Sunny skies and a sellout crowd were on hand for the 11th Biggest Little Air Show put on June 15, 2024, by the Hiller Aviation Museum in Northern California.
This popular event takes place at San Carlos Airport (KSQL), when sub-scale model aircraft take advantage of the full-scale runway.
Sponsored by San Jose software company Peaxy, the event was organized to take full advantage of the 2.5 hour airport closure.
The national anthem was sung live while a US flag was carried aloft by remote control (R/C) helicopter (landing would be a different story).
R/C pilots performed flight demonstrations with a variety of aircraft, from creative foam models to sophisticated ones powered by electric ducted fan engines and a few using actual jet fuel turbines.
The flying started with various electric powered STOL aircraft, followed by an assortment of creative category models.
Snoopy went aloft in his trademark red doghouse to duel with the Red Baron, while a L-16 Sea Duck (from Disney’s TaleSpin cartoon) flew overhead and disgorged a load of skydivers.
Demonstrations of 3D aerobatics were conducted with a model Extra 260 and a subscale helicopter. The high thrust to weight ratios of these small airframes allow them to perform maneuvers not seen or possible with real aircraft.
One of the unique standouts of the show was a large-scale, scratch-built Mothership.
Named “Henrietta,” this aerial transporter took off carrying three model planes on the top wing surface, along with two more underneath. Once airborne, Henrietta began jettisoning the piggyback planes to begin a ribbon-cutting dogfighting demonstration where pilots try to cut other aircraft’s streamers with their props.
An impressive collection of electric ducted-fan jets followed, dazzling attendees.
The R/C flights concluded with two notable performances.
First was a unique 1/5 scale model of a Russian Kamov Ka-32 firefighting helicopter employing a coaxial rotor system. Spinning eight-foot diameter rotors, the Kamov was powered by a kerosene-fueled turbine. It looked Russian, sounded Russian, and smelled Russian.
The final R/C performer — an F-86 Sabre jet fighter wearing a striking Luftwaffe livery — was also powered by a kerosene turbine.
The sounds of these two turbine aircraft were a contrast to the electrical whirring of all the battery-powered models.
Once the subscale flying was completed, the runway was cleared and re-opened for full-size aircraft operations beginning with the U.S. Coast Guard. It has been several years since their last appearance at this event, this time conducting a search and rescue demonstration with a San Francisco-based MH-65 Dolphin helicopter.
The honor for closing the shows went to the Sukhoi West Demo Team, featuring Randy Howell and Cory Lovell, flying their Sukhoi SU-26 aerobatic aircraft. This year is the second air show season for the duo.
The successful show concluded with a lot of satisfied attendees. I recommend checking out local R/C events in your area — you might be surprised at the sophistication of the models and the skill of the pilots.
The Hiller Aviation Museum was founded by helicopter pioneer Stanley Hiller Jr. and marked its 26th year in June.
For more information: Hiller.org
Really interesting read! Thanks for sharing!