FOND DU LAC, Wisconsin USA — The Lakeshore Area Rocket Society (LARS) will be part of an air show of remote-control airplanes in Fond du Lac on Aug. 17, 18 and 19.

The show is sponsored by the Fond du Lac Aeromodelers and LARS will launch rockets during the event.

There will be three days of activity and the event is being called “Warbirds and Classics Over the Midwest.” Air Show being held south of Fond du Lac at Wellnitz Field, located on Hickory Road.

“Warbirds and Classics Over the Midwest” in Fond du Lac will feature large Warbird aircraft from World War I to current. Visitors can see biplane and triplane aircraft from the days of the Red Baron, to today’s modern, super fast F22 jet fighters. Many of the aircraft are huge, with wingspans of up to 180 inches, and bear amazing resemblance to the original ‘real’ aircraft.

The show will also feature RC aircraft depicting classic aircraft predating 1960.

There will be food, fun and primitive camping. There’s 700 ft. x 200 ft. of smooth grass runway suitable for jets and giant scale.

LARS was formed in early 2006 by a group of Manitowoc hobbyists, headed by Eric Cayemberg.

In 2007, club members decided to formally organize under both national rocketry associations, namely the National Association of Rocketry

NAR formed in 1957 and Tripoli Rocketry Association formed in 1964. Both national organizations are similar, however NAR originally dealt with the hobbyist end or lower powered rockets, whereas Tripoli deals with higher power and experimental models.

Eventually NAR expanded its operations to include the higher powered rockets but still does not deal with the experimental side of the hobby.

The club currently has approximately 15 members. They hold a club launch once each month during the summer flying season. Launches are open to everybody, not just club members.

There are currently two launch sites. One is located in Oostburg, which is approximately 10 miles south of Sheboygan. The other one is located just south of Fond du Lac off of Hwy. 151 on Wonser Rd.

Both fields have been authorized by the FAA for altitudes not exceeding 8,000 ft. This altitude limit provides a great opportunity for those hobbyists who concentrate their efforts more towards the high- power side of the hobby.

The club provides all the necessary launch equipment, however it does not discourage anybody from bringing their own ground support equipment. The more pads that are available the more rockets are able to see flight. There is a nominal charge for flying which is assessed to both club and non-club members.

The club just recently developed a Web site (www.larsrocketry.com) for club activities. The Web site will be used to announce launches, as well as provide pictures and videos of past events.

One of the purposes of the club is to promote the hobby to the kids. Club members are more than willing to donate their time and talents to help kids get involved in rocketry.

Two groups from Fond du Lac High School participate in this event each year.

Anybody who is interested in learning more about the hobby should first and foremost come and visit a launch. Talk with the individuals who are currently in the hobby to get an understanding of what is involved. Club members are more than willing to act as mentors.

To register and to learn more, visit www.midwestwarbirds.com.

Copyright © 2007, Fond du Lac Reporter.