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.

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.

October Indoor Flying with The Phoenix

Another interesting and fun-filled night was had by those who were able to attend the October gathering of indoor fliers, both with fixed wing aircraft and helicopters. Peter Melders thrilled all with his Tri-copter and, although we witnessed its flying ability a month or so ago, on this night we saw it flying with larger propellers. It was just so stable and well-controlled in his hands, that he made it look as though it was a “piece of cake.”

The little FORCE combat helicopters were again a source of amusement for both pilots and the spectators, whose numbers had grown to quite a presentable group. The fact that one does not pay to watch should, when the word travels, enlarge our viewing audience, hopefully.

Vin Pike, whom you see in one of my pictures, fully laid back in a picture of complete relaxation, was introduced to the combat portion of entertainment with glee and found that he could not refuse Mike O’Reilly’s instruction, which was…”here Vin, fly this.” I’m sure that Vin will show up next month, flying his own little Force FHX combat heli which Model Flight imports from Horizon Hobbies in the U.S.A. All you have to do Vin is pass the word to Peter Smyth.

There were exciting movements around the old town this week when the General Manager of Model Flight, Jamie Nancarrow, took Merrin O’Reilly to be his beautiful bride, welding together for many years to come, the Model Flight Empire of the O’Reilly’s and Nancarrow’s and I’m sure that you all join me in wishing them a wonderful future. I just had to slip in a picture of the overjoyed parents of the bride, Michael and Janine. I actually think that that is a smug look on the face of the father of the bride. So it should be!

Matthew Waye appeared to be having a quiet evening and when my camera grabbed him, as you can see, he was looking immaculately groomed with a very close shave etc. What’s going on Mattie, is there a lovely lady in town this week?

My final picture is of Model Flight Staffers, Brenton and David with the Managing Director, Mike and their models.

Towards the end of flying time, almost two hours from commencing ten dollars of flying time, Andy put his foam pylons in place for those who wished to join him in flying indoor pylon and this is yet another attraction that our ETSA Park Netball Stadium fliers, who gather there on the third Thursday of each month, right throughout the year, can look forward to as added entertainment for them in the Railway Terrace, Mile End venue. Your friendly Phoenix looks forward to seeing you there.

I was speaking with another Staffer, Tim (he is the one who retrieves packages from the top shelf at the OMP's Warehouse at Lonsdale, without a ladder) and he was saying that they keep running out of the 120SR’s almost as the container arrives. SR standing for single rotor. I am having my most enjoyable indoors with one of these outstanding models and I suggest that, if interested you contact Store Manager, Brad , and ask him to let you know when one is available. You won’t regret it.

The Phoenix.

It's September 2010 with the Phoenix

As the “Leedies” were not engaged with ball games at ETSA Park on the night of our latest Indoor Flying, we were able to fly from 7.45 p.m. thanks to Adam, the duty manager of the stadium, who gave the ok to start unloading and rigging models. It suited the Phoenix as the Angaston Annual Show Society representatives had arrived early to view my “now infamous” Roadtrain which has been booked for their show in February. They returned to Angaston apparently quite contented with their viewing on the night.

With the onslaught of the combat helicopters, the FHX and MH-35 Heli's, which were released to the public on that night, my first picture is of the delightful little machine, the first change one notices from other Micro contra-rotating blade setups, being what appeared to be a back-to-front exhaust box sticking out the front of the machine. In actuality, that is the “machine gun.” In some of the pictures you will also notice two orange buttons on the underside of the transmitter, which operate the guns.

Brenton & Jamie Concentrating

Model Flight’s Managing Director, Michael O’Reilly had envisaged up to a dozen combatants in the air at one time and, after their first official outing, this seems well within the realms of possibility, when eight of them flew together on this first occasion. I had the enormous pleasure of joining 7 Model Flight Staffers in combat and whilst the mass battle continued, few other fliers were in action as most interest was in the little micro copters spinning whenever a “direct hit” was registered against it. Brenton and Jamie are seen in heavy concentration during one of their “battles.”

Klaus and Jenny arrive

I found it quite easy to snap Jenni and Klaus Rudloff (that’s Jenni on the left without the beard) when they arrived at the stadium. Under their normal clothes, they were wearing suits of armour for they had come prepared to do battle with the enemy, eagerly displaying their red or blue light to identify them as either friend or foe. If you look at the photo of Brenton, with his barely visible combat model, you can plainly see the orange firing buttons on the transmitter, which is included in the fascinating kit. These little models brought a new life to and a new interest in, our indoor flying movement in Adelaide. Retailing at just $169 it is a cheap method of having a great night’s entertainment.

An interesting young 16-year-old is Matthew Chapple who is shown demonstrating a tail stand with his foamie. Matthew is a certificated full-size pilot but another outstanding feature of this pleasant-mannered young gentleman is that he and his dad, Trevor, drove down from Waikerie, especially for our indoor evening. Matthew flew for most of our two hour flying period which, I might add, costs ten dollars, then he and Trevor got back in their car and drove the 2-hour journey back home again. The four-hour combined trip displays the enthusiasm of two people to take part in another two hours that is spent at the ETSA Park Netball Stadium on Railway Terrace, Mile End on the third Thursday of each month. Our official flying hours are normally from 8.30p.m. to 10.30p.m. but, as shown on this occasion, we are often granted a generous start by the Manager on duty.

