NewComers
Satisfying the needs of the newcomer to the world of aeromodeling is an exciting and frustrating challenge. The phrase "8 to 80" sums up the thrust of that challenge. Indeed, we find that all ages are drawn to aeromodeling-bringing with them skill levels ranging from little to extensive!
NewComers
Have you ever been a beginner at anything? Well, of course you have! Walking and talking come to mind right away. How about reading and baseball and driving a car or just about everything you are able to do, no matter what age you might be? And now you would like to add aeromodeling to your list of being a beginner. That's what this column is going to talk about each month.
Focus on Competition
'Tis a time to speak of this and that, provide an observation or two, and generally cover several topics. Muncie Grand Opening-Methinks that this issue of Model Aviation will be filled with information on this subject; however, it seems most appropriate to spend a little time talking about the actual flying that took place. The L-shaped runway was set up so that we could fly Control Line on one portion while RC used the other. This seemed to work out well. The number of people who flew during the weekend was quite high.
Thingamabob
Versatility is the key to this .25-size model. It's great either for glow engine power or a geared 05 electric motor. The airplane can be flown free with three-channel RC, or tethered with simple RC. And if that isn't enough, with its built in bellcrank it can also be flown Control Line. It also makes a great training project for those just getting into model construction. THIS IS definitely not a pretty model; it wasn't meant to be. I designed the Thingamabob with a few simple goals in mind. The model should be very easy to build, relatively inexpensive, and fly reasonably well. I also wanted an airplane that could be flown in a number of different configurations. Though it won't fly the FAI RC Aerobatics pattern, the Thingamabob meets my goals. It's a "Dick and Jane" model that will help a beginner learn to fly without investing large amounts of time and money in the project.
Air Academy Weekend
WHAT HAS A FLIP, a slip, and 90 eyes? Why, it's an EAA Air Academy Weekend, of course! The problem with that answer is that it prompts another question: What is an Air Academy Weekend? Perhaps in the next gaggle of paragraphs we will be able to bring the activity into focus for you. For many years both modelers and full-scalers have been concerned about the fact that while the ranks of the AMA and EAA have steadily increased, the number of young people involved has not kept pace. Under the leadership of the Experimental Aircraft Association education director, Charles Larsen, a youth program has been launched that incorporates both full-scale and modeling activity. The first pilot program in a series of four was held in Frederick, MD on January 30-31, 1988, and AMA was there!
