This years’ Malta Aero Model Show was held over the weekend of the 17th and 18th October 2009. The event which is organized by the two aeromodelling clubs on the island was held at the Hal-Far flying site. This was the second time that both clubs set up a separate committee to organize a show together. Unlike last year’s event which was plagued by appalling weather, this year we had lots of sun and blue skies with light wind on the Saturday and a moderate wind on the Sunday very much typical Malta weather, making the event a huge success.
Foreign participation this year was again at the top of the agenda. Ali Machinchy and Paul Heckles from the UK were again invited to participate. Both pilots accepted our invitation. Ali brought over his 50% Bill Hempel Piper Cub and his CARF Eurosport 3D, whilst Paul brought over two Align T-REX 600 and his Precision Aerobatics Edge 540T. Another last minute participant this time from Italy also managed to make it to Malta. Luca Friggeri from Rome brought along his Jetcat powered MB-339.
The opening for the event was held on Friday. There was no flying on Friday. Club members brought their models for static display and listened to the opening speeches by the Presidents’ of both aeromodelling clubs and the Chairman of the Malta Aero Model Show Committee. For all those present, a finger buffet followed consisting of lots of food and wine. Paul Heckles then showed all present his brilliant night-flying helicopter skills with his T-REX 600.
Saturday turned out to be a lovely day and the flight line was very busy with all types of models from 9.30am to 6.30pm. The Hal-Far fun-fly gang coordinated by Victor Saliba began the day’s flying. They buzzed around the clear blue skies enjoying the good weather and light north westerly wind.
Ali flew both his ZDZ 210 powered Cub and Jetcat powered Eurosport 3D with great ability leaving the crowd speechless every time. Ali wooed the crowd by hovering his Eurosport 3D a couple of inches above the runway and by flying his Clipped Wing Cub as though it was a park flyer. Paul, on the other hand, took to the sky with his helicopters. Defying all concepts of gravity he showed us all what can be done with a helicopter. Luca having an F3A and jet background, flew his MB-339 to music with great precision, showing us the great flying characteristics of his aircraft.
From the local scene we had a number of local flyers from all disciplines and ages. The younger members were mostly into 3D flying. Just to mention a few of them Daniel Mifsud flew his Saito powered Sukhoi, Edward Mangion flew his ASP powered Katana and Johann Micallef flew his Saito powered Yak.
A novelty for this year’s event was the Air Combat slot with electric powered T-28 Trojans. Tony Brokk came up with the idea and consulted Ali on which model would be suitable for our needs. Ali took to the idea immediately and managed to ship eight Parkzone T-28 Trojans to Malta in time for the event. The Air Combat slot was a great success, the crowd present enjoyed every minute of it. Ali won the event as he managed to knock three Trojans out of the sky, mine included which was beyond repair. We would like to thank both Horizon Hobbies UK and Al’s Hobbies for heavily sponsoring the models supplied.
The local turbine scene saw three Boomerang Sprints take to the sky on Saturday. Michael Curmi flew his PST powered silver Sprint. Philip Chircop and Victor Psaila both had Jetcat powered Sprints.
The event also included some full size aircraft participation. The Bell 212 from the Missione Italiana based in Malta flew over the field and then performed a simulated recovery of an injured person.
A barbeque was organized Saturday evening at the airfield, where we had a good turnout of members. Later Paul took his helicopter out again for some night flying to the delight of all those present.
Sunday morning began with a drizzle but this was not enough to dishearten members. They stood under the umbrellas provided until the grey cloud passed overhead. The lighter and smaller models did not fly much as the wind was stronger than Saturday so the larger/ heavier models took to the sky. Our traditional toffee runs were also held since there were more children on the airfield on Sunday. George Mangion flew his Zenoah powered Precedent 240 loaded with sweets for the kids. The kids had a field day catching the sweets that dropped from the sky.
The static displays were abundant on both days with many modelers bringing their models to the flying site all spruced up. The static exhibition included all types of models ranging from sports aircraft to scale warplanes and jets, powered either by electric motors, glow engines, petrol engines, turbines and also one turbo prop.
The whole event was a great success and continues to grow and improve every year. Everyone had a great time and friendships and new contacts were made. Next year’s committee will soon be advising when the next event will be held. More information can be found on the event dedicated website www.maltaaeromodelshow.com Any foreign participants interested in attending next year’s event are welcome to contact us at info@maltaaeromodelshow.com for more information.
The commitee thank Brian Busuttil for preparing and sending the article to the press.
Photos of the event can be found here:- http://picasaweb.google.com/106399176659894738668/MaltaAeroModelShow2009#