The Centennial of Flight celebration at the Space and Rocket Center took place on Father’s Day, 15 June 2003. The RCRC display consisted of an airplane representative of each decade from the 1900s, plus a trainer plane with a buddy-box hookup, and continuous playing of video of RCRC events.
We talked about our hobby, our airplanes, and our flying site with many tour groups and, in the lull in between tour groups, with each other. There was much interest in the airplanes and many questions were answered. The trainer and buddy-box system proved invaluable for demonstrating basic equipment for those interested in beginning level requirements.
We were treated as VIPs (free lunch, drinks, and an assortment of desserts to die for), and were allowed to visit all the other exhibits and rides. The very bravest souls rode the Space Shot, the “less brave” souls went to a movie in the IMAX theatre and the “much less brave” souls were mesmerized by Manuel Martinez, Artiste Extraordinaire. It was a most pleasurable experience – good discussions about airplanes and flying, a good learning experience, good company, good food, and wonderful weather.
Many thanks to Art and Jonnie Azlin, Mike Jones, Basil Cooper, Joe Hunt, Gene Hunter, John Williams, Joe Byrd, Bob Tackett and an extra special thanks to the fathers of the group for spending their day working the display.
And special thanks also to Basil’s daughter and Bob Tackett’s son for helping and spending the day with their fathers.
- Mary Long, Event Coordinator