The longtime home of control-line flying in Salem is supposedly gone from the Northwest's flying site map.  But a seemingly indefinitely postponement of the construction project that would pave this CL paradise and put up a parking lot (sorry, Joni Mitchell) has allowed Western Oregon fliers to enjoy a series of "last" events at Bill Riegel Model Air Park.

So it was that the Western Oregon Control-Line Flyers (WOLF) and Eugene Prop Spinners jointly hosted Oregon Flying Fun No. 3, the latest stop in Oregon's four-part fun-fly series. Next stop: Oregon Flying Fun No. 4 at the Rogue Eagles RC club's control-line circle in Eagle Point, Ore., on June 7. See flyer for details.

Fun fly No. 3 was postponed twice because of gloomy weather forecasts, but the third try was a charm.  Partly cloudy skies shielded pilots' eyes from the sun.  The day started out breezy, delaying the first flights, but the wind steadily declined, and once the flying got going the circle was busy for the rest of the day (except for the lunch break).

As to that lunch break: Mike Hazel hosted a yummy mini-Zoot barbecue, with hot dogs and chili.

The mini-Zoot barbecue had fun fly attendees lined up for hot dogs and chili. Chef Mike Hazel serves a dog up to Roy DeCamara, as Leighton Mangels waits with the ketchup and Don Curry waits.

At least 14 CL fliers participated, along with several spectators. A wide variety of sport, Stunt, Combat and Scale planes were flown. Perhaps unusual for such a busy day of flying, the number of successful landings exactly equaled the number of takeoffs.

Among those attending were Craig Bartlett, Kristen Brown, Jim Corbett, Mark Crouse, Don Curry, Roy DeCamara, Jerry Eichten, Mike Hazel, Niels Madsen, Leighton Mangels, Gene Pape, John Thompson, Bruce Tunberg and Gary Weems.

Oregon Flying Fun No. 3 photo gallery

Leighton Mangels flies his Twister. Mangels is an active racer and the 2024 Northwest Competitor of the Year.

Planes came in all sizes. These are two of three tiny ones brought by Gene Pape.

And here is Gene flying the third little plane, a Saber-jet-inspired original design.

Mike Hazel brought out a brand-new 1/2-A Proto Speed plane, with Fora power.

Niels Madsen was a busy pit crew member, here launching for Leighton Mangels.

Niels Madsen's Skyray.

Don Curry carries his Beechcraft Bonanza to the circle for a flight, with Kristen Brown in the background.

A pickup load of planes.

Jerry Eichten flies his electric Python, a successful Profile Stunt entry in Northwest contests.

Two planes by John Thompson: At left, a Super Ringmaster with Brodak .25 power, and at right, the Scrub J with Evolution .36.

Gary Weems' Flite Streak always looks good in the air. K&B .28 power.

Kristen Brown's Magician.

Gary Weems made the most flights of the day; here he's at the handle of his Flite Streak.

One of hardest-working behind-the-scenes CL and RC fliers, Jim Corbett, watches the action. Jim is the Eugene Prop Spinners' vice president, secretary, newsletter editor, flying field maintenance chief and general helper everywhere. And he's just as active in the Eugene RC club.

A close-up of Jerry Eichten's Gypsy.

The Gypsy takes of for its 90-second maiden flight.

The prize table (photo does not show a nice array of engines). There were enough prizes for everyone to take home two.