This issue is loaded with plenty of our Chapter Reports. Members from around the U.S. and Canada continue sending in their event reports at a record rate and I really appreciate it. Remember to send in your reports within a couple of weeks after your fly-in. Reports are placed in a "first in, first out" file system and with over 500 chapters around the world, it's a good idea to submit your event report within two weeks of the fly-in.
One of the more interesting products that we have seen in a while arrived recently. Stickmasters Video Productions is producing a series of video "reviews" of large R/C aircraft that fit into I.M.A.A. requirements. We took a look at Stickmasters review videos of the Midwest Super Stinker, Sig Spacewalker and Ohio Super Chipmunk. We were impressed with the quality Jerry Willette puts into his tapes.
Jerry told us, "My goal is to provide a video service to the modeler showing him products or planes that are a good value. I put coupons or gift certificates in the videos to cover some of the cost and anyone who buys a video is entered into gift drawings. I do my best to provide an honest review and we won 't produce a video review of any product that is falsely represented or just plain junk."
Rather than a stick by stick construction guide on how to build these models, viewers are allowed to take a peek into the box with the narrator showing exactly what you get. Each part is examined, described and physically shown to the viewer. The plans are presented in a full screen layout and what I enjoyed most was the fact that we are given tips not only on how to build the kit, but also suggestions from master builders on how to improve some construction steps. You also see the aircraft fly with comments on the model's flight characteristics.
I still miss Ken Wells' series of videos that were called "RC Video Magazine" several years ago. Each month or two a new video was released by Ken and his staff showing new kits and events from around the world. For some reason those unique videos ceased being produced, but now Jerry Willette and Stickmasters has offered another easy viewing look at large models. Contact Stickmasters at 1-800-951-7172 for more information.
On the opposite page from this editorial you will find the "1997 Readers Survey" that we would invite you to fill out and mail in. We do this every couple of years and it is your turn to tell us what you would like to see in the pages of High Flight. Please take a few moments to fill out the questionnaire and send it to the listed address. A photocopy is perfectly acceptable if you don't wish to tear the page out of the magazine.
The results will appear in the Winter, 1997 issue and your input will help guide High Flight into the next century. As always, we appreciate your thoughts and if you have any questions or concerns give me a call.