Education Through Aviation
by Bill Pritchett, Education Director
“I’m half living my life between reality and fantasy at all times.” —Lady Gaga
I’ve always considered flying models to be a lot of things. We spend a great deal of time and energy on the educational side, and well we should. “Education Through Aviation” is our motto, and it’s a great way to deliver curricular topics in a fun, engaging way.
The other parts are a little tougher to name or label. We’ve all crashed stuff, had miserable moments at the field, and wondered what the heck we were thinking to get into this frustrating exercise. Radio failure, motors that won’t start or run … the list is actually pretty long. Yet, we keep going back.
Countless things about our hobby have improved immensely and in a short time, but with all of the improvements, we still have those moments—a battery failure, linkage goes south, or the always present midair possibility. Certainly the technical progress that almost everything connected with model aviation has made won’t fix the dreaded bad landing. So why do we come back?
I’ll take a shot at why some of us do—it’s all about fantasy. Often while making a presentation, I’ll refer to flying RC as the ultimate video game. It’s all hand-eye coordination, no kinetic relationship, and there are some who groan and move while flying, trying to fix the airplane with their body language! So there must be some kind of connection and I think there is. It’s fantasy.
We put ourselves in that airplane while flying, and are so completely focused on its flight that we get lost in the moment—lost in the fantasy that making the flight gives us.
I know that it would be impossible for me to own a P-51 Mustang, and yet I do. There is no way could I afford a jet, but still that’s an option now! With all of the trials and tribulations of making a successful flight, we are so deeply engaged with that aircraft that all of our troubles, worries, and concerns go away.
I’ve often been asked why I think riding a motorcycle is relaxing. The answer is the same for bikes and for model airplanes. When I’m riding, there is absolutely nothing else but that on my mind. That’s relaxing. The focus required for safe riding and successful flight requires that much concentration and focus from me. Getting lost in that airplane (or motorcycle) is why I keep going back time after time. How ’bout you?
We have some great opportunities taking place for the AMA in the Education department!
We’ve signed a memorandum of understanding with DJI. DJI North America is without question the most active and interested multirotor manufacturer in the educational aspect of its product, and the company is deeply interested in, and supportive of, the AMA.
Other exciting news comes to us from down South. I’ve known for some time that a family in the Muncie, Indiana, area was extremely involved in model aviation, the EAA, and full-scale stuff. My wife has developed a great relationship through her business with the mother of our latest find. Through all of that, I found out that he’s at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and I thought it was time to meet him.
So, after a trip to Daytona, and a wonderful two days on the amazing campus, please welcome our newest partner, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and its Director of Partnership Marketing, Kyle Ludwick.
Kyle has opened a number of doors for us, so stay tuned. It’s hard to beat working on model aviation with a passionate modeler and pilot, and that’s Kyle.
We’re working right now with AOPA on a number of things that we have in common. It is certainly a large group and because the organization has decided to enter the sUAS arena, we’re discussing all that we have in common as well as our expertise.
Finally this month, we’ve been in great discussions with our friends at EAA. Rick Larsen is a longtime modeler and, thanks to Rick leading the way, we have a great opportunity for the AMA at AirVenture next year. I can only share a small bit of information—it used to be called “Teacher Day.”
You will receive this approximately the first of November and I would be remiss to not thank each and every one of our veterans. Veterans Day will be soon—our small club had nine members raise $350 for the Disabled American Veterans. We had a blast doing it and there just aren’t many, if any, better causes to support.
I’ve mentioned here before the emotion of witnessing a Freedom Flight at the Washington, D.C. airport. So many of our warriors are wounded as a result of the sacrifice they’ve made for us.
This time of year is also a transition to the Christmas holiday and we start thinking about gifts. Maybe instead of buying a gift, you could make a donation. I can’t think of a better gift to give than hope, care, and love to a veteran.
Fly and have fun!
