Modeling Spoken Here
Bob Hunt — Aeromodeling Editor
I’m a big Jackson Browne fan, and the lyrics of one of his songs, “Fountain of Sorrow,” include an interesting line: “And while the future’s there for anyone to change, still you know it seems, it would be easier sometimes to change the past.” I’m not too sure what Jackson had in mind, but for me the message is that pushing the envelope and pioneering is always more difficult, more daunting, and more fraught with the potential for mistakes — and even disaster — yet more rewarding than simply looking back and pointing out past successes and failures.
The past is the past. Some of it is good and contains things we can all share and be proud of; some of it is stuff we’d like to forget ever happened. The real test is how we learn from the past while continuing to grow.
We are living in a time when technology, in its many forms, is driving or at least significantly influencing the development of virtually every aspect of life. We are relying more and more on technical things — the inner workings of which most of us don’t fully understand — for incorporation into many, if not most, of our daily routines.
This begins the moment we wake up. It used to be that a simple alarm clock would ring and we’d hit the button to shut it off. If we fell back to sleep, the alarm clock wouldn’t give a second call. Now we have alarm clocks that wake us gently, giving several chances to snooze a few extra minutes, secure in the fact that every few moments another gentle alarm will remind us it’s time to get up. Many of us program our clocks to begin this process earlier than we actually want to rise because the snoozing part is so enjoyable.
The list of electronic, technology-based devices is long, and includes:
- Programmable coffeemakers
- Remote starters for cars
- Satellite guidance for automotive trips
- Ever-expanding capabilities of personal computers
- Cellular phones
- And more
This technology has reached the point where it is viable to incorporate it into the fabric of our lives at even the most seemingly insignificant levels. It is no wonder such technology is readily applied to our leisure pastimes as well. For modelers, that means ever more reliable Radio Control (RC) systems at ever more affordable prices and an increasing number of electronic devices that help us maintain and enhance those systems. This is a good thing. Technology has always been with us, but in the past few years it has accelerated to the point where the average modeler can easily afford to incorporate the latest high‑tech gadget into his or her modeling.
I’m a bit afraid we might forget that technology is supposed to be our servant — not our master. Because most of us don’t fully understand the inner workings of the technology we implement, I’m concerned we are beginning to rely on things we could not duplicate safely on our own if they suddenly ceased to function as designed.
No, I’m not paranoid that our machines will take over and run things, but I am concerned that we may be relying on technology to be so flawless that we never have to step in and correct something. If they do malfunction, I’m afraid we may not have the technical knowledge to make the corrections, and because of that I fear some are beginning to attempt things that may not be safe or advisable.
The ironic part is that some among us do understand the inner workings of the technologies they implement, and if something goes awry they know how to fix it quickly and safely. They also know how to use it properly and prudently. Not all of us are at that point. As Clint Eastwood’s “Dirty Harry” character might have put it: “A man’s got to know his limitations.”
Some among us can use the upper limits of available technologies in a safe and proper manner right now, but others need to work their way slowly, learning as they go to ensure safety along the way.
I am out of space for now. I will write more about this in the future. I’ll be back in three months.
Question: Is it okay with AMA for Maynard to do this while the rest of us are asked not to?
The answer is simple: this was a Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) record attempt and was conducted under FAI rules. According to those rules, Maynard’s aircraft qualifies as a model airplane. The attempt was not made over land except for the takeoff and landing, at which point a pilot who was in direct line of sight of the model controlled it via normal RC practice.
In this month’s “President’s Perspective” column, Dave Brown explains some of the differences between FAI and AMA and further explains how the two organizations work together, especially in matters of competition and record attempts. It is required reading if you want to truly understand the issues involved.
Technology has indeed brought new paradigms to modeling. For the most part, they are good changes and will enhance the safety and pleasure we derive from our hobby and sport. However, as with anything else, if misunderstood or misused, technology can get away from us quickly if we let it.
Maynard and his team fully understand the technology they implemented and the huge potential for danger if used improperly. They used it in a responsible, prudent, and safe manner and have achieved a record for the ages of which we can all be proud.
Do you want to contact me about the subjects discussed here or about other modeling-related topics? I can be reached via:
- Mail: Box 68, Stockertown, PA 18083
- Telephone: (610) 614-1747
- E-mail: bobhunt@mapisp.com
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
