56 MODEL AVIATION
by Joe Beshar
A grammar school program graduates from
an elective to a mainstream science class
Joe Beshar, Dave Kopec, Richard Rays, Tom Schiavone, Jim Gorab, and Mr. Gorab’s
seventh-grade science class with the Hobby Lobby Miss 2 nicknamed “Cavallini I.”
IF YOU THINK aeromodeling should be a
class in the local school system, read on
carefully. This article will describe one
effort’s success.
May 2008 57
Photos by Melissa Kampe of Paragon Federal and David Kopec
Joe Beshar explains what will happen during the demonstration
flight. The Miss 2’s flight characteristics are a big part of the
successful program.
The captivated seventh-graders watch as the Miss 2 soars
through the sky at the Lions Club Park in Upper Saddle River NJ.
Above (L-R): Computer technology teacher and
videographer Bruce Reicher interviews David
Kopec, Joe Beshar, and Richard Rays.
Left: The Miss 2 takes to the sky, easily
maneuvering around obstacles, thanks to its slow
flight envelope. The students excel with or
without using a buddy-box system.
Melissa Kampe of Paragon Federal helps Jim Gorab ready the
Cavallini I for its maiden flight. The Miss 2 ARF is an excellent
novice project.
Fly the RC Adventure team (L-R): Jim Gorab, Paragon
President and CEO Richard Rays, flight instructor Tom
Schiavone, Joe Beshar, Paragon Federal Member Development
Representative David Kopec.
05sig2.QXD 3/24/08 2:30 PM Page 57
Imagine if every flying club in America
followed the example you’ll read about and
made it possible for kids to fly model
airplanes in their schools. Most of us who
have been involved in aeromodeling for
years might easily imagine getting an A+ in
that class. What a confidence booster!
Because RC modeling, a wholesome
pastime, has become so easy to learn, it’s
possible that the thrill of this activity could
become widespread. The positive outcome
could encourage students to use those
valuable lessons of creativity that
aeromodeling taught them to seek out
those same rewards in other scholastic
disciplines. Kids doing better in school
because of aeromodeling would be a huge
boost to the AMA.
There is no better way to introduce
someone to RC flight than with a hands-on
experience. I find it satisfying to introduce
model aviation to a friend or any interested
individual this way because he or she is
rewarded with a successful flying
experience from the moment the lessons
begin.
The thrill of flying a model aircraft
might translate into a student’s enthusiasm
to learn more and get better at doing
something as thrilling as piloting an
airplane. Moreover, the positive experience
may encourage a student to focus harder on
academic subjects and strive to excel in
those areas as well.
Describing the activity can be
interesting, but the first experience of
controlling a model aircraft is the best
kickoff to get someone to join the modeling
community. A new program called “Fly the
RC Adventure” provides that hands-on
exposure, and a trial of the program brought
major sponsorship from one business to
support a public-school program in its area.
Fly the RC Adventure is designed to
encourage clubs and enable them to reach
out to their communites with a suitable
package that is hassle free in regards to the
equipment used. This is an asset that will
bring more members into the club and, of
course, AMA.
Slow-flying and RTF electric-powered
model packages are becoming more popular
every day. The fact that they fly slowly not
only gives a student pilot time to correct, but
it also gives the instructor time to react. The
overall flight-training experience has little
“fear factor” and confidence is built quickly.
“ ... most satisfying
program they’ve
ever had.”
—David Kopec
RC ADVENTURE
Fly the
05sig2.QXD 3/25/08 8:58 AM Page 56
58 MODEL AVIATION
How Your Club Can Participate
in Fly the RC Adventure
1) Describe the program’s public relations benefits at a
club meeting.
2) Explain to the club members how they need to sponsor
this program as a benefit to them and to the local
community.
3) Assign a program leader.
4) Choose a local school as an appropriate candidate for
the program.
5) Present the program to the school principal or
responsible school authority, outlining the educational
benefits.
6) Have your club or local business corporation sponsor the
material costs.
7) Have the school assign an interested schoolteacher to
lead the activity. A shop or science teacher would be best.
