Cajun Heli Fest is this weekend

This weekend, March 28-29, the Rice Area Modelers Society (RAMS) are gathering once again for the Cajun Heli Fest, a radio-controlled helicopter fly-in which brings in many out-of-state professional pilots. The RAMS were formed in 1981. 

On Tuesday, original RAMS Richard Miller, Ed Habetz, Darwin Hayes and Allan Ledoux gathered at the Habetz Air Field where this weekend’s event will be held. The field is located 1.7 miles north of Crowley on Highway 1111 and is dedicated to the late Don Habetz. A plaque honoring Don’s memory is being made to be placed on the gate at the field’s entrance. 

“Don was an original member of the club and was a faithful fan of the sport,” read a press release given to the Post-Signal. “His memory lives on in his grandson Brandon Landry of Baton Rouge, who is also a very good remote control airplane pilot.” 

The Cajun Heli Fest regularly draws a large crowd to the remote control aircraft field.. 

“You can expect to see this field filled up with RVs by Friday,” said Ed Habetz, Don’s brother.  

Over the past 30 years, the club has seen many changes with several new members being added. A pond has also been dug to accommodate remote control float planes and a pad for remote control helicopters.

One event this weekend has remote control helicopters hovering over the pond with fishing lines attached. When the bait is taken, the helicopters will pull away with a fish on the hook. 

“One year a bass took the bait and pulled the helicopter down,” said David Hayes, a younger RAM who was busy putting his plane together on Tuesday. 

Those interested in radio control planes or helicopters are encouraged to call Eric Babineaux at (337) 344-4408. Their website is www.ramsrcflyers.com.