The Academy of Model Aeronautics presents tips for those ready to take flight
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MUNCIE, IN (Dec. 1, 2008) - Ancient drawings, legends and primitive air machines point to a universal desire to enjoy the thrill of flight. From Leonardo da Vinci and the Wright brothers to the high-tech wonders of today’s top aerospace engineers, model airplane building and flying has played a vital role in aviation advancements and continues to fascinate people of all ages.
Neil A. Armstrong, the first man on the moon and astronaut Willie McCool of the space shuttle program, both cite model airplane building and flying in their youth as the starting point for their careers.
Perhaps just as important, however, are the social benefits of model flying. Hollywood icons, such as award-winning actor Henry Fonda, are famous for their participation in aeromodeling. His son, Peter Fonda, attributes his close relationship to his father to their shared love of building and flying planes together.
Today, a growing number of young men and women are taking to the skies as model building and flying continues to evolve with innovative model design and improved engine performance, allowing planes to do aerobatic maneuvers and break their own speed records.
Here, the Academy of Model Aeronautics presents tips for those ready to take flight:
1.Choose An Aircraft:
•Radio Control (RC): The most popular segment of the hobby, RC models are guided by electronic equipment inside the aircraft that responds to signals the pilot sends from a transmitter.
Park Pilots are included in this category and provide an easy and inexpensive way to get into the hobby. Weighing two pounds or less, Park Flyers are slower and electric powered, making them an easier and quieter choice than conventional models. Plus, new ready-to-fly and almost-ready-to-fly models let anyone learn to fly, without having to spend months building a plane.
•Control Line (CL): These models are flown on lines in a circular path around the pilot. The pilot controls the model by rotating a handle connected to the aircraft by the lines.
•Free Flight (FF): Flown with no piloted means of control, these models can be powered by rubber-band motors, CO2 or electric motors, internal-combustion engines or gliders.
•Helicopters: Referred to as rotory-wing aircraft because their main source of lift is the large spinning blades as opposed to a wing. This is quickly becoming a popular choice for the younger generation and come in smaller sizes - some can even fly inside a room or house.
2.Find An Academy of Model Aeronautics Instructor and Mentor. With an instructor or mentor you'll learn faster and with more confidence than if you start out solo. If your instructor has a “Buddy-Box” (for RC only) he/she can let you take control of the plane without the danger of crashing.
3.Membership. The safest and quickest way to get into the hobby.
Founded in 1936, the non-profit Academy of Model Aeronautics is the world’s largest model aviation association, representing a membership of more than 150,000 for the purpose of promotion, development, education, advancement, and safeguarding of modeling activities.
Individual Membership: Academy of Model Aeronautics gives its members insurance, access to contests and flying sites, voting privileges, educational programs, mentorship, a subscription to Model Aviation magazine, $2.5 million liability and accident/medical insurance. $58 a year. $15 for 19 and under with Model Aviation magazine. Youth $1 for 19 and under with no magazine.
Park Pilot Membership: Academy of Model Aeronautics gives its Park Pilot members insurance and flying sites, educational programs, mentorship, a subscription to Park Pilot magazine, $500,000 liability insurance. $29.95 a year.
4.Choose a Club. There are currently more than 2,500 model airplane clubs across the country each with own specialty. To find one near you visit: http://www.modelaircraft.org/clubsearch.aspx
5.Competition. Once you fly for a few months you may want to turn your hobby into a sport. Academy of Model Aeronautics is the organizer of the annual National Aeromodeling Championships, the world’s largest model airplane competition and sanctions more than two thousand model competitions throughout the country each year.
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About Academy of Model Aeronautics
Founded in 1936, the non-profit Academy of Model Aeronautics is the world’s largest model aviation association, representing a membership of more than 150,000 for the purpose of promotion, development, education, advancement, and safeguarding of modeling activities.
Academy of Model Aeronautics is the voice of its membership, providing liaison with the Federal Aviation Administration, the Federal Communications Commission and other government agencies. Academy of Model Aeronautics also works with local governments, zoning boards, and parks departments to promote the interests of local chartered clubs.
Academy of Model Aeronautics seeks to introduce young men and women to the art and craft of aeromodeling. Through an active educational outreach program, Academy of Model Aeronautics supports teachers and community-based organizations who wish to infuse topics in math, science, and technology with aviation activities. In addition, each year Academy of Model Aeronautics presents Charles H. Grant Scholarships to exceptional students who are active in their community and in modeling.
Since 1970 the Academy of Model Aeronautics has awarded $1 million dollars in scholarships to hundreds of students to study aerospace design and engineering and other aviation related fields.
For more information on Academy of Model Aeronautics visit www.modelaircraft.org or call 800-435-9262.
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Website: http://www.modelaircraft.org |
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