again and, in Andy’s usual skilful style, after several attempts, managed to dislodge it with just another foamy from his flock. It was met with much applause as it made a soft landing on the highly polished floor, many metres below. Well done, yet again Andrew.

As they say in the Navy – did and probably still do – “Now hear this.” There is to be a change of date for our September gathering at Indoor. Please make a note, wherever you do that sort of thing, that we meet, at the usual time of 8-30p.m. on September 29th. – I repeat September 29th. This is the last Thursday of that month and the change is for a special reason when we would like to see a great turnout of all classes. If it is electric power and runs on either air or wheels, we would like to see it on that night. The reason – ok, be patient. No doubt you have all heard of one of the major motoring events each year – The Bay To Birdwood Rally which attracts many hundreds of competitors. Well – we are to be a part of their “Cruising Classic Events” which are special events, organized to give the entrants something to do on either days or nights leading up to, and following the major event. They have been invited to visit ETSA Park that night to witness Indoor Flying and this is the first time in the history of that major outing for the motoring fraternity, that one of their support events has been conducted at night time. From our side, we will have one of, not only Australia’s leading Helicopter pilots, but probably world class and quite likely two of those. If you are bringing a wheeled vehicle, make sure it is four-wheel drive as two are not sufficient for that highly polished floor.

Now dear readers, in closing this story for the merry month of May, I visited the Jet Action at Monarto and, whom should I find there but the Managing Director of Model Flight and OMP, Michael O’Reilly who was busily re-fuelling his magnificent Viper Jet – a large model, almost three metres in length and just a tad below that in width. Now you know how I keep my job.

Hoping to see you all at Indoor at ETSA Park once more on June 16th where you will just pay ten dollars to have a night’s flying enjoyment.

Keep it safe – The Phoenix.

Indoor at Easter Time

I have often been guilty of saying that our indoor flying crowd are unpredictable, as far as attendance numbers are concerned and this last evening was typical of that belief. With most people already on the road for their Easter break, it was expected that ‘La Fenice’ would be the only person there. Low and behold, they came in their droves in what could well have been a record number. Showing even more brightness in these dim times was the presentation to us, of the largest flying space we have ever endured at ETSA Park. Our home netball team are due to play their arch rivals, The Magic, this same weekend so all the surrounding, and moveable seating had been put in place in readiness for their huge match and the electrically moveable bank of seats,  previously (and usually) squashed up against the back wall like a huge concertina had been rolled into place, forming one very large grand stand.

One of the advantages of our sport, like many others, is that it is a wonderful opportunity for dads to take members of their family with them and, possibly have them become involved in the actual flying. One such group are the Chapple father and son couple who come down from Berri when possible and, the son, Matthew is one of the most accomplished pilots of, not only models, but also with a full-size Jabiru aircraft going solo after just 8 hours flying. His model flying is always a joy to witness with his dedicated father, never more than a metre away, always willing to tell of Matthew’s accomplishments.

Matthew Waye, the only Model Flight Staff representative on this night was as usual, employed in instruction where and when required, including with another father/son combination; Vin Pike and son Benjamin.

Benjamin amused himself with a small rubber powered model, which he quite successfully launched from the top tier of the very high grandstand.

The Mt. Barker mob, consisting of Alexis Scott and his very accomplished model flier son, Hamish flew a variety of models, Alexis putting “The Beast” through its fantastic manoeuvres, while Hamish was forced to spend considerable time repairing a “foamie” which had almost become a heap of rubble. We again saw it flying before our flying time had expired.

Alexis, the father, caught my eye standing behind a young lad and Alexis is busily engaged in putting “The Beast” through its interesting and exciting paces. Kneeling down was a very busy Hamish, the son, hard at work repairing his foamy so as to enable some more flying before we close. This may be the time to mention a rather tricky subject – that of our departure at the end of a nights entertainment. It rarely happens that we don’t start flying well before our appointed time of 8.30p.m. and quite often, as happened last night, a number of fliers were in the air from the early starting time of 8p.m. giving them a half hour extra entertainment. Why is it, then, that having been given a reminder at twenty past ten each night, that there is ten minutes remaining, that few commence packing up (a quite large job for some) until right on closing time. The duty manager has a lot to do after we leave and I don’t feel that we should abuse the many privileges that he gives us each night. We had twice as many lights on last night and, with a monthly electricity bill of $7,000 – yes seven thousand dollars – it is not hard to see where a lot of that money is spent. So gentlemen, and in some cases ladies as well, as a personal request from me, could you please make the effort to vacate the place BY 10.30p.m.

