Micro-flying: Mid-Atlantic Air Museum’s WW II Weekend

Micro-flying: Mid-Atlantic Air Museum’s WW II Weekend

By Joe Malinchak | [email protected]

As seen in the September 2022 issue of Model Aviation.

Several L aircraft, including three Taylorcraft L-2Ms, the author’s Piper L-4, and an Aeronca L-16, participated in the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum’s WW II Weekend.

THE MID-ATLANTIC AIR MUSEUM’S 31st Annual World War II Weekend was held June 3-5, 2022, in Reading, Pennsylvania. I was fortunate to participate in the event again this year with my full-scale L-4 Piper Cub. Preparing for the event reminds me of preparing for a modeling event. I spent weeks making sure everything was ready. I had to change the oil in my airplane, wash it, and install some original WW II items to make the aircraft look more authentic. I have an original WW II radio that I normally leave out of the airplane because it is heavy. I also had to look the part by wearing a liaison pilot’s uniform. This sounds easy, but it was surprisingly difficult to find one.

This was my second year flying in the event. Last year, there were eight airplanes flying and I was the new guy! This year, we only had five aircraft flying in the liaison portion of the show: three Taylorcraft L-2Ms, my Piper L-4, and one Aeronca L-16. The flight leader from last year was absent, as well as two other show veterans, so we were now in charge of organizing our flight.

We put the Taylorcraft L-2Ms in front because they were the fastest, followed by my L-4. The Aeronca L-16, flown by aerobatic pilot Jerry Wells, was tail-end Charlie. We basically flew several circuits around the field for the crowd to see and appreciate these warbirds that played an important role in WW II.

I also was honored to be asked to pilot the photo flight for the air show. I flew event photographer Chad Smith, who was also dressed up in WW II gear. He took some great pictures of the event and kindly gave me one to share. I have a few videos on my YouTube channel, including one of the flights in which I participated. The link to my channel is listed in "Sources."

The author piloted the aerial photo flight for the event. This shows just some of the aircraft, vehicles, and WW II tents that were present. The event’s flight photographer, Chad Smith, provided the photo.

The event has an impressive parade of WW II vehicles, including Jeeps, motorcycles, tanks, half-tracks, and many others from the war.

What’s New

Micro Flier Radio has released a new Hip Hop II 900 MHz seven-channel transmitter module for Spektrum DX transmitters. This is a great option because you can now use your own transmitter with Hip Hop 900 MHz receivers, which are some of the world’s smallest, most lightweight, commercially available receivers.

Micro Flier Radio released this new Hip Hop II 900 MHz seven-channel transmitter module for Spektrum DX transmitters.

I have been using them for years in my models with great success. The Hip Hop II transmitter module is available in three options: one with a 150 mAh LiPo battery; one with a 300 mAh LiPo; and one that uses three AAA batteries. I chose the 150 mAh option because it is lightweight, compact, and provides up to three hours of operation. The provided 150 mAh battery can be charged with any typical E-flite charger.

The transmitter module plugs into the trainer port of your transmitter. I tested the module with my Spektrum DX8 transmitter and my 12-inch wingspan Piper L-4 model that uses a Grasshopper receiver.

I attached the module to the back of my transmitter with some double-sided tape. When I plugged it into the trainer port of my transmitter, the transmitter powered up. I then plugged the battery into my model and turned on the power switch that is located on top of the module.

The author tested the module with his Spektrum DX8 transmitter and 1/35-scale Piper L-4 model that uses a Grasshopper receiver. He mounted the module on the back of his transmitter with double-sided tape.

The LED on the receiver blinks, and then goes solid to show that it has a good bind with the transmitter.

After binding, it was a pleasure to be able to do all of the programming with my Spektrum transmitter. I am using an aileron-to-rudder mix to give me nice, coordinated turns. I was able to do this with my Hip Hop II 900 MHz seven-channel transmitter as well, but it is a more difficult process.

For current pricing and more information, see the Micro Flier Radio website, listed in "Sources."

Indoor Night at NEAT

My wife and I will hold the Indoor Night at NEAT event at the Downsville Central School gymnasium in Downsville, New York, on September 16-17, 2022, during the Northeast Electric Aircraft Technology (NEAT) Fair. Please see the NEAT Fair website or the Scratchbuilt Indoor and Micro Models section of RCGroups for the latest information.

The event will take place from 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday, and from 5 to 10 p.m. on Saturday. It is open to scratch-built models or models that were built from kits that weigh 2 ounces or less. Heavier models might be allowed if they can safely fly in the confines of the small gym. Micro RTF models that have been repainted or modified to show one’s creativity are also allowed to fly.

AMA insurance is required, and all proceeds from the event go to the school. The event is free for spectators. We look forward to seeing everyone at Indoor Night at NEAT!

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