Remote-Control Models Representing the Earliest Years of Aviation Will Compete at the Blue Max Challenge and Fly-In
Fantasy of Flight Offers the First Competition to Showcase the Skills of Pilots and Modelers March 12 and 13
For more information, contact:
Mary Deatrick, DPR
(407) 332-5212, mary@deatrickpr.com
For photography, click here
POLK CITY, Fla. (March 9, 2010) –Scale models of vintage aircraft and flying machines from the earliest years of aviation will compete in "The Blue Max Scale R/C Challenge and Fly-In," an Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) Sanctioned Event at Fantasy of Flight, Central Florida’s premier aviation attraction.
Competing pilots will show off their craftsmen skills and aerial maneuvers March 12 and March 13 at the 300-acre Fantasy of Flight in Polk City. The event includes a stationary display of the models along with a fly-in competition where pilots will be judged on their flight skills. Entries are limited to aircraft that flew between 1903 and 1919.
Fantasy of Flight allows the public to view part of the world's largest privately-held vintage aircraft collection, visit fascinating exhibits and relive moments from aviation's storied past. The Blue Max Event fits into Fantasy of Flight’s theme of recognizing man's fascination with flight.
"The Blue Max is a challenging effort to bring modelers from this era of aviation together in a single contest," said Fantasy of Flight founder Kermit Weeks, who owns the largest private collection of vintage airplanes in the world. "I have a great affinity for these aircraft and we'll fly a few of the real planes during the competition."
Models competing in the event will include those made from commercial kits and planes built from scratch. Pilots must present an actual representation of the plane based on historical documentation. The planes will perform 10 maneuvers in each of three rounds during the flying competition. The best two rounds will be averaged for the final score. All aircraft must pass a safety inspection before flying.
The $40 Blue Max registration includes one aircraft, passes for two full days of flying, admission for the pilot and a guest. Additional competitive planes can be added for $10 each. The static and non-competitive registration fee is $25 per person. Participants can purchase additional weekend guest passes for $20. The public is invited to watch from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days of the event and can do so by purchasing a Fantasy of Flight general admission ticket.
Fly-in hours for R/C pilots are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. All pilots must be present for a pilot briefing at 8:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Fantasy of Flight is located at 1400 Broadway Blvd. SE, Polk City. The attraction is off exit 44 on I-4, midway between Tampa and Orlando.
The Blue Max Scale R/C Challenge and Fly-In is one of several special events hosted by Fantasy of Flight including the Sun 'n Fun Splash In at Fantasy of Flight on Lakes Agnes, April 15; Mustangs & Mustangs—Legends Havin' Fun 2010 and Living History Symposium "Victory in the Sky," both April 17, Roar n' Soar, Nov. 13 -14 and many more. For more information, call 863-984-3500
Fantasy of Flight is Central Florida’s premier aviation-themed attraction showcasing vintage aircraft from the world’s largest private collection; themed immersion experiences; flight simulators; interactive exhibits; a tram tour of aircraft maintenance areas; Restoration and Backlot tours; Fun with Flight center for families and the country’s only Aerial Demonstration of the Day (weather permitting) featuring a vintage plane. General admission also includes The Tuskegee Airmen – They Dared to Fly exhibit; the multimedia tribute to the WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) – A Passionate Pursuit, a walking audio tour and many special events throughout the year.
Hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily. General admission is $28.95 for adults, $26.95 for seniors ages 55 and over and $14.95 for children, ages 6-15, plus 7 percent sales tax. Annual passes are available for $69.95 for adults, $39.95 for children ages 6–15, plus 7 percent sales tax, and are good for one year from the date of purchase. Biplane rides, through Waldo Wright’s Flying Service, and hot air balloon rides, are available for an extra charge. For more information about Fantasy of Flight, call 863-984-3500