Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, July 27, 1990 TAG: 9007260299
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: KIM SUNDERLAND NEW RIVER VALLEY BUREAU
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG LENGTH: Long
One of the newer pastimes in Montgomery County is model airplanes. And we're not just talking about building them to sit on the shelf; these are aeronautically precise craft that require an aviator.
"This is not like driving a car," said Jim Ruggiero, secretary of the county Model Airplane Club. "If you're in a car and you get rattled, you can pull over. But if you're in an airplane, you can't . . . you must always be flying."
But don't worry; you don't have to know anything to join the Montgomery County Model Airplane Club.
Nicknamed McMAC, the club was formed five years ago by Christiansburg resident Raymond Lefrancois, a model-airplane builder, flier and trainer.
Today, it is sponsored by the county's Parks and Recreation Department and holds a charter with the Academy of Model Aeronautics, a national association based in Reston promoting the development of model aviation.
"We want to promote the idea that model aeronautics is a recognized sport and a worthwhile recreation," said association spokeswoman Judy DiLoreta.
The 54-year-old Academy of Model Aeronautics has about 155,000 members in the United States in 2,300 clubs.
"It's a growing sport," said DiLoreta. "We gain more and more people every year, with membership growing roughly 10 percent annually."
The Montgomery County club is no exception. It has grown since its inception in 1985 from a handful to almost 40 members. Ages range from 12 to 76 years.
"We need to look at the kinds of recreation available that go beyond the young people," said James C. Stewart, chairman of the county Parks and Recreation Commission. "This is a positive avenue to something different."
But it isn't an easy hobby.
The club members cooperate to maintain club facilities. They mow runways, help plan club contests and events, and help one another with flight training and technical advice.
Each member also must have individual academy membership to fly on the McField in Christiansburg. Liability insurance requires it.
To join, however, the one thing you don't have to be is an expert on flying or aircraft.
"You don't have to know anything," said Ruggiero. "This is a mutual-support activity."
During the winter, anyone can learn to build a model plane. Six-week classes are taught by experienced club members.
"It can be hard," said club President Dave Schuh. "Sometimes it's like balancing two broomsticks while someone tickles your nose."
Some fliers find it fairly easy.
"It's a Zen kind of thing, I guess," said Ruggiero.
It isn't cheap, however. Most people use airplane kits, available in hobby shops or by mail order. Price ranges vary. Schuh, for example, flies a model helicopter that cost about $1,500. Other "almost-ready-to-fly" kits are available.
Once a plane is built, the club teaches you how to fly it. The basic functions, including the throttle and rudder, are taught with the aid of a "buddy box."
Buddy boxes, also known as control boxes, are connected by a cord that enables the trainer to delegate control of the aircraft between himself and the learner.
As a safety precaution, the trainer's box has a switch - if the plane gets in trouble, he can bring it under control. It's a little like driver education cars with two sets of brakes.
Takeoff and landing are said to be the most difficult techniques to learn, but once they are mastered a newcomer can practice loops, rolls and spins, readying himself for national and world competition.
The Academy of Model Aeronautics hosts national contests. It also is the American representative to the Federal Aeronautique Internationale, a worldwide organization based in France that sponsors yearly world sporting events.
This month, national competitions in all phases of flying, such as acrobatics, control, scales and speed, were held in Indiana. And each model competes in several categories.
"For example, in the scales competition, models are judged on how much they look like the original aircraft," explained Schuh. "And in the speed competitions, racers can do almost 200 miles per hour."
Members of the club, who compete locally in fun flies, practice as they please and can attend competitions if they want. Other members, like Bill King, 48, of Christiansburg, just take up the hobby to relax.
"I wanted to get away from people," said King of his early retirement from a local car dealership. "And this is what I do instead."
In addition to the building, training, competition and relaxation, the club is concerned with safety . . . and with being good neighbors.
All aircraft with engines - some don't have them - are required to have mufflers. The planes never fly before noon on Sunday, and they don't fly over the ball parks.
"And we really have to watch out for the turkey vultures," added Ruggiero. "You never know what can cause a problem with your airplane."
For information on joining the Montgomery County Model Airplane Club, call 951-3084 or 382-0177.
by CNB