By Anna Guido
Enquirer contributor

Jeff Obermeyer handles the controls, standing with his brother Ed Obermeyer. (AP photo) | ZOOM |

HAMILTON - To mark 100 years of aviation, the Greater Cincinnati Radio Control Club is taking over a real airport this weekend for the 43rd annual model aircraft show.

The two-day show, called "The Flying Circus," is at the Butler County Regional Airport.

Flying Circus Chairman Tom Burdin said it will outshine previous club shows that were confined almost entirely to radio-controlled aircraft. This year, there will be full-scale aircraft displays, demonstrations and rides to familiarize people with flight in small aircraft.

"We're taking the annual show and making it something special by focusing on the history of aviation," said Burdin, a West Chester resident and former military pilot in Vietnam.

One display will feature a replica of the Wright Brothers Model B flyer; another will allow patrons to "fly" aircraft on computers.

Burdin said the "usual collection of hijinks also will be held," such as balloon busts, a fan favorite in which radio-controlled aircraft attempt to break helium balloons attached to a foam wall; and special appearances by the likes of Harry Potter and Snoopy, each flyi5ng in models.

The Greater Cincinnati Radio Control Club was founded in 1960 and meets the last Thursday of each month at its 15-acre field and runway on Woodsdale Road in Madison Township, Butler County. The club's membership is about 150. Burdin joined the club in 1968, four years after he began flying the aircraft.

His interest in flying aircraft (full-scale and radio-controlled) "was just one of those things where I was always awestruck with airplanes." Brothers Jeff and Ed Obermeyer, on the other hand, were inspired by their father, Ed Obermeyer Sr., who died in 1994.

The senior Obermeyer started flying radio-controlled aircraft in 1972 and introduced his sons to the hobby when they were 8 years old. Obermeyer later helped organize the club's annual "Kids Fly," which treats children from the Spina Bifida Association of Cincinnati to a day of food and flying radio-controlled aircraft.

Jeff Obermeyer said it's a great hobby for people of all ages and abilities.

"You're only limited by two things," he said, "your imagination and your pocketbook."

In lieu of admission, the club is asking for nonperishable foods for a food pantry.

If you go

What: Greater Cincinnati Radio Control Club 2003 air show

When: Today and Sunday, 12:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Where: Butler County Regional Airport in Hamilton

Cost: Free admission and parking

Information: www.gcrcc.net

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