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Educational
Society of Model Aeronautics
Aero-modeling
is the simplest, safest, most creative and fun way to build
and fly one’s own airplanes. Most kids are fascinated by airplanes,
and flying model airplanes is top on their priority list.
However, only a few of them take their passion for flight
to the next level to eventually build/own their own model.
The high cost, lack of information, organized training, dedicated
flying sites and access to good aero-model suppliers are the
main limiting factors. With these problems in mind, the idea
of making a society dedicated to model aeronautics came to
us ‘like minded’ few who are deeply passionate about flying.
We had similar stories to tell about our ‘trials and tribulations’
in this field and felt we needed to be more organized and
formed this society. All of us get together every weekend
or holiday at our flying field and apart from flying our planes,
indulge in a lot of model building and technical discussions.
History of Model
Airplanes
Humans have been building model airplanes since the beginning
of recorded history. The first rubber-powered model plane
can be credited to the French aviation enthusiast, Alphonse
Penaud in 1871. The first Model Airplane Club was formed in
1907 in New
York City. Till 1911, model airplanes were made out of bamboo,
pine, and spruce. With the concept of Balsa Wood (lightweight
wood still used for model airplane construction), the popularity
of model airplanes skyrocketed! Many large businesses (oil
companies, automobile manufactures, and newspapers) took notice
of the popularity of aero-modeling and decided to use this
in their advertising campaigns. They sponsored contests,
created model designs, and created fictitious characters to
promote the model airplanes. By 1936 there was enough national
interest to form the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA). By
the nineteen fifty’s model engines had evolved enough to allow
model building to become very popular. Free flying models
and control line models were common. Some of the models were
still powered by rubber bands. Radio controlled models were
a novelty that was just beginning to become practical. Since
then this hobby has been increasing by the day. Various aero-modeling
meets, competitions, fly-ins, demos & air shows regularly
all over the world. Currently the most popular area of model
airplanes is Radio Controlled (ask called Remote Controlled)
Airplanes & Helicopters.
Types of Model Airplanes
1)
Static Model
Non-flying
static or display model. This type has fine details of the
real aircraft. These models come either prefab in plastic,
or in wooden sections. This is the perfect type for someone
who likes exact scale replicas of real planes.
2)
Free Flight Planes
Free flight planes are probably the simplest
types of model planes to build, other than those Styrofoam
throw planes of paper airplanes. This makes them ideal for
the beginner because of their straightforward design and relative
simplicity. You can find free flight models at practically
any hobby shop, and most toy stores.
Free
flight models come in a variety of types, and most are prefabricated
at the manufacturers. You will probably be able to complete
one of these models in anywhere from one day to one week.
This
type of model can be powered by a rubber band or from a model
plane engine. They can be flown by either throwing the model
gently into the wind while under power, or by the VTO (Vertical
Take Off) method.
The VTO method is widely used in free flight
competitions. To launch a model using the VTO method, you
start the engine of the plane and put the plane on the ground
facing upwards. Next, you release the model, and away it goes!
In flight, these models make a large, circular loop. After
the power cuts out, it should land around where it was launched.
3) Control Line Planes
Control line airplanes are the next step
up from free flight. A Model planes engine or engines power
this kind of plane. Using two lines connected to a handle
that you hold on to controls the plane. The plane flies in
a circle around you, and the lines are used to both anchor
the plane and to control pitch movement. It is important that
you keep well away from power lines, for obvious reasons.
To control
the plane, you either pull back or push forward on the handle.
This causes a control mechanism in the plane to put the elevator
up or down, causing the plane to climb or drop. In some models,
there can be further control of the throttle, retractable
landing gear, and other accessories.
This
type of model could serve as a fairly simple beginner's model.
Some of these types are extremely simple, consisting of a
small piece of balsa wood, and minimal moving parts.
4)
Radio Control Planes
Radio control models are the more complex
and challenging of the four types. They are also the most
fun. They operate on the same principals as a real aircraft
with the primary control surfaces being the ailerons, rudder
and elevator. The pilot also controls the throttle. Flaps,
spoilers and retractable gear are seen in some of the more
advanced models.
A radio
transmitter in a control box that the pilot holds controls
them. This radio’s signal is sent to the plane and is received
by the plane's receiver. The receiver then signals the servos
(small electric motors) – which in turn move the control surfaces
for the desired plane movement.
Types of Radio Controlled Planes:
1.
R/C Powered Planes (propeller)
a)
R/C electric powered planes
b)
R/C fuel powered planes
2.
R/C Gliders
3.
R/C Jets & Turbines
4.
R/C helicopters
Current Worldwide Scenario
The sport of aero-modeling
is extremely popular worldwide. USA, UK, Europe, South Africa
and Australia take the lead in terms of the sheer number of
modelers in the hobby. There are various events and competitions
organized such as the “IMAC” and the “TOC” events in the US
with participation from all over the world. There are a huge
number of clubs (the AMA in USA alone has more than 2500 clubs
affiliated to it) and airports that are dedicated to model aeronautics.
The highly successful worldwide scenario is primarily due to
a large number of enthusiasts coupled with an excellent support
structure to look after their needs.
