Zoot Ranch host Mike Hazel flies his Ringmaster on the well-groomed and newly expanded Zoot flying circle in Mehama, Ore. Flying Lines photos.

Oregon CL fliers fly and feast at new, improved Zoot Ranch

Mehama, Ore., Aug. 31, 2024

Approximately 20 control-line enthusiasts and family members gathered at the backyard flying circle at the home of Mike and Laura Hazel in the traditional Zoot Ranch Fun Fly and Picnic.  They found an expanded, improved flying circle and a brand-new picnic shelter to cover the fine potluck feast.

And, with perfect weather for flying, lots of planes were in the air, though pacing was low-key (appropriate for the temperature in the 90s).  Wind was almost undetectable, so planes ranging from tiny on up entertained the crowd.  And, as always, the fun fly was a place for display and flying of unusual and interesting airplanes.

Highlight of the show was Jess Walls electric flying fish, with which Jess displayed his skill at reeling out lines from launch from his vintage U-Reely handle. 
 
The feast included barbecued hamburgers and hotdogs with all the fixings and plenty of salads, sides and desserts, yum!

Attending were Terrence & Valerie Bardue, Mark & Lisa Crouse, Roy DeCamara and daughter, Don & Margaret Dotter, Mike & Laura Hazel, Doug Knoyle, John and Lynette Lickley, Gene Pape, Doug Powers, John Thompson, Jess and Patt Walls, Barbara White and Gary Weems.

Zoot Ranch Fun Fly photos

Jess Walls was the crowd-pleaser with his electric Dory.  He needed no help with launch.  He just fired up the motor from his RC transmitter and away it went.

The fish flies!

Beginning to let out the lines from the U-Reely.

Dory's line tension was guaranteed by a rubber-band-tensioned automatic rudder.

An overview of the Zoot Ranch flying field, as seen from the pits.

The new picnic shelter in the background.

Another view of he recently expanded field, with the picnic shelter, as Mike flies his Ringmaster.

Jess Walls built this electric trainer with about $2.50 of materials, not counting the electric components.

Mike Hazel's oversized Bi-Slob.

There were many small airplanes at the fun fly, including these two flown by Doug Powers.


Spectators had some shade under trees near the pits, where Gary Weems is fueling his Tomahawk.


Another small one from Doug Powers, a Fox-powered Goodyear style plane.


Time to eat!  Some of the crowd used the shelter; others were scattered about the ranch.

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This page was updated Sept. 1, 2024