Previous contests in Chanute AFB (Rantoul, IL)

From: <mkirda_at_sbcglobal.net>
Date: 05 Jun 2014 08:08:26 -0700

From INAV Jun 1984:
 SEPT.29&JO 11th ANNUAL MIDWESTERN STATES INDOOR
CHAMPIONSHIPS, CHANUTE AFB, RANTOUL, IL
CAT. II ?, Sponsor- Chicago Aeronuts
These are tentative plans per Don·Lindley
details will be in an upcoming issue~
 

 From Oct-Nov 1984

 Chanute AFB Hanger #1 - a fire engine storage

 garage - 44' 2" high has a smooth ceiling with lights
hanging down 1-2' .in a 20' grid pattern. The flying
here was superb even though the weather was unseasonably
cold, with the only drift being at the ceiling
& it was minimal. In warm weather this site could
be fantastic. In spite of the weather 1) National
& 1 World record were set in 2 days. Base Commander
Merle Wilson made us feel welcome and the airmen
assigned to us were most helpful. The few spectators
we had - mostly base personnel and Rantoul residents- really
seemed to enjoy our flying.
 

 From August 1985:
 ILLINOIS - RANTOUL
Chicago Aeronuts 12th Midwestern States Indoor
Championships on September 28- 29 at Chanute A.F.B.
hanger #1. CAT II.AMA Stick, FAI Indoor, Cabin,
Paper Stic'k:, Easy B, Novice Pennyplane, Pennyplane,
Manhattan Cabi'n, Peanut Scale, Sport Scale, Bostonian,
Hand Launch Glider. Contact Chuck Markos, - .
655 Carlisle A·.,, Deerfield, IL 60015 or (312)945-9225.

 

 The two photos below are of the interior of
this site, where last year 13 AMA records and one
World record WE!re set in two days of flying. Rantoul
is a t hour drlve north of Champaign, IL and even
though it really is not close to anyone it is well
worth the driVE!. Ceilinr; height is 44 • 2" just under
the maximum for CAT II. The lights are the only
ceiling obstructions and they presented only a few
problems. The floor area, approximately 150' x 250'
gives lots of room for models and competitors. So
come fly the last weekend i:n September and. do y:our
part in setting: some new CAT II :records~ · - :

 

 By April 1987, the Midwestern States contest had switched back to Jones Armory.
 I am not sure why and with the Chicago Aeronuts essentially defunct, I suspect the reason why has been lost in time.
 

 Regards.
 Mike Kirda

Received on Thu Jun 05 2014 - 08:08:26 CEST