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WILKES-BARRE TWP. — The new year often gives people the chance to reconnect with family and friends, but for some plane enthusiasts it’s much more.
Over 75 “pilots” traveled to the Wyoming Valley Sports Dome to fly their radio-controlled airplanes indoors at the Flashback New Year’s Day Dome Fly on Tuesday afternoon.
Jeff Winemiler used to own Time Fly’s Hobbies before he moved out of the area.
“When I was still here, we had an indoor fly every year,” said Winemiler, the event’s coordinator and sponsor. “But we haven’t had one in three years. Luckily, I was back in the area for the holidays and I decided to get everyone together.”
Not knowing what the weather can be like in Northeastern Pennsylvania in January, Winemiler opted to hold the event indoors.
“You never know what the conditions are going to be like,” he noted. “It could be snowy. But the best time to fly is in perfect conditions with no wind.”
Winemiler said he received a lot of praise for his choice of venue.
“During this time of year, there are smaller gatherings held in high school gymnasiums,” he mentioned. “This (Wyoming Valley Sports Dome) gives people a lot more space to have a great time. They all expressed their gratitude.”
Some people traveled over an hour or two to fly their planes. Larry Cobb was one of them.
“It took me about an hour to get here,” said Cobb, of New Milford. “Once I got the email from Jeff, I was coming.”
Planes of all types soared through the air. Some looked like the old plane the Wright brothers created, while others took the shape of military styles and some were just plain and simple.
“It’s very neat seeing the different types of planes and hearing why people like them,” Cobb noted. “Events like these allow you to meet new people who share similar interests.”
Cobb estimated the average motorized plane costs between $75 and $150. The planes are powered by up to three cell batteries.
“Most pilots bring extra supplies in case they have to make a quick fix should the plane need any repairs,” Cobb said. “But you are always flying at your own risk.”
