Aeromodelling: The making and flying of model aircraft.
The three aeromodelling disciplines
Aeromodelling has a very long history. Many ancient cultures made objects that fly, eg kites and boomerangs. Modern aeromodelling began just over 100years ago as people experimented with heavier than air designs to better understand the principles of flight and aeroplane design so that they could build aeroplanes that could carry people. So the first models were not controlled in any way after they were launched. These were the first ‘free-flight’ models.
In the beginning free-flight models were either gliders (no power) or powered by twisted rubber bands, petrol, methanol, carbon dioxide or even steam engines. Today, electric motors and batteries provide really good safe power for these models but small diesel or methanol motors work well too.
To enable models to be flown in smaller areas (free-flight models can fly for many kilometres) the control-line method was developed. Control-line models are flown in circles around the pilot using two wires, one for up and one for down. At first you get a bit dizzy but after a while you get used to it and can fly all sorts of aerobatic manoeuvres. Motors can be as small as 0.4cc or as large as 10cc.
The most recent method of control developed has been radio-control. This also allows greater freedom of flight and all sorts of aeroplanes and manoeuvres to be flown.
These three aeromodelling disciplines all exist today and state, national and international competitions are held for each. Australians regularly compete internationally and regularly set world records in the process. Because of this aeromodelling is described as a sport rather than a hobby or pastime. Because free flight and radio control aircraft use the same airspace as full size aircraft they are subject to Air Navigation Orders in the same way as full size aviation.
Why aeromodelling?
Aeromodelling is exciting, challenging and builds up your knowledge and skill base. It teaches you a lot about the principals of flight and aircraft design, how to use a wide range of construction materials, adhesives and coverings, how to use and maintain small motors and how to fly different sorts of model aircraft. Aermodellers are also really friendly people and you will get to meet quite a few of them if you join a club.
What will it cost ?
For the beginner free flight models tend to be cheaper because motors tend to be smaller and cheaper. However an internationally competitive model can cost several thousand dollars because of the specialised design and exotic materials used in its construction. The same is generally true for control- line and radio control. Generally speaking a simple free flight model might cost from $5-$50 fully finished and ready to fly, a control line model with a small methanol motor would cost from $100- $150 and simple electric radio-control park fly models range from $100-$200.
Many designs can be purchased in ‘almost ready to fly’ form which makes it really easy to get into the air quickly with a minimum of building. Of course some people think building is half the fun and enjoy the additional challenge.
Why join a club?
Aeromodelling uses materials, techniques and jargon that will be unfamiliar to the beginner. Friendly advice can make the difference between a having a good time and an aircraft that flies well and disappointment and a crashed model. Some people successfully go it alone, but many more fail. Anyway more than half the fun is sharing your good times and the bad with others. Many clubs exist across NSW (see our 'Other Aeromodelling Groups' website links page). Cowra Model aircraft Club supports and encourages all three disciplines.
Download our two page aeromodelling information sheet (Adobe Acrobat) by clicking here.
