How to enhance your life!
Dave Gee
safetycolumn@cs.com
That headline is a tall order, but I can back it up. Since you’re already reading the how-to issue of Model Aviation magazine, it’s a safe bet that aeromodeling is at least an interest of yours. If you’re not already a modeler, consider the things that have made this sport so popular and enduring. How about breathtaking fun as your first model passes overhead, with a lifetime of challenges as you master more complex aircraft throughout the years? At no extra cost comes the camaraderie of new friends who share this passion!
I’ll use my father as an example of how our sport can bring added joy to life. Ralph Gee was an impressionable youngster when Charles Lindbergh flew over the Atlantic Ocean in 1927.
1. Pick a Category
Ralph began modeling as a boy with Dime Scale kits, which were as common then as video games are today. Do you think times have changed? Find a kid today who hasn’t tried an RC quadcopter!
Beginning pilots can now choose from dozens of fascinating sub-types of flying models. Just flip through these pages and see what grabs you! One wing, two wings, or rotors with no wings. Radio Control, cable control, or no control at all! Ready-to-fly or handmade, low-cost or super expensive.
You’re not locked into your first choice, either. Try something new anytime you like. Want to fly quadcopters as well as Indoor endurance aircraft? Sure, why not?
2. Choose Your Favorite Technique
After a stint in the U.S. Army Air Corps, Ralph went back to model airplanes for relaxation after work. His favorites were ½A Gas Free Flight (FF) Scale airplanes. In the days before foam and CA glue, it took time to produce a flying model, but that was part of the enjoyment. My dad brought a high level of craftsmanship to his construction projects.
This is another fun choice we each can make. There is room at the field for quick-and-dirty airplanes, as well as immaculate ones. Some pilots skip the building part and buy their aircraft ready to fly. In any case, get some instruction and do your building and flying safely. Getting hurt is nobody’s idea of fun.
3. Balance Family, Work, and Hobbies
Life brings changes, and this sport flexes to match our need for relaxation. As Ralph began to raise a family, his modeling time decreased, but his interest remained. He enjoyed reading about the hobby when he couldn’t sneak off to the workshop.
Today, the internet has endless information and videos about our sport. You can even post your own videos starring you and your model aircraft! Model Aviation has an online presence, which is a great place to begin your internet searches.
4. Pass the Fun Along by Helping a Newcomer
When I came along, my father had stacks of old model airplane magazines waiting to fire my interest. He took advantage of this by giving me a kit, a tube of glue, and careful instructions on how to use a razor blade without bloodshed. This bit of training is a vital part of our hobby. Passing our safety knowledge along gives the next generation of pilots a nudge in the right direction.
After Ralph retired, he again became an active modeler and a prolific builder. This time he settled on rubber-powered FF aircraft and decided that a 15-inch wingspan was “about right” for his stick-and-tissue sport models. Who could argue with such a personal and subjective decision?
His airplanes each displayed the design and production skills that he had developed throughout his lifetime, and it was a full circle because building models as a boy was his introduction to mechanical engineering.
5. Build Skills and Enjoy Yourself!
There came a period of many years
where my father and I were able to enjoy our shared hobby with each other and a circle of friends in local clubs. He didn’t compete, but often kept time for other pilots in contests.
These endless options keep the sport fresh for each of us. Isn’t life grand when we have win-win choices to make?
My father passed away recently at the age of 93. His life was made richer by his enjoyment of models. Ralph found joy through building and flying his airplanes, and associating with other aviation enthusiasts who became close friends. These relaxing times helped balance his work and family obligations, and provided a change of focus when it was needed.
If you are a modeler, you already know all about these advantages. If not, how about giving it a whirl?
Best Mystery Airplane Prize Ever!
Martin Newell is famous for his immaculate, but impossibly tiny, RC models. He is part of the Ventura, California, contingent of the notorious Black Sheep Squadron. For these beachfront pilots, Martin drew plans for a special model based on Bill Watson’s prototype.
The Micro F-22 is a reduced version of a popular RC Combat aircraft, reflecting Martin’s tremendous skill and artistry. The plans even include RC system information by electronics expert Richard Cox. This model features no control runs because the elevons are glued right onto the servo arms! The Micro F-22 is extremely responsive and pleasant to fly.
Take a look at the video link in the “Sources” and see what fun an RC Combat match can be.
Who You Callin’ an SR-71?
To get the Micro F-22 plans, simply email the identity of the mystery airplane to me at the address at the beginning of this column. My nieces posed for the picture and they are grinning because they know that it’s a trick question. This aircraft is not an SR-71.
Send me your answer and the Micro F-22 plans are yours by return email. If you’re stumped, admit it, and I’ll send the plans anyway.
SOURCES:
Model Aviation
www.ModelAviation.com
Micro F-22 at Wildflower Park
www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPU7jKckGJQ
