Focus On Competition - 2012/06
If you ever wanted to try something different with RC, or you’re already doing other categories of RC, we are starting to work on the facilities for you to do just that. Thanks to many hours of local club volunteer labor and club donations, the work on these new facilities is ramping up with hopes of being usable early this summer.
New RC opportunities available at the IAC
In a past survey, we found that 30% of our members noted that they also either owned or participated in RC car/truck activity either around the house or competitively. A somewhat large number of our members might make use of a facility if made available and properly set up.
At the International Aeromodeling Center (IAC), we’ve had an RC car/truck dirt track for many years next to the “L” pad at Site One, but it has been seldom used and has not been kept in the best of shape. Plans are in the works to resurface that dirt track with new soil and probably a new layout. We hope to attract more users of that facility so that when members come to visit who have RC cars or trucks, or youngsters who have those vehicles, they don’t have to leave them behind. A local car/truck club is presently using the track frequently enough to attract onlookers and visitors, so the spark of interest is spreading.
- 30% of members reported owning or participating in RC car/truck activities.
- 26% of members owned, participated in, or had interest in model boating.
RC car/truck dirt track
The dirt track next to the “L” pad at Site One will be resurfaced with new soil and likely receive a new layout. The goal is to increase regular use and provide a welcoming venue for members and visiting youngsters who bring RC cars or trucks.
Float flying and model boating
We are also slowly making headway on opening up a larger lake/pond site for float flying and model boating. The lake is located on property owned by the AMA and is adjacent to the present IAC, but up until now has been used primarily for farming activities. The lake is 2,000 feet long and 500 feet wide and contains more than 12 acres of water, so float flying and boating will easily be able to operate simultaneously without interference.
Float flying has always been a popular endeavor, but venues where that type of flying is possible are scarce. The pond in front of AMA Headquarters has seen limited boating and float flying, but its small size and proximity to the buildings and road frontage have made using it difficult. The larger lake will make float flying much easier and provides a good overfly area.
Whether your interests are competitive racing or pleasure boating, the lake is large enough to accommodate both. We are presently setting a legal race course on the south end of the lake that will be usable for testing and practice.
I’ve included a couple photos of the new venues so you can get an idea of what we’re working on for you, the members. The next time you plan a visit to the IAC, consider bringing all your RC fun and enjoy a day or weekend with the many different activities the RC hobby has to offer.
About the author
Focus on Competition by Greg Hahn, Technical Director New RC opportunities available at the IAC [email protected]
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
