RDRC's Fly for Tots This is THEE EVENT folks!

[DoubleA]

	Quote: Originally Posted by baxternick
	I know someone out there has to have video of the outlaw flights that doens't require plastic???

I second that!!

[RobertV]

I know I saw Chris Hockaday on the flightline Sunday with his camera.....and I think he had a camera ON his Outlaw during the Saturday "Invasion".

Bring it on, C-Hock!

[bigredav2002]

I havent seen any yet other than the ones on HPP. I can tell you that he has some great footage of FFT as well as Clover creek, Joe Nall etc.. and for the 12.99 90 day trial you get all the upcoming Tuscon footage.

[Spdstr280Z]

Chris posted the Outlaw video in the FFT special event section on RCG a little while ago.... I don't guess that we have to say "another site" now that they are all owned by the same guy....

I assume it will be posted here soon, there IS on board video. Because of the clouds, and the speed of these things, I like the on board better than the ground footage....

Jason

[fredmidgett]

Fly For Tots Epilogue - Fred's Top 10 (Actually 11) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Fly For Tots 2008 is over but the memories last forever on FlightPass. To help FlightPass members sort through all the goodies, here are a few of my favorite films from the event:

Matt and RJ team up at the end of the day for some impromptu formation flying. The double blender is cool.

When Tia and Heather found out I was going up in the helicopter to film from the sky they pleaded to tag along. Tiny as they are, we couldn't fit them in on the first flight. So we went back to catch a ride later in the day. Be sure to watch part one and part two.

Jerry Holt tells us all about his beautiful scratch built Yak 54 with "Raven" color scheme. Then we get to watch him fly it and it's even more beautiful in the air than on the ground. But this adventure has a sad ending as the Yak ends up landing in the tobacco field. Fortunately the damage is minor.

Ok I confess. I've been meddling. Playing match-maker trying to get a spark going between our Fly Low Girl Heather and my good friend Gernot Bruckmann. We found out at Clover Creek that Gernot doesn't have a girl friend - in America. A clear message from FLG to Gernot...CALL ME!

Say hello to one BIG spender. Last year he bought a lot of raffle tickets. This year he bought...HOW MANY? Are you kidding me? This is why Fly For Tots is a Big-Hearted Big-Time BIG-DEAL! We may all be a little loco at this event, but it's for a good cause.

Speaking of raffle tickets - Fred has this great idea to buy a boat-load of raffle tickets and then give them away to the HPP faithful. Grab a HPP DVD or T at the event and get a free raffle ticket to boot. Great idea 'eh? Well...Heather takes the tickets home and forgets to bring them back on Sunday. Oh well...it went to a great cause!

At the Saturday Night Film Fest we premiered four brand new films of our summer lake adventures. We fly off the rock, off the dock and of course from the boat. RJ Gritter does some masterful piloting and Heather shows off her life-guarding skills. The final film "Lovely Jane" has a rocking sound track and some of the best visuals yet from Higher Plane.

I just love it when five or six or ten of this huge planes go up at once for a fun-loving hover fest. Watch this group of 3D maniacs torque roll and tail touch. Mike Saleeby get's a little to low in part two and ends up doing a cart wheel. A broken prop and a dinged aileron is about the worst of it. She'll be flying in no time.

Toward the end of the event Robert takes up the Pitts Python and hands over the sticks to RJ Gritter. RJ has a blast, especially playing with the spoileron setting on the ailerons. He hands the radio back to Robert for a perfect landing. But then a wayward plane with a broken tail wheel T-bones the Python as we all watch helplessly.

This plane won the pilots choice award. You really need to see it in person to appreciate the craziness of it all. Completely covered in fur and glitter it's hard to believe this thing could fly. But with enough air speed, ANYTHING can fly right? Watch and see.

And a Big surprise at the end of the day Sunday. See it to believe it.




I've also posted two photo galleries. BTW, you do not need to be a FlightPass member to view the photos, Saturday photos are here. Sunday photos are here.

[Larry Lewis]

Well, FFT 2008 is in the books. The dust has settled, and our little field is back to normal. Of course, normal for RDRC is STILL a happening place! I can not tell all of you how much we appreciate your support, and we're so proud to call you guys AND GALS our friends. So many people came together to make this event happen, so many people dedicated themselves to work the event, and ALL of you dug down deep and gave from your pockets, but most importantly, your hearts. I dont know what touched me more. Raising over $25,000 for the VJCG, or the many random acts of kindness we witnessed over the two day event. Just a few I'll touch on that will stay inbedded in my mind forever.

