Hello once again, District VII members. Although we have had some odd weather and winds blowing strongly at times, I hope you have had the opportunity to enjoy one of the many forms of model aviation in which you participate.
At the end of my column, I always refer to "share the passion." This summer, I had the most wonderful opportunity to do so. At AMA Headquarters, in Muncie, Indiana, I was able to participate in a joint program between AMA and the Muncie Children’s Museum.
To see the children and their parents arrive with curiosity and excitement on their faces, I knew it was going to be a wonderful experience for them. An introduction to model aviation and AMA began the program, and then a tour through the museum followed. The hands-on exhibit was enjoyable while watching the children learn about aerodynamics with the vertical wind tunnel or imagining themselves being the Wright brothers flying their airplane. This was only the start of their aviation adventure.
The families were taken back to the McCullough room for the next step in their adventure, building their own airplanes to fly. With the assistance of the National Model Aviation Museum Director Michael Smith, the AMA Education staff, and Dave Lindley, president of the National Free Flight Society, the families constructed Guillow’s gliders and decorated them to make them unique. The final phase of their adventure was to fly their creation outdoors!
The wind was howling, but this didn’t stop the children. The fact is, it made it more fun! The aircraft they built would do loops and other wild aerobatics and travel good distances. The laughter and ooohs and ahhhs and seeing them chase their airplanes down and recover them only to launch them again, was great to see. Many had the desire to go through the museum again! It was wonderful to share the joy and passion of aviation. I also want to thank Matt Brubaker and the staff of Prop Shop Hobbies in Warren, Michigan, for their assistance.
Many of you might recall, I discussed the Circle Masters Control Line (CL) Club in Sussex, Wisconsin. This active club participates in events such as introductory flights at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, Maker Faire events, and WinterFest, among many others. I have had the pleasure of attending some of the flying events, and they have always said that they will put me on the strings. I promised that I would report on how it went—good or bad.
In 2024, I went to the club’s fun-fly and it was time to give it a go. I think the weather gods took mercy on me because the sky opened and washed out the event. I was spared the humiliation, at least that time. This year was not as friendly to me—the weather was perfect and I was committed.
They use an electric CL airplane for their introductory flights at events such as AirVenture. My initial thought was, "What have I gotten myself into?" Before I could blink, off we went. All I could say was wow! What fun I had right up until I became dizzy. I held on and it went well.
The Circle Masters club was not done with me yet. It was on to a nitro-powered CL model. A bit faster, louder, and longer running, it made for even more fun, although my walk back to the pits was far from a straight line.
At the end of the day, we all had a great time, and I enjoyed the club members sharing their passion with me—but the surprise was not over. The club presented me with a beautiful CL airplane that the members donated. I was so touched by this, and it truly represents the greatness of the hobby and the sharing by others.
By the time you read this column, EAA AirVenture Oshkosh will be over, but those who attended might have seen me flying that airplane—with the Circle Masters’ guidance!
Until next month, keep sharing the passion.