The 1997 Rally of the Giants was held June 19th - 22nd, at Converse, Indiana, and was hosted by Central Indiana IMAA Chapter #48, the "Cadets". CD Bill Johnson and crew did a great job running the event. There were 220 registered pilots, and inspection reports were filled out for 413 aircraft - there were many that were never presented for inspection (probably because of the winds the first part of the Rally).

Although there were strong winds for most of the Rally, there was still alot of great flying and everyone seemed to have a good time. The field is 55 acres of concrete, and when the wind shifted, the flight line shifted also! For those that stayed until Sunday there was some beautiful flying weather!

The following is a quote from Bill: "The 1997 Rally of the Giants has concluded. I always enjoy staging one of these events, and this one is no exception. I received a lot of quality help, not only from Chapter 48 members, but from other chapters and some of the IMAA officials. We made our chapter and the IMAA a little money, and had a good time, so it was a success. If you are considering hosting a Rally in the future, and would like my ideas on doing so, as well as what to watch out for, feel free to contact me. Only had one major complaint during the whole deal!" - Bill Johnson

The following photos were taken by yours truly (WebWizard).

Photo taken of the flight line to the right, from in front of the transmitter impound. (Photo by WebWizard).

Photo taken of the flight line to the left, from in front of the transmitter impound. The actual flight line curves to the right and goes for a few hundred feet - lots of aircraft! (Photo by WebWizard).

Steve Rentz on the flight line with his Miami Valley Models 42% Weeks Special. 3W-120, Futaba Radio, 90" span, 40lbs, Monocote with Kirby's Kustom Vinyl Graphics. Frank Noll is assisting. (Photo by WebWizard).

Another photo of Steve Rentz's Weeks Special being flown on a low knife edge pass by Frank Noll. (Photo by WebWizard).

M. "Bumper" Lyons, IMAA District V Director, mans the announcers mike during the festivities. Rumor has it that Bumper tried to conjur up a wizard on Saturday, and was successful... (Photo by WebWizard).

Don Pemberton, District IX Director, at the microphone. As stated above by Bill Johnson, some of the IMAA Officials pitched in and helped out with the event. (Photo by WebWizard).

IMAA Booth at the Rally - from left to right - Bob Dean, President of IMAA - Ron Etzel, IMAA Legal Representative and his wife - Linda Eller, IMAA Accessories Coordinator - Dave Eller, IMAA District IV Director. (Photo by WebWizard).

Frank Noll with his scratch built Giles G200. 3W120, span 111", 37 lbs., Futaba Radio, Ultracote. (Photo by WebWizard).

Ray Lattman, IMAA Director from District I, and his Ziroli Hellcat. 3w-80, 96" span, 39 lbs., Robart Retracts, Don Harris Smoke System, Acrylic Urethane finish., Menz 24x12 prop. (Photo by WebWizard).

Fred Tuxworth's Navy OL6 Loening Amphibian, vintage 1925. Nicknamed "The Duck" because of it's "waddle". 1/5 Scale, 9' span, 40 lbs., G62, Coverite painted with Hobby Poxy. All scratch built, including the retractable gear, and Oak and Walnut Prop. Used 1/2 to 1" scale drawings from the Smithsonian Museum. (Photo by WebWizard).

On the flight line - Don Moden (in red-JR Rep.) and Jim Van Loo, IMAA District VI Director (in white), spotting on the flight line - sorry I did't get the other guy's name. (Photo by WebWizard).