Dayton, Ohio
Sept. 10, 2003

Top American and Canadian competitors in radio-controlled scale model flying will square off for the public at the U.S. Air Force Museum when the Museum hosts the U.S. Scale Masters Championships Sept. 24-28 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sponsored and organized by the Westerville Model Aeronautics Association, the U.S. Scale Masters Championships will feature approximately 80 competitors, all of who qualified for the event by placing in the top 30 percent of one of 19 regional events across the United States and Canada.

Described as the "most prestigious of all scale modeling events" by Model Airplane News, the U.S. Scale Masters Championships will showcase a variety of aircraft, including vintage biplanes, heavy metal World War II fighters and jets with real turbine engines. The event has evolved into the largest of its kind in both the United States and Canada.

"The model aircraft that will participate, both civilian and military, are stunning replicas of their full-size counterparts," said Donald Fellenz, who performs promotional work with the U.S. Scale Masters Association. "The flight line public displays and the flying competition make this a natural event to hold at the U.S. Air Force Museum."

Flying events and judging will take place on the runway behind the Museum, and all activities will be held outdoors. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets.

The event is open to the public, and admission and parking are FREE. Event visitors should enter through the Museum gate off Springfield Pike and follow the signs to the event area.

The U.S. Air Force Museum is located on Springfield Pike, six miles northeast of downtown Dayton. It is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day). Admission and parking are free.

For more information, contact the U.S. Air Force Museum's Public Affairs Division at (937) 255-4704, ext. 333.

Public:

Call (937) 255-8046, ext. 490