Kid's Day 1997
After a hiatus for several years, the Skymasters RC Club of Michigan started running a “Kid’s Day” again in 1995. The 1997 version was held on June 8th. A great day was had by all. When the dust had settled, 171 new first-time pilots had been introduced to the world of model aviation. Carolynn Foss, Cathy Satchell, Mary Post and Shirley Pettke started things off for the kids (of all ages) by registering them, scheduling ground school and processing “Certificates of Accomplishment” with the pilot’s picture on it.
Before their flight, 
Jack Ferguson went over a transmitter with each group to explain the controls to them. Some of the kids actually listened! After ground school, it was off to the flight line for a 3 to 5 minute flight. At all times, a buddy box was used and a club instructor held the master.
Smiles were the order of the day when
Marv Middleton and Ron Sokacz took Marv's grandson MacKenzie for a flight while his Dad, Marv's son-in-law Bob, looked on.
Gene and Ron Thuringer assisted Pete Foss with many pilots. Note the plastic snow fence barriers in front of the pilot stations. We have found them to be very helpful in stopping wayward airplanes.
Marv Middleton and Bob Burns help Bob's grandson who doesn’t know which airplane he is flying. Bob's grandaughter looks on before her flight. In many cases, whole families got into the act with Mom, Dad and the kids flying.
Mark Murphy and Ross Hardy helped this intent young lady have a very successful flight.
On the international front,
Roberto Mesnik (from Brazil) and Chris Knee (from South Africa) helped introduce a young lady pilot to model aviation.
After their flight, the kids got their picture taken for their certificate and then were treated to a free hot dog, pop and chips at the kitchen. All in all the day was a wonderful success. Can we top 171 next year???
Thanks to club members and instructors: Carolynn Foss, Cathy Satchell, Mary Post, Shirley Pettke, Denise Cardillo, Jack Ferguson, Gary Walling, Dick Chapman, Burt Nelson, Jim Schwarz, Al McGee, Darrell Watts, Fred Johnston, David Claus, Phillip Martin, Joe Hass, Greg Cardillo, Vince Pettke, Gary Weaks, Gene and Ron Thuringer, Randy MacInnes, Paul Shurtliff, Dick Freiwald, Herm Greif, Bob Burns, Bob Bowman, Roberto Mesnik, Ross Hardy, K.C. Satchell, Mark Murphy, Marv Middleton, Chris Knee, Kevin Phillips, Ron Sokacz and Bill Leppard for instructing, providing planes, ground support, cooking, taking pictures, etc., etc.,etc. Special thanks to Cindy Long for putting up with Carl. Extra special thanks to Jerry Johnston for seeing where the one crashed airplane went down. All photos courtesy of G.M. Cardillo.
Carl Long - Kid’s Day Event Director
Pete Foss - Chief Flight Instructor and Webmaster
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