8) Ask the school to post an announcement inviting
students to register if they are interested in learning to
fly a model airplane.
9) With the leader teacher, schedule an introductory
meeting and invite the students who registered for the
activity. Encourage club members to attend; they can
display the model the students will get the opportunity to
fly and their other favorite airplanes.
During this meeting you should also:
• Describe building details, components, and other
information involved with flying a model.
• Have the students who are interested in continuing to
participate sign up for the program.
• Assign squadrons of six, and match each group with a
club squadron leader.
10) Schedule weekly meetings, at which you will:
• Start by constructing the trainer.
• Continue the meetings with flying sessions held at an
appropriate site.
• Avoid windy days; meet in the evenings if necessary.
11) Encourage the students to purchase their own models in
preparation for competitions or whatever they decide to
do with their experience.
12) Urge the students to join AMA’s $15 Youth program,
which gets them MA, and your club membership can
go from there. MA
—Joe Beshar
Because there is time for mistakes, many instructors have felt
comfortable training without the use of a buddy box. An
uncomplicated model that needs little experience to assemble,
maintain, and train with contributes to how Fly the RC Adventure
works.
The basic program is simple. Have the electric slow flyer ready at
demo functions and spectator activities. It is great for community club
promotions and can increase club membership. The model will be
battery powered, so a couple of charged batteries on standby are the
only field equipment needed.
Most test outings have been with the Hobby Lobby Miss 2. I use a
2.4 GHz radio-control system, which works well because there is no
chance of interference with any other flying that may take place.
Richard Rays, president and CEO of Paragon Federal Credit Union
located in Montvale, New Jersey, is a model-building enthusiast. He is
gracious and dedicated to serving the community around Montvale.
Richard recognized the value of Fly the RC Adventure and
contacted me because I initiated the program. He expressed interest in
adapting the program for use in the Montvale schools as an
introduction to model-airplane flying.
The contact was timely because I had been using the Miss 2 at
model gatherings to promote Fly the RC Adventure. I had spectators
try to fly the model on the spot. The result was that it gained their
interest in joining the modeling community and the Academy.
During my meeting with Mr. Rays, we discussed and developed
the program structure for the Emil A. Cavallini Middle School in
Upper Saddle River, New Jersey. David Kopec, a representative of
Paragon Federal Development, arranged to visit Jim Gorab—a
science teacher at Cavallini Middle School—who had shown
interest in getting involved in the program.
Upon approval of the school administrator, a notice was posted
for Fly the RC Adventure. It announced to the students that they
could fly a radio-controlled model airplane with instructor
assistance. The response was enormous!
Interested students attended a meeting that featured a lecture
about building and flying model aircraft. It included a detailed
review of AMA because its mission includes leadership,
organization, education, and the scientific/technical development
of modelers.
The students who showed continued interest at the meeting were
asked to register for the next outing. They were signed into group
squadrons of six, and an accomplished modeler paired up with each
squadron to be the leader at the appropriate local site.
Mr. Rays volunteered to supply the necessary materials for the
school squadrons. The Miss 2 was selected as the trainer because its
slow flight characteristics and package completeness were the most
encouraging. In addition, it could easily be flown at most football or
soccer fields, which are the typical spaces around public schools.
Mr. Rays purchased the first unit, assembled it, and named it the
“Cavallini I.” Mr. Gorab scheduled a student meeting at the local
Lions Park. Tom Schiavone, a local modeler, came forward to lead
the first Fly the RC Adventure squadron of eager students.
The initial flying session was held October 25, 2007, and each
student had the opportunity to fly the Cavallini I. It is important to
choose a flying day that has little wind because slow-flying models
tend to bounce around. The student is more comfortable learning to
fly a model without having to battle wind turbulence.
Adventure Success: Have there been times when you wanted to let
a friend or newcomer experience RC but were reluctant because of
the risk of damaging your airplane? The Miss 2’s convenient
package will solve that problem.
Complete as complete can be, it includes everything you need.
The packeage provides the radio, complete with servos; ARF model
components; brushless motor; ESC; Li-Poly battery; charger; and
detailed assembly instructions with support materials down to the
adhesives and the wing hold-down rubber bands.
