Thousands of people attended the Ft. Smith Air show in March and many of them stopped to gaze at our models and ask questions. We had a great location on the tarmac and plenty of sunny weather for our static display.

In April, a strong storm had it's way with our shelter and what took many man-hours of elbow grease to construct was reduced to a path of rubble in seconds!   Since we normally do not practice Sun worshiping, a new structure was built (not very ASAP however, but that's another story).   Those pre-fab "Ports" were not donated to us so our cash balance took a beating.   In any case, the UV bombardment at the field has been attenuated.

Our Memorial Day Fly-In was three days of fun flying and fellowship as well a fair turn-out of pilots and spectators.   This event will hereinafter be called the "Cecil Venable Memorial Arkie/Okie Jumbo Fly-In".

I suggested at the June meeting that we should break club tradition and suspend our usual flying "Events" during the summer months, and resume the event gatherings in September.   I thought because of the oppressive heat, the discomfort far outweighed the enjoyment of those events - after all the main reason for our club is flying enjoyment!   Motion carried.

The MDA Labor Day Fly-In was a fine one, indeed, we donated $500 to Jerry's Kids ($484 was collected and Flightmaster's contributed to make it an even five-hundred). We didn't have very many pilots or spectators during the weekend, but for Labor Day more pilots and many more spectators were present - the parking lot was practically full!

In September, our Treasurer arranged for his church youth group to come out and watch us show off our models. The kids also got some Stick time on a computer program for airplanes and heli's - they seemed to really enjoy their "Field" trip.

Our last flying "Event" was certainly not the Least event of the year.   The Cecil Venable Arkie/Okie Jumbo was, well - you had to be there!   Be advised if you didn't attend, you surely missed some GREAT flying (and just hanging around) by several sponsored pro's.   This was a thoroughly enjoyable show - all weekend!   These guest pilots mentioned that they would return for our next "Jumbo" for more 3D… Outstanding!!

It was exciting to see a "Renewal" in the club during 2006!   Our membership increased, we had a fair amount of member volunteering and participation (especially for field maintenance), our flying "Shows" were both fun and beneficial.   I saw members being more open and helpful to inquisitive spectators - and - no one was seriously hurt, no law suits were filed against us.

I believe we are alive and well, and for 2007 we can make it even better.

Keep 'em Flying

Brad