Break out your tiny planes and helis!
We have the much anticipated indoor dates set (finally)!! Getting access to a large indoor space in the winter time has been challenging. These spaces are in high demand and many school districts don’t even offer bookings outside school sponsored activities for their gymnasiums (winter sports). Francis Howell has been upgrading the bleachers at a few of their schools, Saeger Middle School being one of them, but they should be completed in the next few days – so we have a date there, Monday, Jan 26 5:30p-9p! This construction activity compressed the rest of the district activities, so we were put on hold (understandable). Now that the construction is winding up, its also freed up another date, Thursday, Mar 5 5:30p-9p at Barnwell Middle School. So that’s two nights of indoor flying, each at a different location, both relatively close to our flying field.
We’ve had generally open flying at these events with an occasional UMX Vapor pylon race breaking out… Feel free to champion any events that you think could enhance our time in this large space (my contact info is below). We ask that you be conscientious of any craft that have props/blades that could threaten a hazard. We are all in close proximity and a 5″ racing drone or 700 heli would make many nervous. Similarly, feel free to set up in the hallway outside the gym if you are intolerant of being buzzed by an occasionally wayward piloted craft…it happens sometimes, just don’t get upset by it.
Both gyms are about 100ft square with a 30ft ceiling. There are power outlets available, you’ll just need to scout them out…an extention cord could be handy if you need AC power. The craft that seem to do best are relatively small slow flying planes, small drones and smaller helicopters. Below are videos images of some previous happenings. You can use these to get a feel for how much space is available and the types of craft that tend to be more successful.
Scenes from our Dec 18, 2024 Indoor Fun Fly at Saeger Middle School
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VgcElmZJkdSo3fPNuE2IpaPznK8RBMJt/view
Scenes from our Jan 23, 2023 Indoor Fun Fly at Saeger Middle School
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RPfU1Dfyj4
Monday, Jan 26 5:30p-9p
Saeger Middle School, 5201 State Rte N, Cottleville, MO 63304
https://maps.app.goo.gl/DBvCqfCtt8tUoSNu7
Thursday, Mar 5 5:30p-9p
Barnwell Middle School, 1035 Jungs Station Rd, St Charles, MO 63303
https://maps.app.goo.gl/oetPAW2cwaXfbvE88
These events are ‘free’, however, it will cost the club about $125 each, so we are taking donations at the event to offset. Also, as is customary, we’ll gather at a nearby local establishment to swap tales and quinch thirsts immediately after the event. Looking forward to seeing everyone there!
For further details, this event’s sponsor is Dan Morrison, president@spiritsofstl.com or 314-308-5743