Finally, dear friends, I must mention the quite large, spidery contraption that Peter brought with him. I say spidery for it did remind me of “Spiderman” climbing up a tall building with arms and legs outstretched. The difference in this piece of fascinating machinery is that three E-Flite electric brushless motors are mounted on the end of each arm, which, in fact, began life as the tail booms of model helicopters. This is a Tri-copter and to say that it rises in ultra-steady flight in Peter’s hands, would be an understatement. I did take a couple or more shots of this model in flight but its absolute “stelth” appearance made the images quite useless to use in this epistle. You may recall seeing Peter’s delightful r/c rocket which rose from a vertical tail stand, leveled out, did a few circuits and then slowly and gracefully lowered back onto the tail for landing. This tri-copter joins Peter’s collection of “amazing machines.” There is another on the building board but you will have to keep your eye on the Phoenix columns to hear of it.                    

The Phoenix Freezes at ETSA Park in August

As I exited my driveway at a tad after seven for our Monthly Indoor Flying Event at ETSA Park, I later discovered that 17 other warm blooded pilots were stalwartly joining me on the road to what was to become, our coldest night on record at that venue. No fear of my wings melting and falling to earth from my body. One of the most sensible arrivals was one gentleman, complete with, what appeared to be a delightfully thick woolen hoody and as the night became even colder, I had wished for the strength to remove it for my own use.

However, dear readers, even under these quite torrid conditions, we had come to ETSA to fly our electric models, both fixed wing and helicopters, all of various materials from balsa in the more conventional style, to some of the latest models from your favourite model shop, such as the Blade 120SR which was making its second public appearance. This it did with some aplomb and skill from the Managing Director of Modelflight, Mike O’Reilly who was the first of two lucky pilots with this ultra-advanced helicopter. It has since been released for sale and can be seen on the shelves on the Goodwood Road shop. The larger of the helis, such as the Blade 400, which is the largest permitted heli at ETSA Park, spent most of their time on Court 2, and with their training frames attached they proved that patience and practice is producing some very steady hovering.

Andy Hollitt again demonstrated indoor pylon competition with such skill, as one expects to see from Andy, that I am sure a number of others had their interests stirred a little and probably hoped that they had a foam constructed pylon racing aircraft so that they, too, could have joined Andy. Keep it up Andy, I feel sure the interest will grow which is good as it does not take up a lot of space.

When Brenton Wildman arrived, I thought that, just maybe, I was in Steptoe’s shop. Please let me elucidate for it was not scrap but boxes of models. Some unused and others with very little use but, as Brenton is moving house he finds the necessity to rid himself of a number of models that are surplus to his very active flying life style. So he brought his garage sale to ETSA Park. As Brenton is providing the pix for this article, due to a temporary malfunction with my camera/computer equipment, and as I have no idea which shots he is using, my story may appear a little lost without mentioning the accompanying shots. My thanks to Brenton for the backing. Here is a pic of the E-Flite Blade Tandem Rescue Heli, test flown by Brenton before its arrival on Aussie shores early September. "The new Eflite Blade Tandem Rescue was flown early in the night, very stable and controllable".

A couple of our regular fliers brought small racing cars, both 4 and 2-wheel drive models and if you would like to join them on future nights, do not hesitate to toss a car or two in your boot. J.J. joined the father Mike and the son Ryan Holmes in some playful combat with their very manoeuvrable (well that’s how Mr Oxford spells it – I would have liked to have added another (e)) foam models and the main thing that this exemplified was the enormous improvement in Ryan’s flying. We have watched this 14-year-old’s flying from his beginning and being nurtured by a doting father, together with an obedient son has produced an outstanding degree of skill, expecially in one so young. I just wish that I had his computer and electronic skills – I would have some photos to show you dear friends. Mike H, we have not had a family display yet so when can we expect to see Mary, the mother, join the father and son? Say that would be fantastic - like –“the family who flies together, stays together!” Okay, so you’re doing very nicely thank you, without that rubbish. If we can look far enough back into history, we would remember Pat Crowe and his two sons all flying together, and I’ll get sacked if I don’t mention them, but we also have seen the late Leo O’Reilly and his two sons flying together. But, in either case there was no mum’s appearance. Come on Mary – make it a first. Come to think of it, those two afore-mentioned families were all members of the Southern Soaring League so there must have been strong family interest in the times gone by. Pity they cannot introduce some new flying families.

Ian Smedman continues to improve with each appearance. I wonder if his new branch of hobbying has caused his car-racing brilliance to suffer?? Hope not. After all, one is day-time and t’other in the night so they should not adversely affect each other.

The Whiteline 3-1/2 metre long R/C Road Train has been invited to put in an appearance at the Angaston Show in February and, as one of the show organizers is coming to ETSA Park to check it out for required space etc. it will again be on show at our next Indoor Flying Event at the Netball Stadium on Thursday September 16th between the hours of 8.30 and 10.30 p.m. Why not come along and see if The Phoenix can roll it over as he did without being requested to do so by Channel 7. It wont cost a cent to come and watch that and other spectacles through the night. It is only if you toss a model in the boot, and fly it, that it will cost you $10 for the night’s entertainment.