An ARFer's
Tremendous Success
 

    "Today's" modelers are different from the traditional, died-in-the-wool "builder/modelers." They're not lucky enough to have hobby shops on Main Street, and their fathers weren't the major influence in their love of aviation. That's how many "traditional" modelers got their start, right?

     The modelers of today are sometimes harshly labeled "lazy" because they choose to spend their pastime flying. They fly ARFs and they use E-mail, and they use electric motors instead of glow engines.

     Arguments have been made about the good and bad aspects of these rising trends in our hobby. What is encouraging is that the enthusiasm for the hobby has remained unchanged.

     We recently received a letter from Daniel J. Ayala (BIGDANO), who could be classified as "today's" modeler. He flies ARFs and he surfs the Internet for his information about the hobby. Gasp!

     What is most apparent about Daniel is that his eagerness to get involved and learn more about the hobby is the same spirit that has influenced the countless generations before us. That spirit deserves recognition and support and, as his letter proves, lives on in the modeler of today.

     He wrote:

     "I've been flying for less than a year. I received my Megatech Airstrike RTF model in the middle of December 2005 as a birthday present from my wife. I've never been as excited about RC as when I put that thing together and anticipated the maiden flight.

     "I did all kinds of research online and found RCGroups (an amazing wealth of information). I immediately created an account and started searching the forums and posting newbie questions. It was great, and believe it or not, my maiden flight was a success.

     "I then began the modification process and turned the Airstrike into a really powerful model with a brushless motor and good electronics. I eventually graduated to a Hobbico SuperStar EP ARF with ailerons. From the SuperStar I went to the Great Planes Super Sportster ARF just two months later. By then I needed a bigger place to fly these "bigger" ARFs, so I started researching the nearby clubs.

     "I was a bit dismayed that I'd have to join AMA, but figured what the heck and went for the Introductory Membership Program since it was only $20. I flew at some nice fields, but I live in Alameda [California] and discovered the closed-down Naval Air Station and a huge taxiway that was perfect for me to fly from. Unfortunately I kept getting kicked out by the Alameda PD.

     "Finally, I asked one of the officers who I should talk to in order to get permission to fly off the taxiway. He referred me to the property manager who replied that he was already working with somebody from "my organization" (meaning the AMA).

     "I went over to RCUniverse and stumbled upon the discussion "New S.F. Bay Area Club." I was so encouraged by Mike Simi, the leader of the discussion, that I became the co-founder of that now-AMA chartered club: the Alameda Hornet Squadron ( www.alamedahornetsquadron.com ).

     "Since about March or so I've received Model Aviation magazine; this is a great publication and I've read every issue, cover to cover. I recently read someone's opinion that ARFs are somehow to blame for everything, from hobby shops not carrying construction materials to a decline in club membership.

     "Well, I've been flying for less than a year. I've been flying ARFs exclusively. I crashed my first Sportster and immediately replaced it. I crashed the second Sportster and immediately replaced it with a World Models P-51 EP ARF.

     "I have since bought and still have a World Models Piper J-3 Cub, an Ultrafly P-51 Mustang, a GWS Formosa II, a Zagi XS, a Goldberg Tiger 400, and am currently in the process of assembling my first glow-powered airplane: a World Models T-34 Mentor.

     "I have no plans of slowing down or stopping. Oh, and did I mention that I co-founded an AMA chartered club and am the current vice president of that club? Maybe these ARFs aren't so bad after all!"

     Dan's spirit is exactly what aeromodeling needs. His enjoyment of the hobby has inspired others to get involved, and his success has fueled his interests to explore the hobby even further.

     You owe it to yourself to visit the Hornet Squadron, either online or in person; the impression you'll get will help explain some of the members' enthusiasm; it's a beautiful flying site.

     Having fun is what it's all about, whether you're "today" or "traditional." There's no reason to bicker about that! MA
 

—Michael Ramsey
MA Associate Editor

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