ESTEVAN — Some strong winds couldn’t keep the Sun City Prop Busters from holding their annual fun fly Aug. 16 and 17 at their grounds southeast of Estevan.
“Amongst our club members, we had a very good turnout. We had lots of fun flying, and we had a nice supper afterwards [on Aug. 16],” said club president Art Dougherty.
About 15 members flew their remote-controlled planes on the first day, he said. Others brought their remote-controlled cars to the facility’s racing track.
“We have an ... oval track around that they race on,” said Dougherty. “We also have a bump and jump where you can go over a ramp. There’s a course laid out that we have going, too. We’re an all-encompassing R-C sport facility.”
During the fun fly, Dougherty said members fly their planes and may have friendly competitions among themselves, with spot landings and streaming contests.
Current regulations from Transport Canada prevent the club from hosting pilots from other clubs at the Estevan grounds, Dougherty said. He noted the Prop Busters are trying to resolve the issue, and their restrictions aren’t as strict as Regina or Saskatoon.
Despite the restrictions, the club welcomes visitors.
“If they’re interested, we can accommodate them as far as joining the club and learning how to fly,” said Dougherty.
The winds were calmer on Aug. 17, creating a better day for participants.
The club also stages an annual static display at the Estevan Market Mall in the spring, giving the public a chance to view the planes. Other events have also taken place.
“We have a Tuesday fly night. Usually if it’s nice weather, we all come out and fly our R-C planes, while the R-C cars, they do their thing with the track,” said Dougherty, noting the events happen every Tuesday in the summer.
He believes the facility is one of the best in the province, with members putting a lot of work into maintaining the grounds.
New members learn from instructors how to care for their aircraft and reduce the risk of a crash.
“Most of the models now are foam, so you get the newcomer to fly right away. They’re quite crash-resistant compared to the old ... models,” said Dougherty.
The social aspect is also strong, he added, with members spending time sharing tips and comparing notes.
Anyone interested in joining can contact Dougherty at 306-421-7023.
