Indoor flying will be available all day in the Restoration Hangar similar to previous events. Like last year's event, we expect to be able to have the entire hangar emptied out in order to maximize the available flying space.

       There is no cost for clubs or pilots to participate this year, as the museum will not be providing lunch.  Bottled water is expected to be available, and the museum's cafe/snack bar will be open.

       The museum opens at 10 AM for visitors.  Helicopters will be landing out front from 10 AM until about 10:45 AM, with ten full scale helicopters expected to make the trip out to the museum for the event.  The Indoor Air Show is scheduled to begin starting at 11 AM after all of the full scale helicopters have landed.

       Access to the museum should be available any time after 8 AM, and door 22 near the rear parking lot should be unlocked.  Pilots are encouraged to arrive early to unload and set up so as not have to wade through spectator traffic or be held up during helicopter landings.

       The Midwest Performance Flyers will be setting up their usual (excellent) helicopter display and demonstration area between the escalators on the first floor atrium.  Any other clubs who wish to set up an information table in the main atrium can do so free of charge.

       Club officers should contact Ian Vosburg at (402) 944-3070 in order to have your club's name included in the museum's print advertising for the event.  Let Ian know that your club will be participating, and that you'd like an information table.

       Pilots who have models that they wish to display at the museum should also contact Ian Vosburg.  Ian will be supervising the organizing of the model displays throughout the museum during the event.  Jack Wilhelme from the Twin Cities Eagle Squadron has done an excellent job of organizing the static model displays in years past; unfortunately Jack's schedule wouldn't permit him to help with this year's event.  Any modelers who wish to help Ian with organizing the static displays should contact Ian; I'm confident that he'll be happy to hear from you!

       There will be no outdoor flying area at this year's event.  Helicopter rides will be offered throughout the day, and the increase in full scale aircraft traffic won't leave a suitable safe zone outside for models to mix with civilian aircraft.  Only indoor flying will be permitted.

       Club members will be asked to wear wrist bands to identify them as event participants. This should help the museum better track visitors from pilots and to help keep the general public away from flight line areas.

       Events planned with the Strategic Air and Space Museum are always a lot of fun.  The Indoor Air show provides all of the area flying model clubs a terrific opportunity to reach out to folks interested in aviation and to showcase our wonderful hobby to a wide audience.  I am grateful to Ian Vosburg and the folks at the SAS Museum for this terrific opportunity, and I hope to see lots of flying friends out at this year's event!

       As always, feel free to contact me for any additional information.

       Ed Paasch

       (402) 321-3781 mobile