RADIO CONTROL HELICOPTERS
Paul Tradelius, 4620 Barracuda Dr., Bradenton FL 34208; E-mail: [email protected]
There's an old saying that all good things must come to an end, and so it is with my writing this column. I have really enjoyed writing for you throughout the years, but as I mentioned in my previous column, it's time to step aside and let someone else impart his or her knowledge and help this great hobby progress as it should. Although this may be my last column, I hope to write individual articles as the need arises, and I look forward to continuing to hear from you via letters and E-mail.
Most of my columns have dealt with specific areas of building and adjusting helicopters, as well as helicopter theory. I have also included areas that I thought needed attention by every club to make helicopter flying more enjoyable for everyone.
I have received letters from many of you describing the difficulties you have encountered as the new person at the flying field, trying to use equipment that was different from what was being used by the other fliers. Most clubs are formed around the nucleus of some of the best fliers; what they are flying becomes the club standard, since those products are tried and proven and techniques for specific adjustments have been developed. This is certainly not bad. If someone has a problem with a product and a fix is devised, it can be passed along to all of the club members so that everyone's helicopter will fly better. And if you have instruction on the buddy box, it is certainly nice to have several fliers using the same equipment, so that everything is compatible among the instructors and the students.
However, the problem arises when a wall is built around a certain helicopter or other products and excludes the use of other equipment at the flying field. I have received telephone calls from new fliers who wanted to get out of the hobby because they could not get any help from the more-experienced pilots at the field. The new fliers were using "Brand X" equipment, and that was not accepted. Experienced fliers said the new helicopter and radio they had just purchased were "junk," and should be sold and replaced with what was being used by most of the club members.
Everyone has preferences for specific helicopters, engines, radios, etc., but that is not to say that other brands will not work as well—or even better. The next time a new flier comes to your flying field and wants help, try to steer him or her in the right direction so the wheel won't have to be reinvented. But also try to keep an open mind about his or her specific equipment, and be positive in your approach to getting the new pilot safely into the air.
If you look back at your own flying experiences, you might remember a time when the fixed-wing fliers didn't want helicopters on their field, or how persons using training gear were not treated the same as the more-experienced fliers. If you have seen this happen at your field, or even think it could happen in the future, bring up the subject at your next club meeting to "clear the air" and help the next new club member feel even better about belonging to your club.
Club Spotlight: Black Sheep Squadron
The theme for this column was inspired by Steve Kurinchak, press relations officer of the Black Sheep Squadron of Wyoming Valley, PA. Steve sent me a nice letter, along with photos, about several new helicopter pilots who have joined his club because of the official policy that all forms of radio control (RC) aeromodelling are encouraged. That is directly from the club's membership manual.
Steve also mentions that because AMA's Membership Manual 2000 recommends RC flying site specifications, the club established special helicopter-hovering areas and a helicopter WINGS program to promote interest in the hobby and in the club.
One of this month's photos shows a display of the Black Sheep Squadron's banner at their flying site. There is obviously much pride in this club.
Another photo shows Jim Ferraldo, Black Sheep WINGS Instruction Program Coordinator, getting ready for another flight with his X-Cell 60 Pro II. Also shown, from left to right, are three other club helicopter pilots: Karl Moeller, Stuart Hancock, and Tom Hizny.
The last photo is of the Black Sheep Squadron's helicopter display at the Wyoming Valley Mall Hobby Show in Wilkes-Barre, PA. This is an excellent way for any club to make its presence known in the community and to demonstrate all the fun that can be experienced by flying helicopters.
Notice the portable television used to support a VCR of club flying, as well as a flight simulator so that potential fliers can get some hands-on experience.
Congratulations, Black Sheep Squadron. You have not only opened the club to new fliers, but you have taken direct and meaningful steps to encourage others to enjoy this great hobby.
It wouldn't take much for every club to follow in the steps of the Black Sheep Squadron, or even expand its presentations to the Boy Scouts, Boys Club, Big Brothers-Big Sisters program, or other clubs in your area for persons of all ages.
I would like everyone to reflect on what this hobby has meant throughout the years, and how much more it can mean in the future by taking an active role in your area to promote all forms of model helicopters.
Good luck, and fly safely.
MA
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
