Those who were at Elkins Field to witness the first-ever attempted big glider/big tow plane flying this morning were amply entertained. The plan was to tow Matt Biga’s 165” E-flite “Blanik”, (flown by Matt) with his equally large World Models “Clipped Wing Cub”(piloted by Harold Anderson), using a relative short tow-line.

After a semi-successful first attempt, foiled by the tow-line coming off the tow plane, the second flight was spectacular, enhanced by the smoke canisters on the 25 lb. “Blanik’s” wing tips. A blue sky would have improved the photos, but the flight couldn’t have been more successful. Excitement ramped up as the flight concluded with a bit more spoiler application than the glider needed and a smoking “Blanik” landing a bit prematurely in the tall grass at the south end of the runway.

The adage “Where there is smoke, there is fire”, did not hold true with the smoke canisters as Matt emerged from the smoke cloud with the “Blanik” held on high—and nothing on fire. All in all it was a most interesting and challenging feat. We’ll hope for clear skies for the next attempt, as did the pair of geese who visited momentarily and then left for more pressing business– winging off to the east and honking their approval.

— Larry