RC Scale
MY EYE is that of an artist, and it saw the RC Scale event at the 1989 Tri-Cities Nats. Though many of you may be aware of my contributions to the world of model aviation in the form of paintings which have appeared on the covers of Model Builder, it also happens that I have a longstanding affection for Scale models of all types. Having let this secret out resulted in an invitation by Nats Scale manager John Guenther to become involved in helping to run the RC Scale
'92 Schneider Cup: Re-Enactment
OVER THE YEARS, great effort has been devoted to finding ways to make model airplanes more interesting and less disturbing to the general public. These attempts have ranged from control of engine noise (to eliminate complaints) to shows intended to interest and educate nonmodelers. Such shows range from open houses at flying fields to static mall shows arranged in cooperation with a civic agency or charity. In recent years, we modelers have encouraged public interest in our major competitive events.
Modeling in the Classroom
Nearly all of us have shared our love of model aviation by teaching its very special skills in some manner. This teaching often takes place in a formal classroom-perhaps even in a public school. Few educators can remember a significant number of years passing without some sort of modeling program! During the 1992-93 school year, friend and fellow club member Jack Aldridge asked me to become a consultant and pilot on a model aviation project in his fourth-grade classroom. He taught at the Evergreen Forest Elementary School in Olympia, Washington.
Pussycat
The popularity of Electric flight has been increasing as more modelers discover its advantages: cleanliness, absence of engine vibration, freedom from starting problems, and the absence of noise to annoy neighbors and jeopardize flying-site use! The Pussycat is the result of an effort to improve the situation as regards trainers and easy-flying sport models. The stable, lightly loaded Electric sailplanes and Old-Timers that are available do a good job for the beginner who is entirely on his own, as they will fly "hands off" for extended periods, but they are hard to manage in windy weather.
Now you're Talking
The May 1998 Model Aviation included an article by new modeler Ruth Chin, titled "If At First . . ." in which she describes the problem she encountered in trying to get a new Electric RC sport model to fly. Beyond providing a good look at the process we wish all newcomers would follow in seeking experienced help with getting that first model into the air, this article says a lot about problems that can lie in wait for modelers using Electric power for the first time. Several members of the "Electric flight community" commented to the effect that this article was neither constructive nor favorable to Electric flight. Managing Editor Jim Haught assured me that there was never any intent to "knock" Electric flight. We agreed, however, that the experience he and Steve Kaluf had helping Ruth deserves further discussion.
