Spirits of St. Louis RC Flying Club Gathers for Annual Thrill of the Chill New Year's Day Event

By Carmelo Turdo

The Spirits of St. Louis RC Flying Club again gathered at their private flying park in St. Charles, MO for the annual New Year's Day flying activities - the 2017 Thrill of the Chill.  The first day of 2017 provided bright blue skies and just enough chill to make the coffee and Chili hit the spot.  Of course, the highlights for members and visitors like The Aero Experience were sharing "war stories," flying RC aircraft and working on projects that benefited from the collective wisdom of those in attendance.    

Members gathered early New Year's Day to set up the flying stations, food, and even provide some heat for the open pavilion.  More members arrived throughout the morning, and they showed their welcoming hospitality to all who gathered throughout the day.  We first met with second-year member Bob Welter, who was setting up his Sportsman aircraft.  He explained the workings of the plane and the controller, including the advanced features that provide for programmed settings for multiple aircraft.  Along with the variety of aircraft (including camera-carrying rotorcraft), comes greater responsibility in their operation and the growing importance of club membership.  "For anyone who wants to get into it [RC aircraft flying], this is the premier place to come," Welter told The Aero Experience.  "A lot of people are intimidated by coming to a club, but we are constantly looking for those who want to learn," he added.  Welter also mentioned that The Spirits of St. Louis RC Flying Club offers a free introductory flight and training available for those members of any skill level.  The 12-acre park and 600-foot runway offers an excellent environment for novices and experts alike.                   

Other members flew throughout the morning of our visit, and the aircraft flown ranged from conventional Cessna look-alikes, T-28 and Hellcat warbirds, virtual-reality quadcopters and even a taxi test of a ducted fan-powered F-15 Eagle!    

 



The Aero Experience thanks the Spirits of St. Louis RC Flying Club for their hospitality during our visit.  For more information, please visit their website and become a member.  

Spirits of St. Louis RC Flying Club Indoor Fly-In Features Quadcopters, Vapors and More!

By Carmelo Turdo

The Spirits of St. Louis RC Flying Club held its first indoor fly-in of 2014 at Hope Lutheran Church in St. Charles, MO Saturday.  About 20 RC aircraft fliers enjoyed flying their quadcopters, helicopters, Night Vapors, Extra and other electric radio control aircraft types in free flight as well as informal competitions.  These battery-powered RC aircraft feature miniature electric motors, pushrod control systems, and simple construction that allows easy replacement of parts if needed.  The Night Vapor is ideal for the beginner (as your author found out - they are great for learning and very crash worthy) as well as for the expert who is adept at flying it through hoops and under tables.  A skilled quadcopter flier can seemingly defy gravity by hovering the rotorcraft in place and then landing it in his or her own hand.  Other models take the shape of famous aircraft such as the Extra aerobatic aircraft and P-51 Mustang World War II fighter, and others have two engines and use differential thrust to maneuver.  As always, the event was open to the public, and The Aero Experience was again on hand to give our audience a glimpse of the excitement and encourage others to attend the other events on the Spirits' calendar.  Here are some views of Saturday's indoor electric RC flying meet: