Hello again,District VII members. I hope this month’s column finds you safe and warm. As I write this, it is December prior to Christmas, yet the weather feels like the brutal cold of February. Perhaps it was meant to be motivation for writing this February column!
Before I dive into this month’s topics, I wish to reach out and thank all of the members who email me and speak of enjoying reading this column. I appreciate the emails and am glad that my column is read and the topics enjoyed.
A few things that the wintry weather brings are building or rebuilding time and indoor flying. I have a couple of airplanes on the workbench in the planning stages, but, unbelievably, the most exciting airplane that I am renewing is one of my trainer airplanes. I always conclude my column with the statement of sharing the passion. I too enjoy introducing model aviation both to youth and adults, so this season gives me the opportunity to freshen up the airplanes I use in offering the chance for others to try flight.
District members, please send in pictures of your winter projects so that they too can be shared. I am sure that there are some exciting projects on workbenches.
Indoor flyingduring the winter season is nice. There’s no wind and it’s the perfect temperature— what more can we ask for?
I had the opportunity to visit the Skymasters RC Club at its indoor flying facility in Pontiac, Michigan. It’s a great facility, with plenty of room for flying and an excellent group of people. In fact, I was having an issue with binding a new BNF airplane, and one of the members knew exactly what I was doing wrong and helped me get things sorted. The wonderful thing about modelers is that they are always willing to lend a helping hand.
Not only do modelers help other modelers, but they also answer the call for community support. Many clubs hold charity benefits for community groups, and with the holiday season, one of the common club fundraising programs is toy drives.
I attended one such event in Muncie, Indiana, that was organized by a group of fliers to help the Muncie Toys 4 Tots program hosted by the City of Muncie Fire Department. This, in partnership with Toys Forever Models & Hobbies hobby shop, the Horizon Convention Center, the Muncie Children’s Museum, and even Santa, provided a top-notch indoor flying facility. There was a variety of aircraft, and not only were there many pilots, but many spectators were also in attendance. A RealFlight simulator was set up to allow the spectators to try their hand at flying models. Many of the spectators also had the opportunity to try flying an indoor model via a buddy box.
The star of the show, of course, was Santa himself. To see the excitement in the eyes of the children and hear the squeals of excitement! I wonder if many of them asked for a model airplane in their stocking. In the end, the participating pilots were generous in their donations and, because of it, many of the area children had a present under their tree this Christmas. I would really enjoy hearing about similar club activities throughout the district.
Before Iclose out this month’s column, I will put the reminder out to please let me know of events that your club will be hosting so that I can put them on the calendar and try to attend. I enjoy visiting with you and listening to issues and concerns that you have and, of course, flying when I can. Until then, stay warm, and, of course, share the passion!