I've lost count of the number of times striking up a conversation with a stranger about model aircraft produced an element of wonder and excitement. Both for me, because someone is listening, and for that person, because I know about something that has intrigued him or her.
     The point is that I’ve made friends while talking about aeromodeling. I hear that full-scale aircraft pilots enjoy the same experience.
      I’ll bet that hardware-store managers get a kick out of us modelers. We’re so used to making something from nothing or making something work from common household items that when we come to the store for our bits ‘n’ pieces, stories take on a life of their own. Is it that they think aircraft are amazing, or just that it’s good to see another person’s creative side?
     Don’t be shy about your aeromodeling habit. Take it wherever you go. You might be surprised by those you meet who share a passion for things that fly.
     Take the article “Offtrack Grinning” by Ernie Masche, for instance. He is a professional photographer who specializes in auto racing. The imagery on his Web site is brilliant, colorful, and dramatic. He has also been an AMA member for a long time, so on those two topics alone he and I could have conversations lined up for years.
     Ernie offered us something that had been intriguing us for more than a year because of social media and the content generated by an influential personality in the field of auto racing. Via Twitter and Facebook, we’ve been getting to know Juan Pablo Montoya, who, besides tearing up the track at cities across the country, is also an active aeromodeler and AMA member.
     We found out what got Juan involved in the hobby, and we hope that the answer will be a pleasant surprise to you. The answer also appears to be close to his secret of success, which is his family support and participation.
     It goes to show that exciting professional lifestyles are not immune to the passion of aeromodeling. In many cases they are supportive of each other. For more proof, visit Jim T. Graham’s “Born to Fly” column this month and see who else has a career in the limelight and enjoys the fun of model aircraft.

Some controversy arose from an article printed with the best intentions, of helping the members understand today’s electric modeling (“Advantages of Electric Power,” in the July 2010 issue). Bob Aberle, a former glow-engine modeler, is now an electric-only modeler by choice, based on its advantages.
     He got a charge (pun intended) out of the challenges that faced the technology in its beginnings. It would be difficult to ignore the fact that today’s electric power systems match or surpass those offered by internal-combustion systems.
     A few AMA members expressed that the environmental concerns about glow and gas fuels that Bob shared in his article were an irresponsible punch to the community of internal-combustion enthusiasts. Right or wrong, environmentalists might view model airplane fuels as groundwater pollutants. The government in his community did, at least.
     When the officials in Bob’s area learned that a particular club was electric-power only, issues regarding obtaining public land for a flying site went away. Model airplane fuel isn’t declared an environmental hazard. But it could be a hot button in your community.
     Our stance regarding this matter is of respect to the community. Fields across the country have various concerns. All the while, it looks good for us aeromodelers when we use the air and land responsibly and keep our sites neat.
     Responsible use of fuel-burning power systems has relatively the same environmental impact as electric power systems. We’re grateful for Bob’s expertise, to help connect with readers on where and how electric power is enjoyed.
     In this month’s issue we have a technical article about what makes a brushless outrunner motor work. Its simplicity is sheer genius.
Lee Estingoy’s professional expertise in electric power systems is to our advantage. Please don’t look at his article as an opportunity to sell product.
     Since we’re using so many brushless motors, now is our chance to find out what makes them turn. Here the goal is to help make all the data make sense and help the modeler make the right power choice—or at least have fun experimenting and sharing the stories with friends.
     In an upcoming issue, Lee will help us understand what controls the power to a brushless electric motor: an Electronic Speed Control (ESC).

No matter what you use to get a lift, have fun and fly safely. MA