Calling All Remote Control Planes Fans To Fantasy of Flight

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 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.

"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 and can do so by purchasing a Fantasy of Flight general admission ticket.

Fly-in hours 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 Series "Victory in the Sky," both April 17, Roar n' Soar, Nov. 13 -14 and many more. For more information, call 863-984-3500 or visit www.fantasyofflight.com.