by D. Tom Holmsley | Jul 18, 2023 | Fly In/Fun Fly
The Bayou City Flyers of Houston held their War Bird Rally at Scobee field on July 14 and 15, 2023. The 40 pilots that signed up entered some excellent airplanes to fly. Note the photo of the T-33 Turbine Jet. It is owned by Teddy Wang who is from Taiwan and his plane has the markings of the Taiwanese Air Force.
Then, there is the photo of Randy Knopf with his B-2 Spirit Bomber which was very impressive in the sky. He was also awarded the trophy for Best Electric. As for GIANT SCALE, see the photo of Jim McWilliams with his 60 percent NE1 Hemple Cub. Quite a sight to see both on the ground and in the air. He was awarded the trophies for Best Cub and Best of Show.
Also, see the photo of the trophy winners who are listed here L to R.
1. Best Electric: V-2 Bomber, Randy Knopf
2. Best Jet: Tom Kelly
3. Best Multi-Engine and Best Bomber: B-24, Mike Laible
4. Best Axis War Bird: Zero, Iqbal Singh
5. Albert Thibodeaux
6. Best Smoke Hole: Surya Saravan
7. Best Cub and Best of Show: 60 percent NE1 Cub,Jim McWilliams
8. Best Pre-WWII: PT—19, Jim Fuller
9. Lifetime Achievement, Cub Killer: Greg Yancy
10. Fastest WWII Airframe: Kevin Peevy (not shown)
All this, together with the excellent lunch, outstanding raffle items, free shaved ice, and lots of fellowship made this a great event.
Congratulations to President Keith Ratliff and his crew for organizing and hosting this highly successful War Bird Rally.
by D. Tom Holmsley | May 12, 2023 | Fly In/Fun Fly
The Prop Nuts R.C. Club held their Flea Market Fly In on April 15, 2023 at their field near Crosby, Texas. It was a beautiful day with lots of planes and pilots, plenty of flea market merchandise, many enthusiastic spectators, fine food, and a beautiful grass field. In the group photo, you’ll notice many of the participants with their planes, and the officers kneeling in front.
They are L to R:
Marty Mankinen-VP, Allan Smith-President, and Rick Cox-Treasurer.
Congratulations to the whole club for such a successful event!
by D. Tom Holmsley | Apr 10, 2022 | Fly In/Fun Fly
It was a great day at the War Birds over Texas City Fly In and Swap Meet hosted by the Texas City RC Club. President Vince Hoechten was the CD also, and he ran a great show. The club has very nice facilities including a beautiful grass runway, air conditioned club house with a kitchen, and permanent restrooms. There were many fine war birds entered with about 20 registered pilots, and they provided wonderful entertainment. There were also many prizes in the drawings and raffle. Congratulations to the Texas City RC Club for providing another great event.
In the photo below, L to R
Pilot’s Choice Best of Show: Michael Burey, F9F Cougar
Best Dumb Thumb: Mike Laible, (unfortunate incident with revered B-24)
- Pilot’s Choice Best World War WWII: Christopher Dunnin, Race Pro AT-6.
by D. Tom Holmsley | Sep 26, 2021 | Fly In/Fun Fly
On Saturday, September 25, 2021, The Prop Nuts R.C. Club of Crosby, Texas, held their annual Fall Hot Dog Picnic. It was a special event with beautiful weather, a great flying field, and good participation. And, it was made all the better by those tasty hot dogs and sausages. Thanks to President Allan Smith for coordinating the entire event and for making it so enjoyable. He can be seen kneeling in the photo with a group of those participating and their planes.
Congratulations to Allan and the entire club for hosting such a successful event.
by D. Tom Holmsley | Jun 30, 2021 | Fly In/Fun Fly
It was a great day at the Jetero RC Club High Wing Hoe Down held at their field near Dayton, Texas, on June 26, 2021.
The weather was near perfect, the facilities and runway outstanding, lunch was very tasty, and it was well organized. A lot of people enjoyed the show with about 38 registered pilots and many fabulous airplanes. Take a look at the photos.
1. Jetero Club Officers L To R.
Hollis Gassen president, Michael Matherne treasurer, Tommy Matherne V.P., secretary Ron Roland not shown. The beautiful 40% Hempell L-4 is owned by Finnis Hopson.
2. Winner of the drawing:
Mark Kramer from Katy won the Rans S-20 Raven 20 cc
3. The very large Super Cub is a tow plane piloted by Steve Coppin. The sail plane it towed is a KA8B flown by Dave Redsun.
4. A view of some of the planes and very nice facilities at the Jetero field.
5.Tommy Matherne assembling his Rans S-20 Raven 20cc.
Congratulations to the Jetero RC Club for hosting such a fine event.
by D. Tom Holmsley | Jun 12, 2021 | Fly In/Fun Fly
What a great time we had at the War Birds Over Texas City and Swap Meet on Saturday, May 8, 2021 at their field in Dickinson, Texas. They have great facilities with a new club house and restrooms, extended shade area, improved pilot stations, and wonderful runways. There was an awesome lunch prepared and served in the club house by President John Decker and his wife Heather Jean. (see photo). There were about 23 registered pilots who brought outstanding war birds and put on quite a show. The Pilot’s Choice for Best WWII aircraft went to Brian Keith Fontenot for his P-40 in Russian color scheme. Pilot’s Choice for Most Scale Warbird was won by Michael Laible and his magnificent B-24 J. (see photo with Pat Patterson and his WWII Jeep in the background). Note the photo showing the Texas City RC Club officers L to R.
Todd Nolte treasurer, Keith Boydston member at large, Michael Johncock secretary, Tim Holmes V.P., Rollin Gardener member at large, John Decker president.
See photo with Mike Laible preparing his B-24 J for flight with helpers Jay Fewless (L) and Russell Bear (R).
Thanks to the Texas City RC Club for providing such an enjoyable time for all.
