February 2012 161
THE SPORT of aeromodeling has seen
many changes in the past 75 years, as the
hobby industry and modelers have created
new technologies for building and flying
model aircraft. Unlike many hobby sports
where new ideas, techniques, and products
replace the old, there have always been
groups of aeromodelers who enjoy
preserving, promoting, and utilizing the
kinds of model aircraft and equipment from
the “Golden Age of Flight.”
I received the following column from
Andrew Figler, our associate vice president
(AVP) for Connecticut, telling us about one
such group:
With everyone racing around, ordering
fast-food, and fast everything, and our ‘got
to get there yesterday’ attitudes, I felt a
refreshing change of pace would be
warranted.
Glastonbury Aero Modelers club hosted
its 36th annual indoor old-time rubber bandpowered
model aircraft contest in the
Glastonbury High School gymnasium this
year. The more than 30-foot ceiling was
more than adequate to contain the highclimbing
rubber-powered models, and if
one did get stuck in the superstructure, long
poles were used to nudge the tiny, delicate
models loose.
CD John Koptonak was a gracious host
who explained the requirements of size and
weight for each class of model aircraft.
John has been running this event for the
past three years. I learned that these tiny
models are built of balsa over “Golden
Age” plans, using 50% water-diluted
Elmer’s white glue and covered with
lightweight Dare Tissue.
This special interest group is supported
by the Flying Aces Club (FAC).
The contest was attended by several
world-record holders and gurus of the
hobby. Among them was Ray Harlan of
Wayland, Massachusetts, who held the
indoor FF 3-gram weight title of 4 minutes
and 1 second aloft, and Dick Everett of
East Haddam, Connecticut, who
consistently gets flights of more than 3
minutes with his P-24 Provisional.
FAC has more than 1,500 members who
enjoy designing, building, and flying these
miniature FF rubber-powered models. This
is challenging because the modeler has to
build a model aircraft to fly, cruise, glide,
and land without human intervention. The
best part is that a competition aircraft may
cost less than $10.
For additional information about FAC,
visit [email protected].
This was a fun event to attend and
everyone was informative and friendly.
Thanks go out to Andy Figlar for this FAC
report. The diversity of our sport provides
fun and camaraderie for many individuals
with varying modeling interests and
recreational budgets.
Happy New Year!
Andy Argenio
3 Sheila Ln.,
Smithfield RI
02917;
Home: (401) 231-
6901; Work: (401)
231-5380
For a complete listing of district
officers and volunteers, please visit
the District 1 website at
www.amadistrict-i.org
D i s t r i c t I
District I
Andy Argenio, District I Vice President; [email protected]
Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont
Andrew Ricci flew his Scale F4U Corsair
modeled from the VMF 312 Squadron.
This 10-gram Peanut Scale Bristol Scout
with cockpit detail was built by Tom Nallen.
AVP Andy Figlar (L) talks with CD John
Koptonak (R) about this 36th annual indoor
event.
Ray Harlan, world-record holder in 3-gram
flying, displays his Condor P-24.
Young Tim Rinaldi received instructions
from Jon Grant on winding and flying a Delta
Dart.
Ed Zorek built this 3.25-gram Beechcraft
Stagerwing from “Golden Age” plans.
12February_11amanews.qxd 12/19/2011 11:33 AM Page 161
Edition: Model Aviation - 2012/02
Page Numbers: 161