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The GI Modelers’ RC Airplane Exhibition and FunFly event got off the ground today at Club Field in Grand Island.

"This is our sixth annual event. The GI Modelers call it the ‘Big Bird,’" club Secretary James "Limo" Laudenklos said. "We ought to have 40 to 70 pilots bringing respective types of aircraft. Admission is free, the pits are open, and people may come and look and ask questions in regards to our hobby."

The event runs until dusk on Friday and will start out with an opening ceremony at 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Pilots will be flying planes until dark both days. Admission is free, and there will be evening cookouts on Saturday and Sunday. The event is at the intersection of Husker Highway and Alda Road.

"It’s something I enjoy, and we have a good group of guys involved," said Jim Nickolaus, a pilot at the event. "It’s good to see what a lot of of the other guys have formulated in their little workshops in their own corner of the world. Some guys are genuinely good builders, and it’s astounding what they may come up with. We find a heap of gorgeous aweinspiring planes."

"One of the main reasons I came out here is to get my plane certified for IMAA (International Miniature Aircraft Association) flying because it is over 50 pounds," said Bill Baas, pilot of a plane with an 18-foot wingspan, the biggest aircraft at the event. "It’s over 100 pounds, and in order to fly it at events, I need a permit and to see if they have a long sufficient runway."

Laudenklos said the event is purposed toward getting younger kids fascinated and involved in flying as well as having fun and handing out assorted prizes, including new planes.

"It’s good because we are encouraging RC flying to the little guys," Baas mentioned. "It’s a good thing for young people to come out and do."

Nickolaus said he started flying when he was in his 20s and started back into it in regards to 15 years ago. He has in regards to 35 planes of all sorts and wouldn’t hesitate to help a new fellow member by giving constituents or even a finished plane.

"The fact that you may take raw material and anyplace from 60 to 400 hours later it’s up and flying," Laudenklos said regarding why he loves flying planes. "Just that fact that I may do that is likeable to me."

"I was a pilot for 35 years and flew all over the world, and when I got too old to do that and couldn’t get my wings, I started flying remote-control planes," Baas said.

Nickolaus, Baas and Laudenklos said the comradeship in the club and at the event is unmatched.

"I actually receive pleasure from coming here to Grand Island because the persons in Grand Island are always so friendly, courteous and are more than willing to help you," Baas said. "Last night, I left my plane out. When I was in my motel room, these guys ran and put it underneath a shed because they thought it was going to hail. You don’t get a lot of that for other clubs that you may be a part of."

"It isn’t for everybody," Nickolaus added. "But, if you undertake it and like it, you will be hooked on it for the rest of your life."