Jerry Eichten makes the maiden flight on his new Profile Stunt plane at the 2026 Lucky Hand Fun Fly. Flying Lines photo.
Little planes hold the winning cards
Lucky Hand Fun Fly, Salem, Ore., June 20,
2026
About 15 control-line enthusiasts attended the annual fun fly, some entering the poker game and some just there to fly and socialize in the beautiful June weather.
In the poker challenge, each participant’s flight earns a playing card that is posted face-up by their name on the board. Five cards per flier is the maximum that the dealer draws. There is a cash buy-in to participate in the poker draw, but that was not required for anybody just wanting to fly and not bet on it.
This year's winner of a $90 cash prize was Gene Pape of Eugene, Ore., who flew all 1/2-A-powered little planes. Everyone else was able to take something from the prize table.
There were three flying circles in use: There was the usual paved circle and grass area, plus the cul-de-sac was blocked off for small plane flying.
Fliers participating in the poker draw were: Jim Cameron, Jerry Eichten, Niels Madsen, Leighton Mangels, Will Naemura, Gene Pape, Doug Powers, Alan Stewart and John Thompson. Others on hand spectating or helping out were: Sam Baird, Craig Bartlett, DeCamara, Dave La Fever, Bruce Tunberg and Tim Wescott.
Lucky Hand Fun Fly photos
Some of the models shown below and their owners are unidentifed. Email the Flying Lines editor if you can fill in the details.
Gene Pape flew a fleet of small airplanes and won the poker hand. Flying Lines photo.
A closer look at the plane flying above, an original design Gene built many years ago and may have just had its first flight. Flying Lines photo.
Leighton Mangels helps Doug Powers get the two engines running on his little twin. Flying Lines photo.
It's a good flier! Flying Lines photo.
Niels Madsen (foreground) and Jim Cameron get their little planes ready. Bruce Tunberg is at work in the background. Flying Lines photo.
Will Naemura flies a 1/2-A Combat plane out of Gene Pape's launch. Flying Lines photo.
Leighton Mangels' profile stunter. Flying Lines photo.
John Thompson's fun fly fleet. Flying Lines photo.
Alan Stewart brought two Navy Carrier planes plus a British Combat trainer. Flying Lines photo.
Alan Stewart's F2D Proto Speed plane. Flying Lines photo.
Jerry Eichten's new Ringmaster 576, a Pat Johnston design. Flying Lines photo.]
Jim Cameron flies his 1/2-A trainer out of Niels Madsen's launch. Plane is a Cameron design. Flying Lines photo.
Several vintage plastic ready-to-fly
planes were flown, including this one owned by Gene Pape.
Flying Lines photo.
Dave La Fever helps Gene Pape check his
handle setting as Mike Hazel watches. Flying Lines
photo.
Everyone took home a prize, in addition to
Gene Pape's $90 in cash for the winning poker hand.
Flying Lines photo.
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was updated June 22, 2026