May 23-24, 1998

It happens every Memorial Day weekend in Chesapeake, Virginia. A small affair on a big runway with usually perfect flying conditions. The U.S. Navy opens the gates of the Naval Auxiliary Landing Field (NALF) Fentress and the model jet pilots get to use the miles of concrete normally assigned to the F-14's and F-18's for Navy carrier landing practice.

Usually only about 25-30 pilots attend. The number is small for two reasons, the event is not promoted and of course it's a holiday weekend. If it were promoted and the allure of near by family resort of Virginia Beach was touted, certainly the facility would be perfect for a much larger event. The central east coast location should attract scores of jet enthusiasts.

The Malchione family knows how to enjoy it, the girls stay at the beach all day while dad and son go flying.

We dodged a few rain showers this year, but still logged a lot of sorties. So, if you live within 6 hours of this event, try to schedule a great time for next year.

Here's a happy jet pilot. Craig Wilson just landed on the foggy runway at Fentress Naval Air Facility in Chesapeake, VA. after his first flight on BV's Bandit "T" with RAM power.

If you get a chance, ask the big guy what he thinks of the awesome power of the RAM 750 and the superb flight performance envelope of the Bandit. A JR 10SX II provides the perfect guidance system.

Joe Lupton is a great model builder, the Sabre being his usual subject. Here Joe shows off his very neatly detailed Maverick Pro. I forgot how many flights Joe said he has on it but suffice to say, the Pro is well seasoned.

The boys from New York certainly enjoyed their visit and flew the heck out of these Mavericks and Vipers.

From left to right:
Mark Giummule - Wantagh, NY
George McClean - Copiague, NY
Glen Robinson - East Meadow, NY
Rich Latteier - Astoria, NY
Joe Giasson - Brooklyn, NY

Dave Malchione and Dave Jr. get the big twin F-4 ready for flight. A twin always attracts attention - most modelers recognize the extra effort it requires.

Caught by the lens at the instant of rotation, the bright orange "Naval Missile Center" Phantom is on its way. Both Dave's fly the model - that's right, 15 year old Dave can handle the BVM F-4 - very smoothly too. Great eye sight and cool hands, perhaps someday he may become a Navy fighter pilot, he's got the "right stuff" for it.

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