WHEN Utungan resident Ron Martini was five-years-old his model Airfix plane ended as a blob of glue and he walked away disappointed.
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Toormina’s David Skelton has a similar story - he crashed his first model aeroplane and never flew again.
Now the men are members of the Archville Eagles Model Flying Club, which meets twice weekly in a paddock off Urunga’s Yellow Rock Rd and along with others, have found a way to feed their passion for flying without actually leaving the ground.
“Model planes have come a long way - now you can get an ‘almost ready to fly’ plane with an electric motor for about $150,” David said.
Club chairman Paul Hinton, who lives in Boambee West, said the club had many years of combined flying experience and was keen to expand and share knowledge.
“For me the challenge and concentration of keeping the plane in the air is what I enjoy,” Paul told the Guardian.
“Anyone can learn how to do this - we have two accredited instructors who can teach people how to fly and we are also very happy to offer advice to anyone wanting to buy their first model plane.”
Urunga-based instructor and keen pilot, Barry Murphy, said choosing and assembling your first plane could be daunting and it was a good idea to get help.
“I have a big work table and am happy to help first timers,” Barry said.
Flying the planes themselves is certainly fun but it is also serious business with some models reaching speeds of up to 130 kph.
“These planes can be dangerous. Instruction is based on proper pilot techniques according to CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority) and the club is covered by aviation insurance,” he said.
While the guys don’t actually play any ‘war games’ (definitely no projectiles), they do go into combat from time to time using streamers attached to their planes as targets for others to try to chop off.
Saturday mornings before 1pm are when visitors can get a taste of the action.
“Our first three flying days are free after that you have to join - the fee includes full insurance, instruction and club membership,” Paul said.
Annual fees for seniors are $185 and juniors (15 years and under) $80.
For more information phone Paul on 6658-2878 or Ron on 6569-6364.
