The Haught Corner
This Magic Moment
This magic moment: an unseasonably warm March Saturday allowed a number of us with "cabin fever" to head out to the flying field for a brief respite from what a fellow modeler called "this most vile of winters."
It was a chance to do a little testing, and to enjoy being outdoors again. My eight-year-old son and I were alone on our section of the flying field.
Until now, Robby had only flown simple gliders and rubber-powered models. Part of my game plan for this year is to introduce him to powered flight—learning to start and adjust an engine, being careful around the prop arc, etc. I built a Pee Wee 30 model for him to learn with when I wasn't using it in contests; with a remote needle valve and no timer, I figured that would give him fewer things to be concerned about.
At first I had him hold the model with the engine running, just to let him feel the thrust involved. Then we rehearsed how to launch the model; he was a bit nervous, but said he was ready to try it "for real." So I fired up the Pee Wee, lit the DT fuse, and carefully handed the model to him. What happened when he launched the model—perfectly—is something I'll never forget.
A look of wonder, surprise, and excitement crossed his face as the model circled upward. He has flown for three or four years, and enjoyed it, but never to this extent.
I was reminded of curator Mike Fulmer's search for a "theme" for the new Ehling Museum. A note in an old kit contained the words "oh, it was magic!" That's what Mike was looking for, and that's what I saw in my son's eyes on that flight.
It occurred to me that it had been a long time since I had seen that look or experienced that sensation while flying. It's easy to become blasé about something many of us have done for years. What's another contest or trophy or new model at this point?
It's nothing at all, and yet it's everything—that's what.
The comedian Gallagher has said that his young daughter sees things differently; she "looks at the world with new eyes." Through my son's new eyes I saw the joy and excitement of flight, and it made my day—and his.
Is flying still magic for you? Is the joy still there? Or has that feeling been vacuum-bagged somewhere, along with a pile of foam, epoxy, and fiberglass?
With so many flaps about frequencies, safety, flying sites, and noise levels, I get the impression that many in this hobby have lost sight of what this is supposed to be all about. Are we too serious—too self-important—to have fun with model aircraft?
Sure, it's a serious business to manufacturers, and even to magazine editors; that's how we pay the mortgage. And no one is more serious in his or her approach than I am.
But all too often, when I hear of someone who is disturbed about something in modeling, I want to say to them, "Hey, get a grip, will ya? This is still supposed to be a hobby!" It's easy to lose that perspective.
The next time you become upset with something at a club meeting, or at a contest or fun-fly, step back from the situation for a minute. Judge how important the situation really is. Then think about the reasons why you began flying.
If the anger is still there—if the magic is gone—make it return. Enjoy the skills you've developed, the good times you've had, and the friends you've made—because you enjoy flying model aircraft. Let there be some joy in Mudville, after all!
It took a long time for me to reconcile my competitive nature with having a good time while flying. As one who flies almost exclusively in competition, it's easy to fall into "winning isn't everything; it's the only thing" (words often attributed—incorrectly—to Vince Lombardi, who knew a little about winning).
I became so wrapped up in trying to win all the time that I burned out on flying altogether. When I decided to come back, it was with a different approach: enjoying the day—just being out at the field—came first. I still try my best to win whatever events I fly, but the cutthroat aspect is gone.
But guess what? I now enjoy flying more with each passing year. I don't fly 137 different events anymore, and I don't try for every Grand Championship that comes along. Just being out on the field, with friends who also enjoy flying, means more than I can say.
Arriving, on a Jet Plane
If everything goes according to plan, the August issue will contain a trial column on RC jet modeling. Del Ellis, AMA's representative from the Jet Pilots Association (an AMA SIG), will author the piece.
Reader reaction to the column will dictate its future. If this is the type of thing you'd like to see on a regular basis, it's important to let us know. If we receive enough favorable response, we will add the column to the Radio Control Roundup section on a bimonthly basis.
Those Cards & Letters
The newly revived column on Control Line Racing is another whose fate rests in the hands (pens?) of the readership. New Contributing Editor Kenn Smith has asked for input about the column, so let us know about its content and style.
The same can be said for any column or feature in the magazine: we want to hear from you—pro or con. All too often we only hear about something you're not pleased with; we don't hear nearly enough about what you like. All types of subscriber feedback are valuable in planning future issues.
Thanks to all who have phoned or written with comments on this column. There have been both plenty of cheers and a few jeers, which is fine with me; constructive criticism is always welcome.
I'm particularly gratified about the response to my piece on the Builder of the Model rule. I seem to have touched a nerve with that one, and that's one of the best kinds of columns: to spark intelligent debate about modeling issues.
Thanks for your time; mine is up!
Tim Haught Managing Editor
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
