Everyone has his own impression of how any fly in goes but overall I think that this years event went very well.
This event is put on by a very small group of dedicated modelers of which very few are under 70 years of age. The crowds in the pit area were not as big a problem as you have implied. I neither heard of or saw any damage caused by spectators. I was on the flight line when things were shut down for frequency checking. This took less than thirty minutes and was the prudent thing to do when people start experiencing range check problems.
The crowd and attendance was not as great this year as it has been in some past years but it still was larger than most fly ins held in district VIII.
Putting airplanes under the shelter is a matter of getting there early not necessairily having an "in" with the organizers.
I have been attending and flying for 15 of the 18 years that the event has been held and would not think twice about the $20 for the entry fee. Compared to travel expenses, food and lodging for five days that doesn't even register on the dollars spent for a good time.
Sorry that the bumps weren't smoothed out to your satisfaction but there are bunches of other places that should be able to make you happy.
Ross Woods
ORIGINAL: c550
Barry,
I'm sure you don't remember me but we used to fly together when I still flew at Scobee.
I understand your defense of the bomber gang, your in tight and get to pit your models at the tables in the shade, by the way that is a very impressive F-84. I don't have much faith in constructive criticism bringing about positive changes. I participated in my first Bomber field fly in in the mid 90's. It was a great experience. My visit will be my last. I am not blaming anyone for the heat. I am blaming the organizers for not have any control of the crowds wandering around the pit area. They continually announced on the loudspeakers for spectators to leave the pit area and the spectators continually ignored them. Having to worry if someones kids are going to trip over or snap off an antena on your model isn't any fun. I also think small animals and spinning props should not be in proximity to one another.
I was happy to by a raffle ticket for the model raffled.
My over all impression is that this event has gotten too big and it seems it is put on more for the spectators than the modelers. I think its a bargin for the admission as a spectator. I think the modeler who shows up with a nice giant scale airplane to fly and pays his $20 is being abused. This is just my opinion and my opinion and my model and my $20 will stay home next year. I have been to a lot of flyins and contests, there are always bumps in the road. I have always felt that at other events the bumps were smothed out.
Again sorry for the rant, but I do feel better now.
Dave