Model Masters air show
The Jayhawk Model Masters club held their annual Big Bird air show at the club's flying field below Clinton Dam, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2008. Enlarge video
A biplane, operated by Gret Kloepper, Ozawkie, makes a pass Saturday over the runway in the Jayhawk Model Masters' annual Big Bird air show.
Richard Evans can do more tricks than a full-scale stunt pilot, and he doesn't have to take his feet off the ground.
"The thing about radio control," he said, "it's a blessing because we survive every crash."
Evans, a seasoned model-airplane pilot, was among the more than 20 registered pilots displaying their skills at the Jayhawk Model Masters' annual Big Bird air show Saturday at the flying field below the Clinton Dam.
As a crowd of spectators and participants watched, the model planes soared overhead, tumbling and spinning in the clear sky.
The planes are capable of unique stunts out of the realm of full-scale stunt pilots.
"We can do faster spins, tighter turns," Evans said. "I can put the plane in the air, turn it upside, spin it around real fast. A pilot would black out."
Patrick Deuser of Topeka showed off Broom-Hilda, a novelty model plane with a witch sitting on top.
"She'll do loops and she flies around on her broom," Deuser said. "Her legs are free-wielding so if I'm playing with the throttle, her legs will get to swinging and it looks like she's kicking her broom."
The event, which continues from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. today, is a show-and-tell that is free and open to the public.
"I'm going to show off as much as I possibly can," Evans said. "Hopefully I won't get carried away and crash."
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