The Shadetree Miniature Aircraft Association in Glen St. Mary, FL, hosted the 2009 IMAA District V Minifest from October 22 through October 24, 2009. The Contest Director was John Mason and the Event Coordinator was Brian Stephens. Both must be commended for the preparation that took place to set up the event and for the manner in which the event was held for the three days. Over thirty pilots registered for the event and flying took place on a regular basis under mostly fair skies and warm weather. Rain threatened on Saturday morning but was never heavy enough to stop the flying. The event was very laid back allowing the pilots to fly whenever the desire arose, make new friends and to renew old acquaintances.

There were several beautiful scale airplanes of both military and civilian makes. Lee Montgomery flew an electric powered Bristol F2B with a 94” wingspan. Past IMAA district V Director Dave Laver flew a red and white Balsa USA Sport Stearman with a 116” wingspan. Buford Howard and Mike Wolvin both brought 1/3 scale Piper Cubs. Howard’s was a yellow J-3 and Wolvin’s was a white and red Super Cub. Jerry Wickline brought a very unusual German observation plane, a Blohm and Voss BV141B. The airplane is asymmetrical with the fuselage offset to the left side of the wing and the crew compartment offset to the right side of the wing. To show to each his own, Rod Gier, Mark Chapman and Randy Butz each brought 110” wing spanned Sig Rascals, with one being glow engine powered, one being Gas engine powered and the other having an electric motor.

The pilot entry fee included a turkey dinner that was served on Friday night by several women volunteers that also prepared the meal. Just attending the event for the meal was well worth the trip. Thank you to everyone that prepared and served the food, you did a wonderful job. The pilot’s prize was a PT-19 that was donated to the club and I believe it was manufactured by Hanger 9. The proceeds raised by the dinner and the event were donated to charity. Thank you to all that were involved in the 2009 IMAA District V manifest that made this event a great success.