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By producer Alison Davis Wood
There is something about the idea of defying gravity that is really addicting to people. Why do people always want to attempt flying through the air? Probably the safest way to explore this desire is by learning to fly model aircraft. At least then when you are learning to fly you don’t have to leave the ground.
Champaign-Urbana has a large number of model aviation enthusiasts because the twin cities are home to two of the largest manufacturers of model planes. These companies even have professional flying teams which travel around the world testing and racing company products. The members of the local club are just as serious about their hobby. Their model aircraft airport is immaculate and I’m sure it is one of the best in the country.
My first time seeing model planes fly up close was when I was taping this story. Videographer Julius Bolton and I attended the CCRCC’s “Giant Scale Fly-In.” The planes were awesome in their size and resemblance to actual aircraft. In our quest to get the best shot, we asked club members if we could get out on the runway to get closer to the planes. Normally they would have said absolutely not, but today professional flyer Frank Noll was on hand. They said he was such a skilled pilot, they felt confident that we would not be struck by his six-foot plane.
So Julius and I headed out to the prairie grass on the far side of the runway. I think Frank liked the challenge of having human obstacles and he wanted to get us the best shot. Before I knew it his incredible plane was hovering just feet away from us. It was amazing and a bit frightening, as we had just heard stories how the propellers on model aircraft can cut off fingers. We wanted to get home with all our digits and limbs intact! But we didn’t need to worry. Frank had complete control of the plane and he swooped it by us several more times before taking it in for a perfect landing.
Remember you can learn to fly a model plane at the club’s free instruction nights. These happen every Thursday in good weather.
If you want to experience model aviation for yourself then don’t miss Great Planes Model Manufacturing’s E-fest, Feb. 9 and 10, 2008, on campus at the University of Illinois. For more information visit http://www.gpe-fest.com Saturday is THE day to be at E-Fest because they have open flying all day with pylon races, ultimate combat and a unique “blackout” where pilots trim their planes with lights and fly in the dark.
Segment duration: 07:09
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Producer: Alison Davis Wood
Chief Camera - Segment: Julius Bolton
This segment is filed in these categories: Hobbies • Champaign County
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