The aircraft is a slow flyer with Old-Timer performance; thus it
is ideal for anyone’s first try at RC. Because the Miss 2 flies so
slowly, there is no need to use a buddy box. When the instructor
flies the airplane at 200-300 feet of altitude, he or she can safely
hand the transmitter to the student and stand by to observe.
If the student gets into trouble, the instructor simply takes back
the transmitter and recovers the model. Then the transmitter is given
back to the student to continue practicing, each time improving his
or her flying ability. With this airplane there is usually plenty of
time to advise the student of an error, at which time he or she can
learn to bring the model back under control by himself or herself.
The complete Miss 2 package costs less than $400. This is not a
great deal of money for a club or individual to spend in exchange for
the great benefits that are gained from getting someone into the
hobby/sport. Some assembly is required, but it is easy and is
detailed in the supplied instruction booklet.
Cavallini Middle School and Paragon Federal are interested in
continuing the program. The students’ responses and attitudes
have been overwhelmingly positive. Because they learn hands-on
by flying right away, which is considered to be the best part of
aeromodeling, they want to learn more about the hobby and
science of flight. MA
Joe Beshar
[email protected]
05sig2.QXD 3/25/08 9:02 AM Page 58
Edition: Model Aviation - 2008/05
Page Numbers: 56,57,58
Edition: Model Aviation - 2008/05
Page Numbers: 56,57,58
56 MODEL AVIATION
by Joe Beshar
A grammar school program graduates from
an elective to a mainstream science class
Joe Beshar, Dave Kopec, Richard Rays, Tom Schiavone, Jim Gorab, and Mr. Gorab’s
seventh-grade science class with the Hobby Lobby Miss 2 nicknamed “Cavallini I.”
IF YOU THINK aeromodeling should be a
class in the local school system, read on
carefully. This article will describe one
effort’s success.
May 2008 57
Photos by Melissa Kampe of Paragon Federal and David Kopec
Joe Beshar explains what will happen during the demonstration
flight. The Miss 2’s flight characteristics are a big part of the
successful program.
The captivated seventh-graders watch as the Miss 2 soars
through the sky at the Lions Club Park in Upper Saddle River NJ.
Above (L-R): Computer technology teacher and
videographer Bruce Reicher interviews David
Kopec, Joe Beshar, and Richard Rays.
Left: The Miss 2 takes to the sky, easily
maneuvering around obstacles, thanks to its slow
flight envelope. The students excel with or
without using a buddy-box system.
Melissa Kampe of Paragon Federal helps Jim Gorab ready the
Cavallini I for its maiden flight. The Miss 2 ARF is an excellent
novice project.
Fly the RC Adventure team (L-R): Jim Gorab, Paragon
President and CEO Richard Rays, flight instructor Tom
Schiavone, Joe Beshar, Paragon Federal Member Development
Representative David Kopec.
05sig2.QXD 3/24/08 2:30 PM Page 57
Imagine if every flying club in America
followed the example you’ll read about and
made it possible for kids to fly model
airplanes in their schools. Most of us who
have been involved in aeromodeling for
years might easily imagine getting an A+ in
that class. What a confidence booster!
Because RC modeling, a wholesome
pastime, has become so easy to learn, it’s
possible that the thrill of this activity could
become widespread. The positive outcome
could encourage students to use those
valuable lessons of creativity that
aeromodeling taught them to seek out
those same rewards in other scholastic
disciplines. Kids doing better in school
because of aeromodeling would be a huge
boost to the AMA.
There is no better way to introduce
someone to RC flight than with a hands-on
experience. I find it satisfying to introduce
model aviation to a friend or any interested
individual this way because he or she is
rewarded with a successful flying
experience from the moment the lessons
begin.
The thrill of flying a model aircraft
might translate into a student’s enthusiasm
to learn more and get better at doing
something as thrilling as piloting an
airplane. Moreover, the positive experience
may encourage a student to focus harder on
academic subjects and strive to excel in
those areas as well.
