18th Annual Heli Rally, August 17, 18, 2002
Strathmore, Alberta, Canada

On August 17 and 18, 2002 the Foothills Flyers of Calgary held the 18th Annual Helicopter Rally at their Strathmore field.  It was another successful event with 47 registered pilots and over 75 helicopters at the field.  The weather co-operated with moderate temperatures and little wind, except for a brief rainstorm on Saturday night that delayed the night flying demonstration.   

People started to show up on Friday and by Saturday afternoon the overflow parking began to fill.  

Saturday started with that familiar smell of burning nitro in the morning.  We quickly had a pilots’ meeting, talking about general etiquette, the field rules and most of all safety, as it appeared that everyone was anxious to strut their stuff early.  There were pilots from Saskatchewan, British Columbia and Alberta with a wide range of talent. They put on great flying demonstrations showing some inspiring maneuvers.  We also had numerous beginners again this year who received help setting up their machines, and got some advice and encouragement with their hovering and flying. 

Saturday night we had over 75 people for our famous BBQ steak supper with all the fixings.  Kevin Forsyth brought fresh salmon from the West Coast, which was a great addition to the supper.   

Later that evening, the night flyers worked their magic with glow sticks and light cord.  Glen Peden put on an impressive night flying demonstration with his electric helicopter flying continuously, as fast as he could get the battery packs charged.  He flew beyond 1:00 in the morning.   

The night didn’t end till 3:00 in the morning, when those sitting around the campfire finally ran out of either flying stories or booze (WERE NOT QUITE SURE WHICH!!!).  

Even so the flying started bright and early Sunday morning as it was another beautiful day.  The rally wrapped up with the raffle and pilot prize draw on Sunday afternoon.  Every pilot that was registered and flew got a prize.  We also raffled off an Airtronics RD6000 radio, and a Miniature Aircraft Xcell Fury 60 Basic Helicopter. 

Thanks to all the volunteers who helped create a successful event.  Special mention must go to Philip Horne and Buzz Shields for creating the overflow parking area and their tireless effort of getting everyone parked; to John Stueck for manning the BBQ for lunch on Saturday and Sunday and also Alan Horne who helped John do the steaks and potatoes for the steak supper on Saturday evening.  A huge thanks to Barb Brown who worked tirelessly on the pilot registration and concession all weekend, and thanks to a couple of little helpers, Chelsey Laux and Ashley Horne for helping with the concession as well.  

Thanks to our sponsors for all their support and pilot prizes:  Model Land, Strathmore Dairy Queen, B & B Wholesale, Century Helicopter, Airtronics, Boca Bearing, Miniature Aircraft, Leisure-Tech Products, and Hiflight R/C.  

Finally, thanks to all the pilots who attended.  See you all next year!!!

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