Nearly 300 model aircraft fliers expected at Cape Girardeau event

Model airplanes doing precision acrobatic stunts are filling Galaxy Park in Cape Girardeau for the fifth annual 3D Fly-Low-In.

The event at 441 Gizmo Lane off Big Bend Road began at 9 a.m. Thursday and continues through Sunday. Nearly 300 model aircraft fliers from all over the country are expected. Event highlights include choreographed stunt flying at noon today and Saturday, lighted night flying through Saturday, "Freestyle After Dark" flights Saturday and demonstrations from top professional pilots. The Cape Girardeau Fire Department will have a concession stand with proceeds benefiting the March of Dimes.

Admission is free.

"This will be a really good show," organizer Fred Finnell said. "People will see airplanes do things they never thought they could."

The 3D Fly-Low-In was started by 3D Hobby Shop as its big annual company event. According to Ben Fisher of Lancaster, Pa., owner of 3D Hobby Shop, the 3D Fly-Low-In is a time to show appreciation to customers, demonstrate new models and for fliers to share camaraderie. Fisher said "3D" is a style of flying where aircraft do precision acrobatics without following a linear flight path. Flights will be performed close to the ground.

Fisher said the 3D Fly-Low-In was moved from Dallas to Cape Girardeau.

"Cape has a lot to offer," Fisher said. "Beautiful venue, central location and great lodging."

Joe Smith of Fort Wayne, Ind., is team pilot for 3D Hobby Shop and is a featured demonstration flier. Smith said he likes the challenge.

"There is always something different each time, and I never have the same flight. In a video game, the bad guy's always in the same place," Smith said. "The possibilities are endless."

Josh Young of San Antonio came with his family. Young said he was looking forward to hanging out with friends and seeing great flying.

"There'll be precision acrobatics and maneuvers that full-scale airplanes can't do," Young said.

The 3D Fly-Low-In is hosted by the Southeast Missouri Modelers Association. Rick Renfrow of Cape Girardeau said the club started in 1972 with six members and is now up to 65. Meetings are held at 7:30 p.m. the first Thursday of every month at the Cape Girardeau Public Library. Renfrow invites anyone interested to attend a meeting and come by the 3D Fly-Low-In.

"If folks want to see things they've never seen before, this is the place," Renfrow said.

Information on the Southeast Missouri Modelers Association can be found by calling Renfrow at 335-5264 or semmarc.org. Information on 3D Hobby Shop can be found at 3dhobbyshop.com.

Pertinent address:

441 Gizmo Lane, Cape Girardeau MO