“This is the only show of its kind in the United States,” he said.
Most radio-controlled air shows showcase one or two types of planes, Burdin said. But this past weekend about 60 pilots showcasing various types of planes — from B29s to a model of the original 1903 Wright Brother’s flyer — and helicopters.
He said they try to replicate the flying circus format of the 1930s and 1940s.
The event Sunday may have been the start of new traditions for a couple Butler County families.
Jeff Topits of Liberty Twp. brought his grandson, Tommy Jackson, 13, of Liberty Twp., to the show. They may come back to the event every year.
“We were looking for something local to do and I went to the air shows growing up,” said Topits. “It’s just something different to do, and something a grandfather can do with a grandson.”
Jackson said he’ll remember this special moment.
“It’s really neat,” he said. “The helicopters impressed me the most with the upside down hovering.”
Paul Gonzalez of Middletown brought his 4-year-old daughter Anna Sofia. He said next year he’ll bring his wife, too.
“It’s better than I imagined,” said Gonzalez, who saw it advertised in West Chester Twp., which is where he works.
“I thought it would be interesting. I had no idea the scale and detail of the model airplanes.”
Anna Sofia, who wants to come back again, described the planes and helicopters as “scary fun.”
About 1,500 people were at Sunday’s finale of the circus, which is below the typical attendance, Burdin said. Saturday’s show had about 3,000 spectators, but that’s down from the normal size crowd of between 5,000 and 6,000.
“With the heat, they didn’t come out in those conditions,” he said of the spectators.
Saturday’s high temperature was 94 degree,s with a heat index of 102, according to the National Weather Service. Sunday’s high temperature and heat index was 90.
This event just keeps growing and growing, said Mark Radcliff, a former member of the GCRCC and current Academy of Model Aeronautics District 3 Vice President.
“Could you imagine the Wright Brothers seeing this today?” Radcliff said.
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