The Mississippi State American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Sky Dawgs Air Show will take flight Saturday, The event features radio-controlled airplanes like propellers, jets, turbines and helicopters.
William Lott, Sky Dawgs event coordinator and AIAA vice president, said the show enables people to learn more about the hobby of radio-controlled flying by watching the aircraft fly, the processes involved and speaking to the pilots.
The show will feature a raffle for aircraft. Concessions and t-shirt sales will also be available to the public. Additionally, visitors can participate in 10-minute training sessions for $3 per session may fly an R/C aircraft using the buddy link system.
The show requires participating pilots to have an Academy of Model Aeronautics license and pay a $10 fee. Awards will be given in several categories. Spectators pay a $2 entry fee.
The event is conducted and organized entirely by AIAA student members. Pilots will be attending from R/C clubs cities across Mississippi, including Jackson, Clinton, Oxford, Grenada, Tupelo, Kosciusko, Columbus and Starkville. Spectators can view aircraft in the pits as well as in flight and have opportunities to speak with the pilots and learn more about the hobby.
“This air show will feature nearly every aspect of the model world. The event will include scale models of real aircraft, sport Aerobatic models, true turbine-powered jets, propeller aircraft and helicopters,” Lott said. “Attending Sky Dawgs will be some of the most skilled pilots in the hobby flying some of the most spectacular models.”
The show will feature piston driven aircraft, turbine-powered aircraft, helicopters and even a thrust vectored jet for flying 3-D aerobatics, Lott said.
“(Spectators) will experience everything from entry-level aircraft to some of the most advanced technology available,” Lott said.
The show begins with a pilot meeting at 9 a.m., and opens to spectators at 10 a.m. The show will end at 5 p.m; however, flying will continue until dark, said Angela Spence, AIAA president.
Anthony J. Vizzini, ASE president, said: “One key thing to remember is that this is a student -initiated, student-organized, and student-run event. It is their interest in R/C flight that has manifested itself in what will be a fun family day out at Starkville Airport. We hope that this will be the start of an annual or semi-annual event. It’s a great way to get people together who are interested in flight.”
The air show serves as a unique fund-raiser, with all proceeds benefiting the August Raspet Chapter the institute, Spence said.
“An air show is not something that happens every day. People will be able to see a wide range of remote controlled aircraft. It’s amazing to see the tricks that they can do in the air. R/C enthusiasts would also be able to talk to other pilots and get tips or new ideas,” said Spence.
The event will be held at Bryan Field in the Global Aircraft Hangar, located at 320 Airport Road, which intersects with Miss. Highway 12 near the 911 Main Street Shopping Center. Visitors turn left off of Miss. Highway 12 onto Airport Road and drive to the end of the road, turning right to arrive at the event.
Sponsors for the event include BankPlus and several of the local businesses that have made in-kind donations to help with the concessions.
To register or read more about the air show, people may visit www.ae.msstate.edu/aiaa.