Discussion Model Aviation Mentors; Modelers Helping Modelers

[Murocflyer]

We all love model aviation no matter what the form. Some like airplanes, some helicopters, some sailplanes or gliders, others like multicopters, cars and/or boats. No matter what form of model aviation you participate in or like to do, at one point in time there was someone to teach you the ropes and show you how to build, fly, or how to know what power system to use on your new model. We were not born with knowing how to fly model aircraft or knowing how to build a foam or balsa plane. That skill or talent was most likely taught to you by someone close to you, or someone you met at your local club. But for some, finding that person to teach them the necessary skills is not always easy to do.

I have found a solution which will make it easier for modelers to get help in their local area, and an easy method that allows providing and offering help to others in this hobby. I have coined the term for those willing to help others “Model Aviation (MA) Mentors.” The idea is quite simple and it uses an online map program that is available to everyone.
MA Mentors can volunteer to do many things. They can teach others how to fly, build airplanes, or helicopters, or multicopters or whatever you choose. Forums are great, but they lack the personal one on one ability and real time interaction that we get working with people face to face. And as you know, looking at a PC screen is no substitute for a real person.

This idea is great for AMA members because as a newcomer to this hobby some may be intimidated by showing up at a local club field unannounced and they may feel uncomfortable by all the members there with expensive models. This idea offers the AMA member a way to meet newcomers to the hobby and also introduce them to our sport in a "non-threatening" atmosphere.

The online Google Maps titled “Model Aviation Mentors; Model Airplane Builder Volunteers & Flight Instructors” allows MA Mentors to identify themselves with a location and contact information such as an email address, phone number, or RC forum link so modelers or newcomers in their local area can contact them if they are looking for help. Anyone looking at the map will not know your exact location or address; but they will know your general location to see if you are near enough to provide assistance. This is also a great way to get to know other modelers in your area that you have not met yet. The map is open to all forms of model aviators, model car and boat enthusiasts, as well as those into control line and free flight.

If you would like to volunteer to be a Model Aviation Mentor just let me know.

Map Link: https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=U...fa6f42a3de34bc

Thanks,

Frank

[cbarnes0061]

Seems like a good idea.

[Murocflyer]

Thanks! Our list of volunteers and clubs is growing daily. Thanks to those willing to help and pay it forward.

Frank

[steve400]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Murocflyer
	Thanks! Our list of volunteers and clubs is growing daily. Thanks to those willing to help and pay it forward. Frank

Great idea Frank. Could I post a link on our club website?
http://www.liarsrc.com/
Steve

[Murocflyer]

	Quote: Originally Posted by steve400
	Great idea Frank. Could I post a link on our club website? http://www.liarsrc.com/ Steve

You bet Steve. Here is an even better one. http://www.modelaviation.com/modelaviationmentors And if you club would like to be added to our map, just let me know. I will also add anyone from your club that would like to volunteer also since there may be newcomers wanting to learn about MA and they do not have an AMA membership (yet).

Thanks,

Frank

[cbarnes0061]

Can I just PM you my info or do I have to put it on there myself?

[Murocflyer]

	Quote: Originally Posted by cbarnes0061
	Can I just PM you my info or do I have to put it on there myself?

You can PM or post it here. Just let me know how you can help such as flight instructor or can assist with building, plane setups etc. I can use your contact info from here or you can PM a phone number or email address to add to your balloon on the map.

Thanks,

Frank

[cbarnes0061]

PM sent