2007 MERFI Aircraft Awards

MERFI wants to congratulate all owners that won awards this year.

Light Sport Award John McCarter brought his L.S.A. Challenger 2 to MERFI and flew away with top honor for his pretty blue bird, christened the “Spirit of Ohio.” John stayed very busy promoting Light Sport Aircraft while at MERFI. He flew the Spirit of Ohio from Dayton to First Flight along with several other LSA and received national coverage and a documentary of the flight. John is quite involved in his E.A.A. chapter as a builder and mentor, with several kits including his latest, a very shiny Sonex. Challenger 2 / Clip Wing Special Rotax 503, 52 hp Built in 2000 with over 500 hours flown. Congratulations, and we look forward to more aircraft from John. N126JM
Experimental Award Winner Peoples Choice Award Winner Pilots Choice Award Winner These three awards were received by one very special aircraft at the recent MERFI Fly-in. Congratulations go out to Rick Gray and his RV-10 fresh from winning, Custom Built Award for Outstanding Kit Workmanship at EAA’S Air Venture. Rick displayed his beautiful RV-10 and received not only experimental honors, but also the appreciation of the thousands of spectators that attended MERFI with the popular vote for Peoples Choice Award. Also, then received a nod from fellow pilots with the Pilots Choice Award. Thanks Rick for attending MERFI and congratulations on an outstanding airplane. N410RG
Warbird Award Hercules C-130 The C-130 attached to the 179th airlift wing in Mansfield received top honors as the most Popular Warbird at MERFI. Seeing active service to our Country and being a good neighbor to the city of Mansfield Ohio, the popular vote went to the Big Bird. C-130H 2.5/1990 5,000 hp Cruise at 300 knots / 345 mph 155,000 lbs fully loaded Accepting the Warbird Award for the 179th was Major Ted Macaulay. Congratulations and thanks to the men and women of the 179th for displaying the C-130 and their service to our country.
Antique Award Congratulations to Marvin Homsley of Maumee Ohio, on winning the Antique Aircraft Award at MERFI. Strong competition made this a great category this year, but the 1946 Super Swift came out on top. This beautiful bird with extraordinary shine took center stage on awards day. Marvin has to bet credited for keeping this plane in terrific condition, (you gotta love your polishing cloth!). Military versions were produced; there is one in a museum at Athens Tennessee with guns and rockets under the wings. Thanks Marvin for allowing us to see aviation history, and to watch it take flight. 1946 Super Swift 210 hp N61PK
General Aviation Award David Lavalle and his clean 1974 Cessna 150L came to MERFI and took top G.A. Dave keeps his daily flyer in pristine condition so look for Dave flying Young Eagles and attending fly-ins all over Ohio. If you notice a pretty yellow 150 on the ramp, stop and say “Hey!” Congratulations Dave, thanks for making MERFI G.A. competition great! N11358

For more information, contact:

Tony Knight  tbllKnight@yahoo.com
419-545-1092