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Del Rio Dirt Fliers high in the sky
Published November 15, 2009
More than 25 colorful model airplanes flew high into the sky Saturday afternoon.
Using a control box, members of the Del Rio Dirt Fliers Club operated the model airplanes from the ground as a large crowd of spectators cheered them on.
Referred to as a ‘high tech sport’ by club members, the art of flying a model airplane in the sky using a control box is a hobby for many people of all ages, said Ted Glenn, President of the Del Rio Fliers Club.
On Saturday afternoon, eight club members spent the day flying their model airplanes as a part of their annual fly-in on the flight field located off Milagro Lane.
“Model aviation is very similar to real aviation, the model planes take off and fly like a real plane,” said Glenn, adding that club members practice with their planes every weekend if the weather permits.
Lined up side-by-side on the flight field, the model airplanes were smaller versions of real life aircraft such as the F-4 U Corsair, Supermarine Spitfire, P-51 and the Skybolt.
Purchased through a manufacturer in China, Glenn said that the airplanes come in pieces that need assembly. Once the assembly is completed, the airplanes are ready to be flown.
“These model airplanes have a glow engine that uses nitro fuel,” said Glenn. “When they take off, they usually last about 15 to 20 minutes flying and can go very high.”
The control box used to operate the airplanes consists of two control sticks. One stick is a throttle, which is used to control the speed of the motor, while the other is used as an elevator to control the pitch attitude of the airplane.
According to Glenn, the Del Rio Dirt Fliers Club was formed more than three years ago and consists of 12 members.
“Most of us have been real-life pilots,” said Glenn, while adding that he flew the F-15 aircraft while serving in the U.S. Air Force.
Sanctioned by the Academy Model Aeronautics, a national organization that supports model aviation, the Del Rio Dirt Fliers Club’s main goal is to promote aviation among children.
“We would love to get children involved with aviation,” said Glenn. “As a matter of fact, we would like to have the opportunity to put on a show for organizations looking to do a fundraiser.”
The club members will be flying their model airplanes this afternoon until 3 p.m. at the flight field, and encourage anyone interested in seeing the airplanes to attend.
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