Describing the activity can be
interesting, but the first experience of
controlling a model aircraft is the best
kickoff to get someone to join the modeling
community. A new program called “Fly the
RC Adventure” provides that hands-on
exposure, and a trial of the program brought
major sponsorship from one business to
support a public-school program in its area.
Fly the RC Adventure is designed to
encourage clubs and enable them to reach
out to their communites with a suitable
package that is hassle free in regards to the
equipment used. This is an asset that will
bring more members into the club and, of
course, AMA.
Slow-flying and RTF electric-powered
model packages are becoming more popular
every day. The fact that they fly slowly not
only gives a student pilot time to correct, but
it also gives the instructor time to react. The
overall flight-training experience has little
“fear factor” and confidence is built quickly.
“ ... most satisfying
program they’ve
ever had.”
—David Kopec
RC ADVENTURE
Fly the
05sig2.QXD 3/25/08 8:58 AM Page 56
58 MODEL AVIATION
How Your Club Can Participate
in Fly the RC Adventure
1) Describe the program’s public relations benefits at a
club meeting.
2) Explain to the club members how they need to sponsor
this program as a benefit to them and to the local
community.
3) Assign a program leader.
4) Choose a local school as an appropriate candidate for
the program.
5) Present the program to the school principal or
responsible school authority, outlining the educational
benefits.
6) Have your club or local business corporation sponsor the
material costs.
7) Have the school assign an interested schoolteacher to
lead the activity. A shop or science teacher would be best.
8) Ask the school to post an announcement inviting
students to register if they are interested in learning to
fly a model airplane.
9) With the leader teacher, schedule an introductory
meeting and invite the students who registered for the
activity. Encourage club members to attend; they can
display the model the students will get the opportunity to
fly and their other favorite airplanes.
During this meeting you should also:
• Describe building details, components, and other
information involved with flying a model.
• Have the students who are interested in continuing to
participate sign up for the program.
• Assign squadrons of six, and match each group with a
club squadron leader.
10) Schedule weekly meetings, at which you will:
• Start by constructing the trainer.
• Continue the meetings with flying sessions held at an
appropriate site.
• Avoid windy days; meet in the evenings if necessary.
11) Encourage the students to purchase their own models in
preparation for competitions or whatever they decide to
do with their experience.
12) Urge the students to join AMA’s $15 Youth program,
which gets them MA, and your club membership can
go from there. MA
—Joe Beshar
Because there is time for mistakes, many instructors have felt
comfortable training without the use of a buddy box. An
uncomplicated model that needs little experience to assemble,
maintain, and train with contributes to how Fly the RC Adventure
works.
The basic program is simple. Have the electric slow flyer ready at
demo functions and spectator activities. It is great for community club
promotions and can increase club membership. The model will be
battery powered, so a couple of charged batteries on standby are the
only field equipment needed.
Most test outings have been with the Hobby Lobby Miss 2. I use a
2.4 GHz radio-control system, which works well because there is no
chance of interference with any other flying that may take place.
Richard Rays, president and CEO of Paragon Federal Credit Union
located in Montvale, New Jersey, is a model-building enthusiast. He is
gracious and dedicated to serving the community around Montvale.
Richard recognized the value of Fly the RC Adventure and
contacted me because I initiated the program. He expressed interest in
adapting the program for use in the Montvale schools as an
introduction to model-airplane flying.
The contact was timely because I had been using the Miss 2 at
model gatherings to promote Fly the RC Adventure. I had spectators
try to fly the model on the spot. The result was that it gained their
interest in joining the modeling community and the Academy.
During my meeting with Mr. Rays, we discussed and developed
the program structure for the Emil A. Cavallini Middle School in
Upper Saddle River, New Jersey. David Kopec, a representative of
Paragon Federal Development, arranged to visit Jim Gorab—a
science teacher at Cavallini Middle School—who had shown
interest in getting involved in the program.
Upon approval of the school administrator, a notice was posted
for Fly the RC Adventure. It announced to the students that they
could fly a radio-controlled model airplane with instructor
assistance. The response was enormous!
