Thirty Years of RC Model Aviation

Thirty F, F MILESTONE 1992 St Paul Model RC club SPMRC marked 30 years continuous club activity doing SPMRC became secondoldest club Minnesota oldest continuously operating club state SPMRC ranks largest clubs Minnesota membership between 150 200 probably rates top 10% country Most other area modeling clubs have benefited having members SPMRC part group Throughout years SPMRC has developed local national champions Originally organized group radio amateurs recreational RC flying club quickly evolved competitive club primary interests pattern racing events As club grew size slowly reverted sport-flying organization group skillful racers pattern fliers within its ranks mid-September club hosted 30-year anniversary party family picnic its members 100 people attended event helped consume great quantities delicious free food Several founding members attended function provided some colorful stories about early days RC flying large battery packs transmitters vacuumtube receivers control escapements powered rubber bands ignition engineswith gas oil fuel mixed local filling station few cents gallonall interesting entertaining topics comparison modern high-tech RC equipment years SPMRC club has leader flight training present format includes instructor tests printed checklists flight-time log sheets evaluation sheets information can shared among instructors Students given opportunity start hobby midwinter series ground school meetings review basic aerodynamics engines radios flight safety rules field courtesy June1993 43 RC Model Aviation Peter Waters Left right Jim Harrington safety officer Jess Larson founding member master builder founding member Ron Sektnan champion UIC pilot 50s Mike Johnson students encouraged bring building projects meetings learn good construction techniques building tips hints ideas Flight school starts early summer continues until no students always students seems flight school format has successful producing skilled pilots stay hobby several other local clubs have adapted program part training activities real winners hundreds students have completed program Normal club activities include some form competitive event month except winter months its challenge just get airplane sky Yes does get cold Minnesota winter Plastic pushrods become unusable plastic coverings shatter lot WD-40 starting fluids used traditional New Years Day fly-in held kick off new year flying activities typical average temperature flying field about l0O -150F Anything above zero considered balmy almost tropical time year about half members have earned Season Flyer patch Its considered winter challenge fly model airplane youre bundled up four layers clothing standing kneedeep snow icicle hanging nose beard wondering car will start youve finished flyingall managing convince yourself Yes really having fun Participation mall shows Minnesota Department Transportation exhibits EAA events airport open houses flight demonstrations local neighborhood celebrations part ongoing public relations club Special flying days Girl Boy Scout troops Cub Scout dens disadvantaged children also part community involvement SPMRC anticipating working local BAA chapter its Eagle Flight program introducing young fliers model aviation its activities SPMRC has flown same site 15 years virtually no problems its neighbors flying site unused airport destroyed tornado late 60s partially leased state organization Its perfect place fly socialize flying friends small resident population white-tailed deer pheasants foxes raccoons constant overflight hunting eagles hawks provide enjoyable diversion presence also proves compatibility model aviation Mother Nature new 30-year goal SPMRC improve its existing programs provide maximum flying enjoyment its members continue its activities model aviation least another 30 years ode Aviation ent instructor Jim Biza red jacket going Spirit Minnesota one-third-scale Nosen Citabria will flown throughout through some flight maneuvers area celebrating St Paul Model RC clubs 30th jubilee Above couple kids gliders SPMRC 30-year anniversary party Notice large open flying area Some 100 attendees line up free refreshments St Paul Model RC clubs 30th anniversary party