MODEL PLANE SHOW AT AIRPORT SATURDAY

More airplanes will be taking off and landing at the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport Saturday than ever before, but they won't need clearance from the air tower.

The radio-controlled airplanes are part of a model airshow sponsored by the Southeast Missouri Modelers Association. The group is sponsoring the show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

It is the group's first such event. Admission is free and concessions will be provided by the Fireman's Fund.

Aerobatic demonstrations from Snoopy's flying doghouse to a piggybacked sailplane launched from a "mother" ship are planned during the day. Other demonstrations will include the world's largest flying electric powered model and a radio-controlled helicopter flight.

A static display of the radio-controlled airplanes will be set up at West Park Mall today from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Members of the modelers association will be on hand to answer questions about the airplanes and the activity.

There are about 30 members of the Southeast Missouri Modelers Association, which meets each month.

But the group flies airplanes "whenever they feel like it," said James Pledger, a member. Planes fly frequently from the Gordonville landing strip near Route Z.

But flying from another location is always fun, said Jim Wunderlich, a club member.

"It's fun to fly someplace else and meet people, but it will be fun to be able to show our guests what can be done with model aircraft," he said.

Many of the planes flying in Saturday's show are built by their operators. "You buy a kit and take some wood and glue and a blueprint," Wunderlich said. "Many of us go from ground zero up. I like that part of the hobby just as well."

For information about the show call Bruce Loy, airport manager, at 334-6230 or Jerry Pledger, SEMMA president, at 334-6066.