Get involved with the community!

[ConRadical]

I've always been a fan of getting involved with the community, especially when I'm able to involve my hobby. I was able to do this last week when my church asked me if I could do some flying for the kids on their last day of Vacation Bible School, their theme was Flight School. I firmly believe that getting involved with the community will help our hobby. Having positive support from the community will go a long ways when people try to get your fields shot down. I know of some fields whose property is provided by the local government because of the positive vibe they bring. That’s something Flying Giants has always tried, keeping the vibe. Likewise the AMA protects us. If you aren’t a member of the AMA, you should join. Your membership will help protect our field and our freedom. I here by challenge all of my fellow modelers to look for ways to get involved with the community. Doing so will help protect our fields and the freedom we have to fly our planes without many restrictions. A big thanks goes out to my church for allowing me to do this, i appreciate it very much!

Who's up to the challenge? Who's going to get involved? Please report back here when you do! Pictures are even better.



AMA membership signup/renewal link: https://www.modelaircraft.org/joinrenew.aspx

[ConRadical]

More pictures.

[ConRadical]

and yes, this plane is still on the old 72 MHZ.

[flying skunks]

you are right , it is Great when you can give back , or maybe inspire one of our Youth to get involved in this Hobby/Lifestyle . I do quite a few of these types of things a year , and Love everyone of them ..

[jfstrama]

I have said exactly this time and time again! I can't agree more. When you show community support and everyone in your community sees your club (and our hobby) as a benefit to the community, you are looked on favorably by the rest of the community.

I'm afraid that most people view our clubs as a bunch of rich people playing with their toys, and when a noise issue rears its head, or they are looking for land to acquire for the public, the rich guys can go fly their toys somewhere else. All of our clubs should be involved in the community. It really is easy to sponsor scout flies, help out at the local schools for science classes involving flight, raise money for local events during open houses, etc. Becoming a bigger part of our local community helps our hobby in general and grows the interest in hobby with younger folks, and that is one of the most important of all.

When parents of kids ask about the hobby (most aren't involved but their kids have shown interest through one of our events) I describe it as a great video game they can play outside. Most understand what I am saying immediately and would rather see their kids doing real things outside instead of in a darkened room playing with the xbox, wii, or playstation.

[WangoTango]

No place better to pull this off than at your church! You get a great cross section of people to see what it is that we do. One other thing to think about..... Think of that one kid that can't stop thinking about flying now. He/she just has to have a plane now...... You may have just sparked a dream or career, etc. Better yet, you may have given a father or mother a chance to do something new with their son or daughter. Good going! Keep us informed of these activities.
WT

[danielph]

That's great that you were able to do that! Keep up the good work!

[PLANKBONE]

That rocks!..... I've done school demos in the past and the expression on the kids faces is awesome, you know that they will remember that day for a long time. Thanks for being a good role model!

[ConRadical]

Yes, it is awesome to watch the kids faces. They all always want to fly the plane too.

[DR10044]

Great article. I have done many a demo flight for kids and other groups over the years. I always try and take a plane on a buddy box so they can actively participate. It's funny, there is always a bunch of dads that get in line to try their hand at it too.

[ConRadical]

The plane and a buddy box is a good idea. I would have liked that but i didn't have the space to. The field i flew in has powerlines going across it.

[jamesrxx951]

our club has been trying to get involved with the community for a couple years now. it started with the boy scouts and a few of us bought LT40 trainers and hooking up the kids on buddy boxes so they can fly. we even bring our laptops out for the sim's. it has progressed to big brothers and sisters, and even some highschool events. it is fun and brings a postive nature to our club. http://www.toledo-flyingtigers.com/showme/ we even do the adopt-a-highway for our street.

[ConRadical]

James, that's great what you guys have done!

[jamesrxx951]

it is some work to get accomplished but in reality it is alot of fun. just to see the faces of these kids many underprivledged to do this stuff you can't put a price on that.

[joebob2]

Great idea!

We didn't have the room for a flight demo at our church, but I did take my SD Yak and hung it from the ceiling in the fellowship haul for decoration. All the kids got a big kick out of it. I got a lot of requests to see it fly, so hopefully I can get a few out to the field soon and let them see these planes up in the air. Been thinknig of getting a big slow trainer like a Kadet or Rascal to let them have a go at the sticks. We definitely need more young blood in our club. I'm 47 and am considered the 'kid'!