Focus on Education
Charlie Bauer
AMA Education Committee Member
Roger Geers of Top Hat R/C Junction in Taylor, MO sent me a newspaper article written by one of our youth members. It proves that learning can be fun.
Learning from Radio Control Planes
by Arthur Greenbank (originally published in The Quincy Herald-Whig)
Only 100 years ago, people would look into the sky and see white clouds moving along through the blue sky. The thought that humans would have the ability to fly never occurred to them. Two men had an idea that humans could fly in another craft besides a balloon. The Wright brothers spent their whole lives trying to build and perfect an aircraft.
Today, we can build a remote control airplane in a matter of months. In building an R/C airplane, the builder learns concepts while having fun.
Building a plane teaches one how to use math and physics that are taught in school and apply them in building the plane. The ability to read carefully and follow directions is critical to the building of an airplane.
The plane kit comes with a step-by-step instructional booklet that tells the builder how to assemble the plane. Speaking from experience, if the user does not follow the directions closely, the plane will become a heap of wood and glue.
While building the plane, the builder must constantly measure and cut precise lengths and angles to ensure a good fit when assembled.
Also, the builder must always account for the physics of wing design and wind resistance. The builder must consider the speed and pressure on the wings at all times to prevent a catastrophe in the air.
Having the opportunity to build a plane lets the builder use the knowledge learned and apply this knowledge to a creative and purposeful event: the building of a radio control airplane.
Being able to solve the aerodynamic problems is a great feeling. One encounters many problems while building one of these planes.
Problems such as drilling the wrong hole, cutting the wrong piece of wood, and fixing parts that do not fit together tightly are all problems that arise.
Also, after many flights some parts may become worn or broken and need repair. Being able to locate the problem and fix it is just another way problem solving is involved.
Not only is building a plane a learning experience, but it is enjoyable. Building a plane is fun since you can watch your progress and show others what you have created.
But all of this is insignificant compared to the feeling of flying your plane. There is a sense of accomplishment on your first flight. After a few lessons the builder can operate the plane by himself.
Today we can go to the local hobby store to buy and build something that can teach us while we are having fun. Building your own R/C plane is fun and educational. Build a plane to learn and enjoy!
Keep building and flying, Arthur!
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
