default

July 12th, 13th, and 14th, 2002

The Elk City Flying Aces held their first annual helicopter flyin during the weekend of July 12th, 13th, & 14th. There were a total of 14 pilots attending the 3 day event. Weather was great! Light Northerly breezes and cool temperatures. Hard to believe that the weather was so good in the middle of July!

Friday started off with a few pilots arriving very, very early to get in some flying before the fear of it getting too hot. This day was devoted to just fun flying. Around 3:00 p.m., it was time to get the pig ready to roast. (Must see the pictures of the pig roast.) Friday night the night flying turned out to be a huge spectator event. Many people from the surrounding area came out to see the night flying, and many were quite impressed as it turned out to be the talk of the town the next day. We had 4 flyers put on amazing flying demonstrations during the night and the spectators really enjoyed watching.

Saturday was a day of events and activities. The novice event was won by Tim Frakes from Oklahoma City, with second place going to Steve Schwendeman of Edmond, Oklahoma. The Intermediate class was won by Rob Stump of Edmond, Oklahoma, with second place going to Nick Black of Amarillo, Texas. The advanced class was won by Jeff Marquardt from Denver, Colorado, with second place going to John Crotts of Woodward, Oklahoma. The Pro division was won by Ryan Witchey of Yukon, Oklahoma. The Autorotation contest was won by Scott Glasgow of Sand Springs, Oklahoma with a total distance of only 4 1/2 inches from the pin. Jeff Marquardt finished second in the autorotation contest. With a concenses from the pilots, the drag races were held on Saturday afternoon, and the 30 class was won by Scott Glasgow flying a new JR Venture. There were no 46/50 entries, so the 60 class was held next. After the double elimination runs were over, Ryan Witchey was the 60 class winner. John Crotts was our only gasser in the dragraces.

Around 5:00 p.m., it was time to dig out the pig from it's earthen oven and get ready for the big meal. After a little work with shovels to get the dirt away from the tin, it was time to hook up the front end loader and pull it out. (See Pictures!). The banquet was held in the Merritt community center not far from the flying field, as was enjoyed by all who attended. The plaques were given out to the winners during the banquet.

Sunday we had most of the pilots back for some early morning flying before everyone had to pack up and hit the road back home. Of note on Sunday, we had a young lady take the sticks and do some hovering with a helicopter. Jackie Glasgow, wife of Scott Glasgow, was hovering the JR Venture helicopter and doing a very good job of keeping it where she wanted it to go. Novice class at Mt. Pleasant better be ready!!!!

PHOTOS