Club spreads its wings
South Canterbury’s model aircraft club has taken flight to a new location at Washdyke.
The club has relocated to the former Morrison Park grounds on Seadown Rd after vacating its Redruth site where members have been flying for 22 years.
South Canterbury Model Aero Club life member Charles Vincent (pictured) said the move came about as a result of changes at the Redruth site.
‘‘It came to our notice that Morrison Park was vacant, so we spoke to the Rooney Group who own it, and we agreed to keep it mowed,’’ Vincent said.
Vincent, 80, who has been a club member for 45 years, said the club is keen to attract new members.
‘‘We are planning to run training sessions for anyone who is interested.’’
With a membership of 20, the club was offering flying lessons at no cost, using a ‘‘buddy box’’ system.
Vincent said he built his first aircraft, transmitter and receiver in 1980. ‘‘It was a Deacon, an English model. ‘‘It cost me about $300, it had a balsa wood frame.
‘‘I had 17 crashes before I had a successful flight.’’
Vincent said technology had made model aircraft more accessible.
‘‘Polystyrene model aircraft have become more popular in the past five years.
’’It’s never been cheaper to fly.’’ Model aircraft were moulded more accurately, radio equipment was better and digital technology had helped flying become more stable, he said.
‘‘If you have the right model aircraft and transmitter you will be alright.
‘‘It’s all a very good learning curve, you will learn about aerodynamics, electronics and putting stuff together,’’ he said.
‘‘With a suitable supplier you can get set up very well for $500.’’