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Just a Little Bit About Us

A little Skydancer History by Bodzilla

  In my mind, The Carolina Sky Dancers concept initially took shape in late 1998.  Placing focus on RC aerobatic team performances was quite a bit more difficult back then due to state of the RC technology during this time.  Computer radios were just being developed.  Li-Po and Li-Ion Batteries were unheard of.  Ni-CAD batteries were the thing.  Power Boxes, Power Panels, digital servos, reliable engines, and all the rest of the great technology that we depend upon so heavily today, just didn't exist.  Hell, 3D flying was in its infancy and the competitions were based solely on performance of decades old  IMAC Aresti maneuvers.  In ten years, the way that RC competitions are based hasn't changed much, although we'd like to see more emphasis on freestyle and less on Aresti, but the old ways die hard. Anyway....

 

  In the beginning, I wanted to create a team consisting of a couple of good pilots who could perform aerobatic maneuvers together.  Nothing fancy, mind you,  but safe and skillfully coordinated maneuvers  set to music.  Sounds pretty simple.  For starters, get out on the field, take off together and just fly around trying to maintain the same altitude and distancing from each other.  When confidence could be achieved doing the simple stuff, we could move on to some basic aerobatics.  I voiced his concept to several seasoned club members that I'd flown with and there seemed to be some interest in this idea.  "Sure, anybody can do that, I'll go for it", was the response that was usually received.

 

  One by one, lack of commitment would take it's toll. They'd start out like house on fire, but fizzle out when it came to earnestly practicing and trying to perfect the maneuvers.  It takes quite a bit more concentration to observe, keep pace, and perform with another aircraft, even if  you're the leader setting the pace.  Most flyers are tuned into staying out of the other guy's way, and  not trying to fly with him.  Then there was the fear factor.  Of course, there was always the danger of a collision.  Dumb thumb it, get too close, and you're both goin' in.  Additionally, there's the team player factor.  Ego's that always need the super fuel job can't play on a team no matter how good their piloting skills.  Tell 'em to turn left and they'll turn right just to ensure that somebody's watching them.  Things just weren't working out. Frustrated, I decided to put the idea back on the shelf for a while and concentrated on my own flying.  Actually, a few more came and went as time passed on, but nothing ever matured. 

 

  Early in the 2006 flying season, I began to  notice that one of the guys in my local club was starting to display some real flying skills that others took years to master. Blenders, Avalanches, Flat Spins, Lomcevak, Rolling circles, Harriers and Hovers were just a few of the moves he'd be practicing at the field. Maybe, just maybe, there was some talent here.  Although a lot of the other club members never took notice, (or for that matter, would even have a clue) this guy was even spending time practicing IMAC sequences when he was out flying at the field too.  Wait a minute, wasn't this the same guy that we'd all come out to get a laugh at and to see crash every weekend just a few years ago? Well, something happened, and he wasn't crashin' any more and other pilots were beginning to take a hard new look at this guy when he was flying.  Something had really changed the way those sticks operated and how the planes were performing for him.

 

                                                                 

That guy was Rockin' Rick.  I approached Rick with my idea about joinin' up and building the aerobatic performance team.  Rick was initially skeptical about it and had his doubts. "Shoot, He said,  "there were a lot of other pilots who are way more experienced and could perhaps do a lot better job for me on the team."
  Then he said, "Why me if all those other guys didn't work out for you?  I don't see anything special about the way that I fly. And just for your info, I about the laziest guy you'll ever meet!" 

 

I told Rick to put that modesty away and "let's go fly the crap  out of these airplanes together, we ain't gettin' any younger, and I think we can have a good time doing' this".  I believe Rick figured that I was right about one thing, time surely is marching on.  That bein' said, we've been working on our flying together since that day. And  to tell you the truth, we're having a blast doing it.  Every time we practice there's something new to learn and another concept to be developed.

 

 

  Hopefully, our dedication to the perfection of this endeavor will be realized in the near future, so stay locked on this channel. Mind you now, we don't claim to be professionals and probably never will be.  Just a couple of guys who love flying and doing something a little different that people might enjoy. We'll see you at your homefield one day soon!

 

 New Members...

 

Rut 'n Buck

 

 

Well, I guess it was meant to be.  The Carolina Sky Dancers team has a new addition.  He's team pilot Rut 'n Buck .   Buck  is an avid flyer who is simply intoxicated with large scale airplane madness.  His skill as a pilot and builder is becoming finely honed to perfection and we think the world of him.  His easy going manner and desire to help others puts him a cut above the rest.   And Buck's no nonsense "let's git her done" attitude sets him on a level that the talkers of the world will never be on. Not being one to sit around and wait, Buck goes full speed ahead and makes it happen.  Buck will tell you himself " I still got a long way to go, but I've learned that the sky ain't the limit".   "I'm going to take it past the limit, because I'm one of the Carolina Sky Dancers".  With aspirations like that, Buck reaffirms what it takes to be in this outfit.  I wouldn't be surprised to see him at Tucson before long.  Buck's got a new 40% YAK 54 that he's  to add to the lineup and it's a real trophy taker.  Stay tuned to this frequency!

 

 

 

 

Bobzilla

 

When it comes to dedication and love for airplanes, Bobzilla has always been the man for the job.  Power, Passion, and Performance take on a whole new meaning and get pushed past the limit by this accomplished pilot.  Bob has had his own agenda in the past, but is now happy to be a proud member of the Sky Dancers.  Bob sez, "It's kinda like being in a great flying family.  We all share the same love for giant scale and we'll do whatever it takes to make it happen in a BIG way."  Bob's been around RC airplanes for quite a while and after a brief hiatus for a trip to the dark side (tinker-toy planes), has made his way back into the large scale fold.  "A few things in life can give you a thrill, but when you take it past the limit with the planes, well, that's a whole different story.  Ya' gotta push the envelope till it bust's to find out where the new stuff will take you.  Don't give up, just keep on trying and it will happen!".  This type of unlimited thinking is what makes the Sky Dancers who we are.  We're not going to sit back and wait, we're gonna make happen NOW!  Use the Force, Luke!

Global Representatives

Europe

  "Shaky" Svein

 

Svein heads up the European contingent of the Carolina Sky Dancers and we are very proud to welcome him to the Carolina Sky Dancers.  Hailing from Stavanger, Norway Svein is a true large scale addict who just can't get enough of big airplanes.  Everybody always asks him, "How in the world did you get the name Shaky"?  Svein explained, "It was because of the 4 crashes and three totally crushed planes I had in one year.  I had for a short period of time very much shaking on my hands while holding the transmitter when I was flying . Nervous reaction, I guess.  It's long over now but It took me quite a few flights before my nerves was under control again. The crashes were pretty close to each other and it kinda messed up my confidence a little bit.  But like I said, I'm over all that now, but the nickname has stuck with me"  And here's another thing I've learned,  If you haven't crashed one, you aren't flying much".  Take it Past the Limit, or be Limited!  Learn and Grow!

Along with being a passionate flyer, Svein tries to help both new and old in the flying family over there in Stavanger. Addtionally, he is on the board of directors of the Stavanger, Norway  RC Klubb and in charge of the plane section.  Svein is also an expert builder who will be contributing to our build reviews with a continental flair.  Check it out in the "ARF Reviews" section of the site.

 

 

 

 

 

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