We all recall the "dime store" balsa gliders that sparked an interest in model aviation. Unfortunately, the days of inexpensive rubber-powered Free Flight gliders are gone. Today, a balsa glider can easily cost $5 to $10 or more! The cost becomes very prohibitive when kids break their fragile gliders or they become lost in a tree. Balsa gliders are not completely extinct, and they might still be useful for little tykes to fly; however, there are other options.
District II Associate Vice President (AVP) Dennis Andreas, on Long Island, New York, has hit on a great inexpensive, simple glider alternative for kids and even adults! Dennis has been building these gliders for some time, and he supplies them to the Ridgewood High School and Baldwin STEM programs. His gliders have even found their way to other AMA districts.
Dennis’ glider is peeled Dollar Tree foam board made into four parts that slide together. A few dabs of hot glue and these exciting designs are ready to fly. Dennis estimates that the cost could be as low as $4 for 13 gliders! The glider sizes vary, but they are about 10 inches long with a 7-inch wingspan. Give these a try or contact Dennis via his AVP contact links for more information.
Another story this month comes from District II AVP Dr. Alexander Szemere, in New Jersey.
Upon encouragement from the Tri-County RC Club (TCRC) Board of Directors, Patrick Ng applied for an AMA scholarship. The TCRC must have been right because Patrick was awarded this valuable distinction from AMA. Patrick’s plans include starting at Rutgers University-Newark, and then transferring to Rutgers-New Brunswick. He is planning to pursue a career as an aircraft designer or engineer in the general aviation field. TCRC has proven that model aviation truly is the birthplace for aviation.
Remember, it’s not about what you fly, it’s about the friends you make.
