First Annual Remote-Controlled Air and Water Show

The sound of electric motors zipping through the air was abundant at Dolphin Lake Park last Satruday, Aug. 11.

For the first time ever, the hosted a Remote-Controlled (R.C.) Air and Water Show along with the help of Suburban AeroClub, a local R.C. aircraft enthusiast organization. 

Ron Wegrzyn, or, as he's known within the club, “The Undertaker,” is a board member (and pilot) for Suburban AeroClub. He's been with the organization for 18 years, yet his energy and passion for the hobby is still completely anew. This Vietnam veteran and retired air traffic controller claims R.C. aircraft is his "escape."

During the show, Wegrzyn explained to patrons the difference between "nitro" (nitro refers to a high octane fuel for heavier, gas-powered aircraft) and electric (refers a typically lightweight aircraft powered by an electric motor and batteries) aircraft. Unfortunately, space limitations restricted flight of any nitro planes, but that didn't seem to phase the audience once the electric planes began to take off. Despite windy conditions, the pilots put on an exceptional performance ranging from sophisticated ariel maneuvers to graceful, smooth flight (notwithstanding one minor tree crash).

Fortunately, for those looking for more power, John Kallend's nitro helicopter was perfectly within the safety guidelines of the event.

Kallend, a British-born Flossmoor resident, has been building and flying R.C. aircraft since 1964 when he built his first controller and plane. If you’re wondering how one might obtain the knowledge to build a remote controller from scratch, it might help to mention that Kallend has a Ph.D in physics from Cambridge University. And his passion for aviation doesn’t end with the remote control. Almost unbelievably, Kallend's other hobby is skydiving. So far, he says he’s made over 2,700 jumps and was just recently part of a group that broke the state record for wingsuit diving. Somehow, among his mess of accolades, Kallend became a darn good pilot, as you can see the video above.

Putting it all together

H-F Park District Recreation Supervisor Brandon Macias deserves much of the credit for the district’s first R.C. exposition. According to Macias, he recognized an R.C. show as an opportunity to get more people involved with the park district.

"We're always looking to find a market that invites a new age group," Macias said. "I was like, ‘Why not?’"

A good call, apparently, as the event drew easily over 100 spectators. Wegrzyn says it was one of the larger turnouts he's seen compared to other R.C. expositions. 

The park district intends to make the R.C. Air and Water Show an annual event, according to Macias. Wegrzyn says he and his crew are all on board. 

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