THE HISTORY OF V.A.R.M.S The Annual Diary 1990 - 2009

47
important machine ? Motivation, skill and endurance - nothing less! Jim, we will have you any
time again, God willing! A marvellous attraction enjoyed by lots of spectators and kids and parents
who were fortunate to get a ride on your masterpiece.
0) Where would you have to go to see an own designed, own build 7 cylinder, 350cc radial
engine, driving a 42" propeller, actually running in front of your unbelieving eyes ? 20 feet south of
the commentary enclosure! Paul Chernikeeff demonstrated his creation with well-earned pride; a
world class exhibit no doubt. Having followed the genesis of the marvel for a number of years, I
finally went and heard it running! Model aviation will never be the same again! Congratulations
Paul!
p) Safety! The radio controlled flying displays were performed with great proficiency,
particularly considering the crosswind situation, which was somewhat interesting but was handled
very well by everybody. All pilots are being congratulated on their safe conduct and competence.
No doubt the relative low damage occurrence to aircraft was the result of this. Our sincere
condolences to Ron Schulz who has the misfortune of having his aircraft destroyed in a midair
collision during the R. C. combat sequence. Apart from this and a few undercarriage incidents,
mostly due to the condition of the runways, the level of the glue should not have altered much!
q) The public behaved very well indeed, rubbish was disposed of responsibly and the clean up
on Monday was a relatively easy job (contrary to expectations) with the help of anti wasp spray, our
practical rubbish receptacles were collected and disposed of in a jiffy.
r) Total strangers as well as experienced model aviation experts offered their complimentary
comments with a big smile on their faces, to me the ultimate proof that we are on the right track.
The following participants were elected by the public to receive trophies in 6 categories: -
Best Glider - Kestrel 17 by Bill Denheld
Best Electric Powered Aircraft - Hercules by Cam Wylie
Best Combustion - Fokker D7 by Norm Bell
Best Flying Display - "Jam" by Cliff McIver
Best Aircraft of the Show - Sabre F86 Jet Fighter by Dennis Dracup
Special Award - 7 Cylinder 360cc home build Radial Engine by Paul Chernikeeff
Our congratulations to all recipients.
The Lows
Yes, we had them too. One of them was the collapse of the driveway entrance with some cars
getting bogged. Tom wickers, with quick, alert action pulled an adjoining fence post, single
handed, out of the ground and created a new driveway. That's what you call crisis management!
Tom will tell you about some other experiences he had in preparation for the show at the March
meeting.
The other lows are being thoroughly analysed, investigated and "Watergated" by the committee.
Believe me we are fully aware of the necessary changes that have to take place in order to achieve a
better result in the future, if there should be another V.A.R.M.S. Model Aviation Air Show.
All you guys who came forward to help prepare and run the show, my most sincere thank you to all
of you,
Yours truly
John Gottschalk
April 1998 had the 51st (1997/98) Nationals being held at Waikerie S.A.:
F3B 1. Greg Voak 2. Steve Keep 3. Tim Mellor
Thermal 1. Graham Garner 2. Steve Keep 3. Mal Pring
F3J 1. Steve Keep 2. Rob Benton 3. R Cant
The May 1998 issue of Aspectivity was the 300th of the series.