Interested students attended a meeting that featured a lecture
about building and flying model aircraft. It included a detailed
review of AMA because its mission includes leadership,
organization, education, and the scientific/technical development
of modelers.
The students who showed continued interest at the meeting were
asked to register for the next outing. They were signed into group
squadrons of six, and an accomplished modeler paired up with each
squadron to be the leader at the appropriate local site.
Mr. Rays volunteered to supply the necessary materials for the
school squadrons. The Miss 2 was selected as the trainer because its
slow flight characteristics and package completeness were the most
encouraging. In addition, it could easily be flown at most football or
soccer fields, which are the typical spaces around public schools.
Mr. Rays purchased the first unit, assembled it, and named it the
“Cavallini I.” Mr. Gorab scheduled a student meeting at the local
Lions Park. Tom Schiavone, a local modeler, came forward to lead
the first Fly the RC Adventure squadron of eager students.
The initial flying session was held October 25, 2007, and each
student had the opportunity to fly the Cavallini I. It is important to
choose a flying day that has little wind because slow-flying models
tend to bounce around. The student is more comfortable learning to
fly a model without having to battle wind turbulence.
Adventure Success: Have there been times when you wanted to let
a friend or newcomer experience RC but were reluctant because of
the risk of damaging your airplane? The Miss 2’s convenient
package will solve that problem.
Complete as complete can be, it includes everything you need.
The packeage provides the radio, complete with servos; ARF model
components; brushless motor; ESC; Li-Poly battery; charger; and
detailed assembly instructions with support materials down to the
adhesives and the wing hold-down rubber bands.
The aircraft is a slow flyer with Old-Timer performance; thus it
is ideal for anyone’s first try at RC. Because the Miss 2 flies so
slowly, there is no need to use a buddy box. When the instructor
flies the airplane at 200-300 feet of altitude, he or she can safely
hand the transmitter to the student and stand by to observe.
If the student gets into trouble, the instructor simply takes back
the transmitter and recovers the model. Then the transmitter is given
back to the student to continue practicing, each time improving his
or her flying ability. With this airplane there is usually plenty of
time to advise the student of an error, at which time he or she can
learn to bring the model back under control by himself or herself.
The complete Miss 2 package costs less than $400. This is not a
great deal of money for a club or individual to spend in exchange for
the great benefits that are gained from getting someone into the
hobby/sport. Some assembly is required, but it is easy and is
detailed in the supplied instruction booklet.
Cavallini Middle School and Paragon Federal are interested in
continuing the program. The students’ responses and attitudes
have been overwhelmingly positive. Because they learn hands-on
by flying right away, which is considered to be the best part of
aeromodeling, they want to learn more about the hobby and
science of flight. MA
Joe Beshar
[email protected]
05sig2.QXD 3/25/08 9:02 AM Page 58
Edition: Model Aviation - 2008/05
Page Numbers: 56,57,58
56 MODEL AVIATION
by Joe Beshar
A grammar school program graduates from
an elective to a mainstream science class
Joe Beshar, Dave Kopec, Richard Rays, Tom Schiavone, Jim Gorab, and Mr. Gorab’s
seventh-grade science class with the Hobby Lobby Miss 2 nicknamed “Cavallini I.”
IF YOU THINK aeromodeling should be a
class in the local school system, read on
carefully. This article will describe one
effort’s success.
May 2008 57
Photos by Melissa Kampe of Paragon Federal and David Kopec
Joe Beshar explains what will happen during the demonstration
flight. The Miss 2’s flight characteristics are a big part of the
successful program.
The captivated seventh-graders watch as the Miss 2 soars
through the sky at the Lions Club Park in Upper Saddle River NJ.
Above (L-R): Computer technology teacher and
videographer Bruce Reicher interviews David
Kopec, Joe Beshar, and Richard Rays.
Left: The Miss 2 takes to the sky, easily
maneuvering around obstacles, thanks to its slow
flight envelope. The students excel with or
without using a buddy-box system.
Melissa Kampe of Paragon Federal helps Jim Gorab ready the
Cavallini I for its maiden flight. The Miss 2 ARF is an excellent
novice project.
