Flying for Fun

DB Mathews IMAGE column will reach just before Election Day 1996 Need mention disproportionately important candidates media images have become Issues now almost secondary office-seeker looks sounds camera newspapers mention lead-in something involves model aircraft sport/hobby image frequently present public too frequently image bunch senile older men flying toy airplanes image going get us elected voting public intent insult disparage efforts show teams dedicated hard-working volunteer groups commended efforts put model aviation display public Rather Id like add voice have written letters various publications notably IMAA expressing very real concerns over questionable image presented public fly stop signs doghouses witches other novelties public gatherings us have subjected some good-humored teasing fellow workers family members over usual show team activity message us perhaps should listen bit closely Charismatic Images Two recent local air shows model flying exhibitions illustrate point first example Air Force open house according local newspaper drew 100000 spectators two days group modelers invited fill gaps full-scale program 15size RC Combat demonstrations high winds forced cancellation some scheduled events such Golden Knights parachute team modelers asked fly several additional times public media reaction wildly exciting entertaining Combat flights very positive generated complementary comments spectatorsincluding base commander hobby/sport certainly presented positive image event second example old-fashioned civilian air show benefit Wichitas new aviation museum event drew large crowd spectators aviation enthusiasts Several aerobatic pilots program including National Champion Patty Wagstaff Extra organizers asked local modeler Mike Hammel exhibit fly 87-inch-span Extra 300 just before Pattys flights Mikes model decorated exactly like Pattys full-scale aircraft Its equipped excellent smoke system Mike splendid RC Aerobatics pilot reaction Mikes flights very upbeat spectators public-address announcer local TV news Patty herself Patty very complementary about RC flights TV interviews said After watching Mike fly maneuvers well thought could just go home no would notice Patty very gracious lovely lady exudes tons charm public charismatic celebrity steady stream nonmodelers came compliment Mike model flying asked several intelligent penetrating questions Im sure walked away new-found respect construction flying skills seen excellent image projection Modeling made lot new friends influenced lot positive reactions two weekends know organizers full-scale aviation events just might want mention two situations Ive related Groups asked fly exhibitions may see something worth thinking about well Model aviation can present very positive image public dividends can range positive reactions municipal officials 76 Modei Aviation 4Presenting positive public image RC Aerobatics pilot Mike Hammel full-scale aerobatics pilot Patty Wagstaff Impressive demo flights Wichita great public relations modeling Mike Hammels 87-inch-span version National Champion Patty Wagstaffs Extra 300 includes scale version Patty Wood Hand Selected Fiberglass Cowl Complete Plans Parts Hand Cut Instruction Manual Photo Page order kits call 1-800-327-7198 catalog fine kits send $400 Idaho Residents Add 5% State Sales Tax about flying-site issues better appreciation what doing friends families New Covering Materials May 1996 Old Timers column longtime friend dont want add up long Bill Baker reviewed Litespan Polyspantwo new heat-shrinkable covering materials well-suited use rubber-powered smaller gaspowered Free Right RC models Ive tried both concur Bills comments missed means go back read Another material has become available deserves some mentionOracover Light Hobby Lobby Since Oracover Goldberg UltraCote essentially identical can almost presume soon-to-be-introduced liltraCote Light will close Oracover Light material relatively shiny very light almost-transparent heat-shrink plastic has adhesive inside attaches framework itself pretty well goes around compound curves nicely shrinks beautifully very strong puncture resistant its weight would make durable easily applied semitransparent colored covering several different types models including larger rubber-powered Free Right models smaller powered Free Right RC models some Two-Meter sailpianes would especially useful Old-Timers RC Hand-Launch sailplanes material really almost too transparent manufacturers stamp balsa shows through sloppy construction errors emphasized other hand pale colors look gorgeous ffight Oracover Light doesnt have same structural rigidity heavier opaque version should adequate model would have covered doped silk silkspan 30 years ago Its significant advantage its far less techniquesensitive Please send some photos first time several years supply interesting photos getting low can always use unusual subjects kit-bashes importantly Control Line Free Flight models photos can color black-and-white light Training Beginner advanced tailored individual long-time modeler full size airplane flight instruc tor will make progress fun easy during week stay beautiful far western North Carolina Write call information BC flight Training 7043894968 78 Model Aviation PLANES HAVE 2 WINGS AND ROUND ENGINES 1/5 scale Waco UPF-7 72 14 lbs NEW PRODUCTS FROM FOX UNIVERSAL REMOTE NEEDLE VALVE Will work model airplane engine LPART #19010 PRICE $995 lVl FOX FOX MANUFACTURING CO 5305 TOWSON AVE SMITH AR 72901 _________________________________ PHONE 501 646 1656 501 646-1757 NEW SPINNER NUTS PART#605106mm PART #605117 mm PART #605128 mm PRICE $400 EACH NEW AND IMPROVED 2 NEEDLE R/C CARBURETOR Fits Fox 40 size engines soon available Pox larger engines PART #24250 PRICE $3200 PART #27250 E $3800