A sun-lit Saturday, September 13, 2014, sky was dotted by fluffy white clouds and caressed by a whisper of breeze. It was a perfect day for a fleet of model airplanes to take flight. Morrison Model Aircraft Flyers Club (MMAF Chapter #177) hosted the first of a two-day event at their field in Morrison-Rockwood State Park.
Sunday’s schedule is from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but Saturday’s attendees crafted their own ending time. About 20 males registered for the first day. MMAF members usually can be found on the field Sundays, so tomorrow will include additional aviator advocates.
Orville Shields of East Moline, IL, explained today was the Northwest IL Electric Powered Fun Fly. Electric batteries and motors must power the planes for this event. In the mid-1980’s, he stated, the “glow engine” became a popular means to power model planes. Flying below is a small, yellow biplane that used a glow engine; it made a pleasant thrummm as it flew by. Instinctively, one’s head followed the sound. The other planes were soundless. Shields said there were “some planes from the 1930’s” here, too.
American Modeler Association sponsors clubs Nationally for contests; offers insurance for their events; helps with rules, regulations, and safety. Model aircraft flyers also are regulated by the Academy of Model Aeronautics, which sets flying rules.
Just as power sources vary, so do the types of flying. Some clubs do combat flights or aerobatics, with loops and rolls. One man was doing the latter with his yellow and black aircraft. Shields pointed out an amphibious plane that can take off and land on water.
Neal Zahn is President of the Erie, IL, Remote Control Club; there are 16 members. Ages ranges from early 20’s to 80 years old. This is a hobby that fits every age. One young man was flying with his father offering advice. Zahn, shown with his large, yellow model plane, was taught to fly by Shields.
When asked about a plane that made an up-side-down landing, Shields said casually, “They’re repairable.” That is likely the second skill model aircraft flyers must master. Below, Shields holds his purple glider before a hobbyist tossed it into the air. He said you may have wingspans up to ten feet. Shields maneuvered it gracefully with the remote control.