Fly the RC Adventure team (L-R): Jim Gorab, Paragon
President and CEO Richard Rays, flight instructor Tom
Schiavone, Joe Beshar, Paragon Federal Member Development
Representative David Kopec.
05sig2.QXD 3/24/08 2:30 PM Page 57
Imagine if every flying club in America
followed the example you’ll read about and
made it possible for kids to fly model
airplanes in their schools. Most of us who
have been involved in aeromodeling for
years might easily imagine getting an A+ in
that class. What a confidence booster!
Because RC modeling, a wholesome
pastime, has become so easy to learn, it’s
possible that the thrill of this activity could
become widespread. The positive outcome
could encourage students to use those
valuable lessons of creativity that
aeromodeling taught them to seek out
those same rewards in other scholastic
disciplines. Kids doing better in school
because of aeromodeling would be a huge
boost to the AMA.
There is no better way to introduce
someone to RC flight than with a hands-on
experience. I find it satisfying to introduce
model aviation to a friend or any interested
individual this way because he or she is
rewarded with a successful flying
experience from the moment the lessons
begin.
The thrill of flying a model aircraft
might translate into a student’s enthusiasm
to learn more and get better at doing
something as thrilling as piloting an
airplane. Moreover, the positive experience
may encourage a student to focus harder on
academic subjects and strive to excel in
those areas as well.
Describing the activity can be
interesting, but the first experience of
controlling a model aircraft is the best
kickoff to get someone to join the modeling
community. A new program called “Fly the
RC Adventure” provides that hands-on
exposure, and a trial of the program brought
major sponsorship from one business to
support a public-school program in its area.
Fly the RC Adventure is designed to
encourage clubs and enable them to reach
out to their communites with a suitable
package that is hassle free in regards to the
equipment used. This is an asset that will
bring more members into the club and, of
course, AMA.
Slow-flying and RTF electric-powered
model packages are becoming more popular
every day. The fact that they fly slowly not
only gives a student pilot time to correct, but
it also gives the instructor time to react. The
overall flight-training experience has little
“fear factor” and confidence is built quickly.
“ ... most satisfying
program they’ve
ever had.”
—David Kopec
RC ADVENTURE
Fly the
05sig2.QXD 3/25/08 8:58 AM Page 56
58 MODEL AVIATION
How Your Club Can Participate
in Fly the RC Adventure
1) Describe the program’s public relations benefits at a
club meeting.
2) Explain to the club members how they need to sponsor
this program as a benefit to them and to the local
community.
3) Assign a program leader.
4) Choose a local school as an appropriate candidate for
the program.
5) Present the program to the school principal or
responsible school authority, outlining the educational
benefits.
6) Have your club or local business corporation sponsor the
material costs.
7) Have the school assign an interested schoolteacher to
lead the activity. A shop or science teacher would be best.
8) Ask the school to post an announcement inviting
students to register if they are interested in learning to
fly a model airplane.
9) With the leader teacher, schedule an introductory
meeting and invite the students who registered for the
activity. Encourage club members to attend; they can
display the model the students will get the opportunity to
fly and their other favorite airplanes.
During this meeting you should also:
• Describe building details, components, and other
information involved with flying a model.
• Have the students who are interested in continuing to
participate sign up for the program.
• Assign squadrons of six, and match each group with a
club squadron leader.
10) Schedule weekly meetings, at which you will:
• Start by constructing the trainer.
• Continue the meetings with flying sessions held at an
appropriate site.
• Avoid windy days; meet in the evenings if necessary.
11) Encourage the students to purchase their own models in
preparation for competitions or whatever they decide to
do with their experience.
12) Urge the students to join AMA’s $15 Youth program,
which gets them MA, and your club membership can
go from there. MA
—Joe Beshar
Because there is time for mistakes, many instructors have felt
comfortable training without the use of a buddy box. An
uncomplicated model that needs little experience to assemble,
maintain, and train with contributes to how Fly the RC Adventure
works.
The basic program is simple. Have the electric slow flyer ready at
demo functions and spectator activities. It is great for community club
promotions and can increase club membership. The model will be
battery powered, so a couple of charged batteries on standby are the
only field equipment needed.
