Hobbyists fly high with model plane show

The former Festival of Giants model airplane show has grown by shrinking.

It's now the Festival of Flights, and includes smaller aircraft as well as those giant-scale planes with 14-foot wingspans.

Forty to 50 pilots are expected to demonstrate their radio-controlled aircraft at the show Saturday and Sunday at the Fox Valley Aero Club Field, Karl Madsen Drive and Route 38, just west of Peck Road in Geneva.

"The more pilots we have and the more aircraft, the more buzz there is, the better the show we can put on and the greater the satisfaction is for the spectators," said Tom Siwek, the club's newsletter editor.

Admission is $5 per adult, free for children. There are bleachers and a lawn for seating. Flying is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. At noon each day, there is a narrated show, including an aerobatic plane, a model helicopter and the "giants."

Siwek said allowing smaller planes may inspire spectators to take up the hobby who otherwise would be leery of spending thousands of dollars on a model plane.

There are even some fliers who build combat aircraft out of structural foam; if they crash in midair, the pilots are out $15 to $20, Siwek said.

Proceeds from the event will be used to sponsor model aviation community programs such as kid fly days and to maintain the club's field.

For details, visit foxvalleyaero.com.