It's not uncommon for folks to fly their RC planes inside this time of the year. "Doing the indoor flying during the wintertime months, it kind of keeps our fingers nimble," said electric plane pilot Joe Lewis.
For the dozens of people gathering at Farmer Jim's Sports Complex, however, Sunday was a special day. "Today we're trying to establish a Guinness World Record indoors. There is already a record for the most planes outdoors, but this is electric planes indoors that we're trying to establish a record for," said Sue Simion, owner of Luke's RC Planes.
The group was attempting to set three different world records; the most planes flown indoors, most helicopters flown indoors and most helicopters and planes flown together indoors. The thought of being in the record books had everyone's spirits flying high. "It feels pretty good, you know? First time I've been able to come out and do this. Haven't done too many fun flies or anything like that, so I'm happy to be here, hoping to see it in the record books next year," said Kevin Clover.
Fifteen helicopters and 22 planes flew separately, and a combination of 32 flew together for the three attempts. Although not official just yet, everyone here is already claiming and celebrating the world records. "Even though we're sure it's going to get broke, at least we established the record, so we got it in the book," said Simion.
No matter how long these records last, it makes no difference for some of today's pilots. "This is a great hobby, bunch of great guys. We meet inside. We fly our planes. We have fun, and that's what this is about; having a great time," said Bill Direnzo.
The group will send all documentation to officials from Guinness and expect to hear back in the next few weeks.
