Hello once again, District VII members. As I wrote this, I was looking at much cold and snow, yet when you read this, warm weather and the flying season will soon be arriving.
District VII members have been busy, though, throughout the wintery weather. Many clubs welcomed the new year with fun-fly events. Thank you to those who sent in reports.
First up is a report from Jim of the Flying Electrons club in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin.
The Flying Electrons club in Menomonee Falls held its New Year’s Chili Dump event under cloudy skies with a balmy temperature of 10° and the wind blowing at 5 to 10 mph. Eleven members dropped in throughout the gathering, which was held in the field "clubhouse" (also known as the club shed). Members provided their favorite chili to add to the community pot. Propane heaters provided warmth while members ate and discussed what they were working on and what airplanes Santa had brought them for Christmas.
Four brave souls achieved their first flight of 2026. Fast Steve was the first club member to get his airplane, an AeroScout, into the air. The author of this report, unfortunately, had the first club crash of the year with his Swift.
Fun was had by all! The club has held this event for more than 30 years.
I’m so sorry, Jim, that you had the first crash of the year for the club, but I sure hope the chili was good and kept you warm.
I do admire those who brave the cold. I hate to say that the older I get, the less I enjoy the deep winter’s cold, but it does provide opportunities to prepare for the flying season.
Skymasters Radio Control Club of Michigan’s president, Pete Foss, shared the following:
Wow! What an awesome Krazy Snow Fly to end the year! The weather was okay, if a bit chilly, but the heater under the shelter kept things nice and warm, along with Jill and Kurt Kettler’s awesome chili. We managed to use roughly 8% of the solar battery running the coffee and hot water makers.
That is the lowest I’ve ever seen the battery drop. When the temperature of the battery drops below 41°, it automatically shuts down the solar charger. There should be plenty of power all winter, but be careful charging batteries when they are cold. It is better to charge at home!
The Snow Fly was great, with at least 25 to 30 attendees. I think 10 of us flew everything from flying boats, airplanes with skis and floats, and hand-launch models to electric and nitro helicopters. Thanks to Steve West and Ken Gutelius, we managed to shrink-wrap and tarp enough of the shelter to stay warm.
The Skymasters members fly indoors for most of the winter season, and I will be joining them there where the weather is perfect!
District VII members, keep your eyes on Model Aviationmagazine’s "Sanctioned Event Calendar" section. I have heard of some major events coming up this summer by various clubs in the district, and I plan to attend. Remember as well, if you are not sanctioning your event, still let me know about it so that perhaps I can attend and meet you and have a great time flying.
Until next time, keep sharing the passion!