Sgt, Roger Flannagan, US Army, Fort Bragg.
This guy has 3 deployments to Iraq under his belt, serves the country he loves, is an avid R/C flyer. He also fly's UAV's for the military. I got a call on the Thursday morning before FFT from Sgt. Flannagan, and he had a special request. Sgt. Flannagan is due to deploy again later this year for his FOURTH tour in Iraq, but he had one small problem. He was ending his 3rd term of enlistment with the Army, and it was time for him to Re-Up for his fourth and final time. Sgt. Flannagan asked if he could use our event ( I say OUR Event because FFT belongs to ALL of us ) for his re-inlistment ceremony. What an honor for us,,,,,,,,, Not only that, but he requested we include EVERY VETERAN present at the FFT, and that the oldest two vet's be the flag bearers. It was quite an event in itself, and it touched the hearts of many.

And then there was this small group of young men. They were members of youth group in a local church. They attended FFT two years ago. They all had a great time, and grew a great interest in R/C while there. Later they scratch built a Sig LT 40 and it looked awesome. This alone is a great story to see young men touched by model aviation. But it doesnt end there,,,,,,,,,,,, You see, these same young men wanted to do something for less fortunate kids themselves. These same young men recognize how fortunate many of us really are, and wanted to bring that same feeling to others who dont have the privilages or ablities we do. So how do you do that as a young person? Well, these kids did! They all got together and had themselves a little ole Yard Sale. We were in the middle of our noon time demo show when these kids, which I had never met before, approached me while I was in the thick of the back stage crowd. They pulled me aside, away from the crowd, not looking for any special attention. They began a presentation to me with brief description of their thoughts and efforts. They also had a beautiful plaque made with a picture of their Plane, and signed by every member of their youth group. Then they handed me an envelope,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, I knew this was not a momemnt for me, but one for all of us. So I stopped these wonderfull little guys, and asked if they would be willing to make this presentation in front of this HUGE crowd. They agreed. We walked out to the flight line area, and I informed Robert Vess we needed a few moments between demo's for something special. Keep in mind, I didnt know what was in the envelope. When the demo plane landed and was safely parked, I kneeled down with the mike, and asked thse little guys what they had for us. After a breif introduction and getting their names they repeated what they told me moments before. When the envelope was handed to me, many of us were expecting to see a check as high as 1, 2 or even $300. Folks, what happened next took my breath away, literally,,,,,,, These kids,,,,,these kids that held a yard sale,,,,,,,,presented us with a check for over $2300.00 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just writing this now has me wanting to cry,,,,,,,,,, What an awesome group of kids. It's so wonderful to see the effect FFT has on folks, young and old.

Did the good deads end there. Certainly not.

Many of you are familiar with an active Flying Giant member that goes by the name of "50%" He's quite a contributor to FG, and has many "special awards" for his postings and unsensored comments! lol But in real life, his name is Chris Todd. He has a really big heart, and the Traveling Circus have embraced him as one of our own. Not only is he a good guy, but Chris is is currently serving our country in the United States Air Force. He loves this country, he loves this hobby, and he is one of those people that gives back to the ones that gave to him. Before Chris joined the USAF, he was a young modeler in the state of Va. struggling to keep models in the air. Like many of us, money wasnt falling out of the trees and it was difficult to afford R/C planes as a young man. Another FG member Wess Ryman flew with Chris in those days, and it was Wess's Dad that would always give Chris his older "hand me down" models so Chris could keep flying. That brings us to this. Chris was fortunate enough to win a really nice 2.4 radio system at our event. ( that might be a result of him buying $500 of raffle tickets, ,,seriously,,,,,) MOST of us would have been really thrilled by winning this, and take the radio and run. But not Chris,,,,,,
Soon after winning the radio system , Chris approached Wess and handed him that very radio. His request to Wess was that he give thet very radio to his Dad. Wess's Dad needed a 2.4 system, and Chris felt it was the least he could do for the guy that kept him flying all those years. Is that awesome or what,,,,,,,? One more note. While Chris is not an RDRC member, it didnt stop him from helping out at RDRC. When Chris arived at out event, he came to me and offered his help in ANY area that I might need him. I told him to just have a god time, and thanked him for coming. Well,,later that day my wife came to me and was pleaing for help in the concessions area. We were simply getting flooded with public spectators, and the line was backing up. I saw Chris across the parking lot, and though hesitant to to remove him as a visiting flyer, asked if he could assist Jacqui in that area for a short period of time. Just long enough to get the crowd dowm. Without hesitation, he went straight to her group, and began working feverishly to get things going smoothly again. When things were running smoothly again, Jacqui told him to just go and enjoy the event some more, He refused, and continued to work,,,,,,,, Even when the Veterans were lining up for the re-inlistment ceremony, he kept working. Jacqui said she she pretty much "Ran Him Off" !!!!!! Thanks Chris.....

