Multirotor aircraft help fulfill dream of flight
Jay Smith
In my September 2015 editorial, I shared my interest in science fiction. In a few cases, my interest in sci-fi and love of our hobby have overlapped.
Last year at Maker Faire Detroit, we interviewed a father and his son who constructed an RC R2-D2 robot using RC components for control and posted it on www.ModelAviation.com.
Last year, I also attended the Chicago TARDIS Doctor Who convention and met a couple of modelers who had built an RC Dalek and K-9 from the show. I also met Mike Tucker who worked on Doctor Who building props such as K-9, Daleks, etc. Pictures of these creations were posted on the AMA Facebook page.
In this issue, I’m excited to share with you the unconventional aircraft that Otto Dieffenbach has built and flown. Otto often flies his models at the Comic-Con International: San Diego. Take a look at his article starting on page 41 and you will likely recognize the inspiration for some of his flying aircraft.
Otto shares his enthusiasm and what he has learned about making his renditions safe and successful. We intend no infringement on any license or copyright, and simply look to highlight what multirotor aircraft and the technology behind them has made possible.
Rich Lopez
I was saddened by the news that we have lost one of our columnists, Rich Lopez. Rich was a fantastic resource for the magazine and a great person. He began reporting on Control Line Combat for the magazine in August 1993. This was his introduction:
“Let me begin my first ‘Control Line Combat’ column for Model Aviation by introducing myself and giving you some of my background. First, I have used Rich von Lopez as my nom de guerre and nom de plume since I began competing in 1964 and writing in 1974.
“I have designed four ½A models and have written articles on each: Li’l Snip, Li’l Matador, ½A Samurai, and ½A SlySir. Two of my FAI designs, Firefly and SlySir, and one of my fast designs, Matador, also have been published. Back in the mid-1970s, the Midwest Products Company produced Li’l Snip, Firefly, and Matador as kits.
“I like to think that I was instrumental in getting ½A Combat into the rule book by promoting the event and running an unofficial ½A competition (sponsored by Cox) at the Nats several years in a row.
“I have been on three of the FAI World Championships Teams—twice [I] was a pitman for Chuck Rudner (1986 and 1992) and once (1990) as a pilot. In 1984, I was on the World Championship Combat Jury.
“I have attended every World Championships since 1982. This experience has given me insight into the trends and tactics used in other countries ...
“And, in my other life, as an elementary school assistant principal, I try to encourage teachers to use the Delta Dart program with their students.”
Rich will certainly be missed and I appreciate his contributions to our hobby throughout the years.