Do you remember, dear readers, that a few months ago, Peter Melders demonstrated very adroitly, the exciting flying characteristics (a long word) of his “Tri-copter?” He flew it on two occasions, the second time with slightly larger propellers – this may jolt your memory.

Why am I raising that matter, you may well ask for Peter was not in attendance last night. But – what we did witness, was the exciting demonstration of a slightly similar machine, and please forgive me for not getting the gentleman’s name, but this really stirred the cockles of our hearts. Not only did it have three motors, but this model had four and this amazing quad-machine also had a pair of very bright 6-volt powered headlights which, at least, showed which is the leading edge.

Your scribe – “The Phoenix.”

INDOOR AT ETSA PARK GETS CRACKING IN 2011

Commencing our indoor activities for January 2011 may have seen a group of fliers, perhaps slightly lower in numbers, but sky high in enthusiasm unite at the ETSA Park Netball Stadium, which this year has introduced a new Manager in Nadine Hewson. Goodness, in my earlier days a lady manager was known as the Manageress, but then, my mum would not have been seen shopping in trousers, nor my dad seen at work in shorts. We must all be grateful for history changing itself.

We welcomed David Wearing-Smith back after a forced break due to his flying full size and Andy Hollitt quickly put him in control of the delightful and very popular Blade 120SR. Each night we see more and more of these great little single-rotor helicopters which have proved to be the next upward step from the numerous double rotored machines that have been flitting about like a pack of lost horseflies at most indoor venues. David had not flown a heli prior to this night and he was soon hovering Andy’s machine like a professional and, whilst I didn’t see him do it, it was reported that he was soon endeavouring to land on Andy’s little helipad. My picture shows them quite happily calling time out for a few minutes. David is the one with the larger smile on the right.


I was not of much value to the publicity side of our activities on this night for I was too busy introducing a pair (unmatched) of Go-carts, although the slippery floor and the slicks on the carts made them virtually uncontrollable and I was quite contented to hand the transmitters to a pair of my protégés, Mitchell and Matthew to enjoy themselves between flying their tiny Blade MCX. I’m pleased to report that they made little more progress than did some of the grown-ups. I have included a picture of my two “Goeys” and there is a short story regarding the red one. When I was painting the red machine, I thought it a shame to colour the driver for, with his white driving suit and dark faced helmet, he reminded me of a quite popular Englishman and I quote from memory …… “some say that he has never driven a go-cart and that his family jewels are too large to fit in the driver’s seat, but as for me, I just call him The Stig.”

Back to the serious side. I took two “go-eys” to ETSA – the red one is the cheaper of the two by quite a large amount and is a product eminating from Hong Kong. The smaller one drives its power through a very neat differential and the entire model is a work of art which you will find on the shelves at Model Flight’s Goodwood road store or online. Andy, who drives consistently at Hobby Habit a couple of days each week, tried in vain to control my cart outside in the car park and was heard to say that he will endeavour to source some sensible tyres for it.

I thought that the continual, lap after lap, hands free flights of the little Trojan were a sight to behold. I must apologise for not knowing the name of the pilot but he trimmed the Trojan so perfectly that it flew around the stadium with barely any deflection from its course for its entire performance. He is seen in my final picture, nursing this ever-so successful little model which, of course is yet another flying machine that you will find on the shelves at Model Flight.

We are back for another year at the ETSA Park Netball Stadium on Railway Avenue, Mile End, flying the same night, the third Thursday of each month right through to Christmas (Oh dear, I didn’t mean to frighten you by mentioning Christmas – we have only just waved goodbye to the last one and put some straw around the place on which to lay our eggs for Easter) with the usual flying time of 8.30pm to 10.30pm. We would truly love to see you come along and its still free if your wish is to be a spectator. If you fly it will only cost you ten dollars.

Greetings to you all for 2011 – sincerely from The Phoenix.