Born to Fly

Author: Jim T. Graham

Edition: Model Aviation - 2013/11
Page Numbers: 89, 90, 91

Born to Fly

TransAmerica Tour 2014

The TransAmerica Tour 2014 was created by Frank Geisler. The concept is to fly two airplanes across the USA—one gas and one electric—to help promote model aviation. This isn't only an interesting RC project, it is also meant to help the Wounded Warrior Project.

I spoke with Frank about this endeavor.

The Birth of the Concept

Frank was having a discussion about his last project, Wings Across America 2008, with fellow AMA Leader Member, Bob Wilson, when Bob asked Frank if he had ever considered doing a project with an RC airplane relay across the US. It escalated from there and Frank decided he should do it. Bob checked with AMA to see if the concept was viable and was given the green light.

This is similar to what cross-country Soaring pilots do. In addition to Bob, who is from North Carolina, Frank enlisted the help of Tim King, also from North Carolina, and Steve Mills, from Minnesota, to help coordinate this extraordinary operation.

In addition to promoting model aviation, the group decided to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project. The goal is to collect $10,000 for the organization to help empower those American heroes who paid the price for our freedom.

Frank put the word out on RCGroups and other online forums to help recruit volunteers. RC pilots and clubs across the country have volunteered to help. Bob has been working with clubs in the southern part of the country to spread the word and ask for aid, and AMA District VIII Vice President Mark Johnston has been doing the same in his area.

Frank is also canvassing Southern California with AMA District X Associate Vice President Tim Johnson, looking for clubs to volunteer to help the aircraft begin its journey to Arizona. The coordination and planning team for TransAmerica Tour 2014 consists of Bob, Tim, and Steve.

How It Works

If a club wants to volunteer, it is added to the list and plotted on the map. The clubs will be kept updated on the airplanes' progress via the Internet and email. When the airplanes get near a club, the individual pilots will be notified. There will also be daily updates on the location of each airplane.

Teams will be given talking points about the AMA, model aviation, and the Wounded Warrior Project, and how donations will help our American heroes in their daily lives.

The Gas-Powered Airplane

The gas-powered airplane, called American Spirit, is a Sig Manufacturing T-Clips modified with a 64-ounce fuel tank. The goal is to get the airplane to travel 115 miles on one tank of gas.

It will take off from the Muroc Model Masters field at Edwards Air Force Base, California, in April of 2014 and begin its journey east to the Riverside Aeromodelers Society in North Carolina. The route has the gasoline-powered aircraft flying from the west to the east and passing through California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina.

The Electric-Powered Airplane

The electric-powered airplane, called American Pulse, will be a Sig Rascal 110. The motor will be donated by Steve Neu from NeuMotors. Interestingly, Steve suggested a geared motor for less current. This would allow the airplane to travel greater distances than a typical direct-drive setup.

The plan is to fly the electric-powered airplane from Georgia to Minnesota. As with the gas-powered airplane, the goal is to involve as many AMA clubs and/or club members as possible, along both routes, as the airplanes travel across the US. There is also a strategy for how to involve the local media to showcase model aviation.

American Pulse will begin its journey from the Southeast Electric Flight Festival (SEFF) in Georgia in April of 2014 and fly to the Southern Minnesota Model Aircraft Club in Minnesota. The electric-powered airplane will leave SEFF and head on a northwesterly track and pass through Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Minnesota.

100-Mile Flights

Each airplane will take off from a field and circle to gain altitude. The team will then get into a convertible vehicle and follow the model as it flies the route. If an AMA club is farther than the airplane can fly, the team will safely land it at a predetermined landing zone selected by the local teams well in advance, refuel or swap batteries, and then the aircraft will resume its flight.

Safety

Safety is the primary concern with this project, and the routes will be chosen with this in mind. Local teams have the authority to plan and coordinate which route will be flown based on their experience and knowledge of local areas. They are permitted to travel around major metropolitan areas if necessary.

The project does not have a "fly-at-all-costs" attitude. If there is a safety concern, the team can land the airplane and transport it safely until it can take to the air again.