Most test outings have been with the Hobby Lobby Miss 2. I use a
2.4 GHz radio-control system, which works well because there is no
chance of interference with any other flying that may take place.
Richard Rays, president and CEO of Paragon Federal Credit Union
located in Montvale, New Jersey, is a model-building enthusiast. He is
gracious and dedicated to serving the community around Montvale.
Richard recognized the value of Fly the RC Adventure and
contacted me because I initiated the program. He expressed interest in
adapting the program for use in the Montvale schools as an
introduction to model-airplane flying.
The contact was timely because I had been using the Miss 2 at
model gatherings to promote Fly the RC Adventure. I had spectators
try to fly the model on the spot. The result was that it gained their
interest in joining the modeling community and the Academy.
During my meeting with Mr. Rays, we discussed and developed
the program structure for the Emil A. Cavallini Middle School in
Upper Saddle River, New Jersey. David Kopec, a representative of
Paragon Federal Development, arranged to visit Jim Gorab—a
science teacher at Cavallini Middle School—who had shown
interest in getting involved in the program.
Upon approval of the school administrator, a notice was posted
for Fly the RC Adventure. It announced to the students that they
could fly a radio-controlled model airplane with instructor
assistance. The response was enormous!
Interested students attended a meeting that featured a lecture
about building and flying model aircraft. It included a detailed
review of AMA because its mission includes leadership,
organization, education, and the scientific/technical development
of modelers.
The students who showed continued interest at the meeting were
asked to register for the next outing. They were signed into group
squadrons of six, and an accomplished modeler paired up with each
squadron to be the leader at the appropriate local site.
Mr. Rays volunteered to supply the necessary materials for the
school squadrons. The Miss 2 was selected as the trainer because its
slow flight characteristics and package completeness were the most
encouraging. In addition, it could easily be flown at most football or
soccer fields, which are the typical spaces around public schools.
Mr. Rays purchased the first unit, assembled it, and named it the
“Cavallini I.” Mr. Gorab scheduled a student meeting at the local
Lions Park. Tom Schiavone, a local modeler, came forward to lead
the first Fly the RC Adventure squadron of eager students.
The initial flying session was held October 25, 2007, and each
student had the opportunity to fly the Cavallini I. It is important to
choose a flying day that has little wind because slow-flying models
tend to bounce around. The student is more comfortable learning to
fly a model without having to battle wind turbulence.
Adventure Success: Have there been times when you wanted to let
a friend or newcomer experience RC but were reluctant because of
the risk of damaging your airplane? The Miss 2’s convenient
package will solve that problem.
Complete as complete can be, it includes everything you need.
The packeage provides the radio, complete with servos; ARF model
components; brushless motor; ESC; Li-Poly battery; charger; and
detailed assembly instructions with support materials down to the
adhesives and the wing hold-down rubber bands.
The aircraft is a slow flyer with Old-Timer performance; thus it
is ideal for anyone’s first try at RC. Because the Miss 2 flies so
slowly, there is no need to use a buddy box. When the instructor
flies the airplane at 200-300 feet of altitude, he or she can safely
hand the transmitter to the student and stand by to observe.
If the student gets into trouble, the instructor simply takes back
the transmitter and recovers the model. Then the transmitter is given
back to the student to continue practicing, each time improving his
or her flying ability. With this airplane there is usually plenty of
time to advise the student of an error, at which time he or she can
learn to bring the model back under control by himself or herself.
The complete Miss 2 package costs less than $400. This is not a
great deal of money for a club or individual to spend in exchange for
the great benefits that are gained from getting someone into the
hobby/sport. Some assembly is required, but it is easy and is
detailed in the supplied instruction booklet.
Cavallini Middle School and Paragon Federal are interested in
continuing the program. The students’ responses and attitudes
have been overwhelmingly positive. Because they learn hands-on
by flying right away, which is considered to be the best part of
aeromodeling, they want to learn more about the hobby and
science of flight. MA
Joe Beshar
[email protected]
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