And the stories kept coming,,,,,,,,
How bout that guy from the Rockey Mount gang. You know, Mr. Dave Chewning. On Sunday, Dave was the winner of a big stack of dollar bills from our 50/50 raffle. I beleive it was in the neighborhood of $370 for his half. When we called out his name, he slowly walked up with a big grin on his face, took the money, waved it to the crowd, and walked away. Well,,,,,,,,,,,he walked just a little way.......
We barely got back to our raffle give aways when we looked up to see Dave walking back. Again with the money in his hand. Dave took that same big winnings and put it right back in the donation pool! Thanks Dave.

And we could never forget all the support we receive from nearly EVERY NC based club, and many surrounding states. Matter of fact, we had at least seven states represented this year. But one club we frequent at least one time a year, the Crystal Coast Radio Control in Morehead NC said they wanted to do their part to make our event as sucessful as possible. They recently held a fly-in a few weeks prior to ours, and said they wanted their efforts to go toward a charity organization as RDRC does at our event. At their monthly club meeting it was decided they would not only be attending our event to show their support, but they also would presenting out FFT event with a check for $500 !!!!!!!!!!! Simply awesome!
What a great organization,,,,,,,,,,, Thank you CCRC, and we look forward to our next visit with you guys and gals.

And the stories continued folks. There isnt enough space in here to list them all.
We can not thank our sponsors enough for the generous contributions they all made. The raffle prizes this year were amazing!!!!! And as in past events, we'll be listing all of the winners on our web-sire soon. That site being www.flyfortots.com

What and event. What a dream. What a miracle,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Robert Vess said Sunday afternoon. Right after our unscheduled Giles 202 full scale airshow! "Only at FFT folks,,,you NEVER know what's going to happen"

For all of you that attended. Thank you so much. For those who didnt or could not, we hope to see you next year. We promise you'll enjoy it, and make memories.
I want to thank all of our generous sponsors. And a special thank you to Horizon Hobbies. Not only did they provide us with over $4000 worth of raffle items, but they were kind enough to send Horizon reps down. They also re-newed a past 2.4 system offer for the FFT event only. My sources say that about 30 2.4 systems were sold to modelers by hobby shops on vendor row to those wanting to make the switch, and Horizon matched nearly 40 receivers to those same modelers! Thats great folks!

Until next year,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Larry Lewis
Pres, RDRC
CD, FFT

[Larry Lewis]

Just to let everyone know. The final count is in, and it's mind blowing.
RDRC 'Fly for Tots" will be writing a check to the Victory Junction Gang Camp in the amount of,,,,,,,,,,

$ 26,500.00 !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks so much to all who came to fly with us,those who purchased raffle tickets, and of course the many fabulous sponsors we had this year.

Larry

[Larry Lewis]

Just to let everyone know. The final count is in, and it's mind blowing.
RDRC 'Fly for Tots" will be writing a check to the Victory Junction Gang Camp in the amount of,,,,,,,,,,

$ 26,500.00 !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks so much to all who came to fly with us,those who purchased raffle tickets, and of course the many fabulous sponsors we had this year.

Larry

[ifly3d]

man still cant beleive it.

[Spdstr280Z]

Wow, that's great ! Can't wait 'til next year ! I'll go ahead and volunteer to help Jacqui with the grill !

Jason

[iflyos]

Larry, That is amazing...I am humbled to have been able to be part of such a great event for an even better cause!

Here's to next year!

Tim
AG4RZ

[fredmidgett]

Well another DVD joins the growing collection of DATA DVDs at Higher Plane today. RDRC Fly For Tots 2008. Fly For Tots 2008 was over the top!! Some really cool stuff. David's flying pig. Mike's fur-covered Elvis plane. The president of the AMA. A vet re-enlists during the noon demo. Outlaw madness. Foamy mornings. Film Fest evenings. Planes. Helis. Kids. The Fly Low Girls. And a full scale Giles air show that must be seen to be believed. Full FlightPass coverage - 120 films from FFT 2008 - plus the Saturday Night Film Fest featuring Gernot Bruckmann at Clover Creek, Lake Flying with RJ and Heather and the Bikini Kat-Wash from the East RC street party. Over 5 hours in QuickTime HD. Now on sale for $21.99 at our new online store:

http://store.higherplaneproductions.com/