Current Indian Scenario
Estimates of current Model
Airplane Flyers in various cities are listed below:
|
S.No
|
Name of the City
|
Number of Flyers
(Approx)
|
|
1
|
Mumbai
|
50
|
|
2
|
Pune/Ahmednagar/Kolhapur
|
25
|
|
3
|
Delhi/ Punjab/Haryana
|
50
|
|
4
|
Bangalore
|
15-20
|
|
5
|
Chennai
|
15-20
|
|
6
|
Hyderabad
|
15-20
|
|
7
|
Goa
|
5
|
|
8
|
Calcutta
|
30
|
|
9
|
Nagpur/Akola
|
30
|
|
10
|
Ahemdabad / Surat/
Baroda
|
30
|
|
11
|
Jaipur / Udaipur
|
20
|
|
12
|
Madurai
|
5
|
|
10
|
Others
|
150
|
|
|
|
|
The figures given
above are an indication, and in reality we can easily assume
there are about 1000 flyers in India active/passive. This is
in-spite of the fact that it is not very organized in India
and the flyers are extremely scattered and speaks volumes for
the captivation this hobby holds. We assume the figure will
increase many-fold once the sport is more organized, represented
by a body, with events at a National level organized regularly.
There are only handful aero-modeling clubs/societies in India
and they too are mostly area specific. The most notable ones
that come to mind are the Society of Model Aeronautical Engineers
(SMAE) and the Aero-modelers Association, both of which are
Calcutta based. The former headed by Mr. Suresh Kumar (Now 82)
ran the “hobby centre” retail outlets through out India.
These have, unfortunately, shut down and the societies are not
very active either. This has created a further vacuum in the
already lacking area of hobby product suppliers.
Despite these obvious difficulties, modelers
in India have kept this sport alive due to the sheer passion
with which they follow this hobby.
Purpose of ESMA
Model aviation in India is struggling to keep up with
developments in this field the world over, both organizationally
and technologically. This is despite the fact that there are
many experienced and avid modelers who have been in this hobby
for decades. There is no organized group/body of modelers dedicated
in popularizing this sport. ESMA aims to fill this void.
Tapping the tremendous
growth potential and educational aspects of this great hobby
will go a long way in nurturing current and future generations
of aviation enthusiasts, giving a much needed boost to model
aeronautics.
The purpose of this society is thus:
To tie up with schools/colleges and introduce
aero-modeling through workshops and training sessions and get
quality equipment and instructors to work with the students.
To bring in more enthusiasts into the sport and helping to train
them at a reasonable price and by qualified instructors.
To organize events and competitions from time to time throughout
India. To act as the voice of its
membership, providing liaison with concerned government authorities.
To advise the authorities and the
various security agencies in India about matters relating to
model aeronautics – as and when it is called for.To
help allocate available public space for the purpose of model
flying by helping to take the necessary permissions from the
local authorities in-charge. To form
the rules and regulations for the members and associate clubs
to ensure the abidance of a safety code of conduct. There could
be a set of both – general and area specific rules. This will
be a prerequisite for all modelers who apply for membership.
To make modeling equipment and spares
available easily to the member modelers and giving a list of
all suppliers/manufacturers to the members.To
publish a quarterly journal to be circulated amongst its members
that has news, articles, product reviews and reports on various
activities of the organization over the previous quarter. The
end of the financial year journal would also include the financial
reports for the year.
Facilities at ESMA
At ESMA we offer facilities
for the experienced as well as novice aero-modelers. From qualified
instructors, to a state of the art field with pit facilities,
parking area, spectator area, and a 28600 Sq. foot runway –
ESMA has it all. Keeping in mind that safety is of paramount
importance, this site is designed as per the field specifications
suggested by the “Academy of Model Aeronautics”, incorporating
all their safety features. There is a list of field rules that
have to be adhered to by all members and the abidance of these
ensures a safe flying environment for the members and spectators
alike. The Spectator line, for instance, is a safe 50 feet behind
the flight line and it is forbidden to fly behind the flight
line. ESMA
provides the ultimate platform for modelers to come together
and exchange ideas. It gives the opportunity for beginners to
interact with experienced modelers and get tips on both - building
and flying model airplanes. Seasoned modelers are more than
keen to impart knowledge that they have acquired over their
many years in this hobby. We will organize periodic workshops
during school vacations to educate young students about the
principals of flight and in building and flying model aircraft.
Apart from this, members who are keen to get model kits or spares,
will be given a list of suppliers from all over India so they
may compare prices and services of various suppliers before
buying expensive equipment.
ESMA will also organize events and air
shows from time to time. This will give the chance for modelers
from all over India to come together and display their flying
and building skills. Special shows will also be organized for
schools with physically challenged children.
Finances
ESMA will run on
a non profit basis. All its income will be ploughed back into
the maintenance and upkeep of the society and club area. Among
the expenses will include the yearly lease of land, weekly maintenance
including weed removal, runway flattening and watering, purchase
of chairs tables and garden umbrellas etc. A file listing all
income and expenditures will be maintained. This will be transparent
and accessible to all members at any time.
We strongly discourage
members who seek financial gain through fellow members of the
society. Applicants should apply for the sheer love of model
aviation. There will be no monopoly of hobby equipment suppliers
in this society and a list and contactdetails of ALL
Indian hobby suppliers will be made available to
the members
Membership charges:
- Full Members – Rs.2000/Year
(All decision making rights during meetings, use of facility
at anytime)
- Visiting Members
– Rs.1000/Year (Use of facility to a maximum of 24 times
a year, no decision making rights)
Charges for students attending workshops:
- Rs.100/class per
student.
Visitors and flyers are more than welcome
to visit and try the facilities for free before deciding to
apply for membership.
Conclusion
We believe that a
compelling case exists to initiate the revival of this exciting
sport and hope that ESMA would spearhead this effort.
A body representing the needs of modelers
to the authorities, educating young students in the many facets
of aero-modeling, providing regulation and governance for safe
flying and having an exclusive site dedicated to model aeronautics
has been long overdue and its formation will form the essence
of this effort.
Through ESMA we hope to provide the much needed platform from
which to launch the revival of the sport of aero-modeling in
India. In fact, developing an intellectually stimulating
hobby like aero-modeling is a wonderful legacy to leave for
our children and to develop a new generation of aviation enthusiasts.
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