The drone of engines filled the air as dozens of model aircraft took to the skies as part of an annual event hosted by the Moose Jaw Radio Control Aircraft Club.
The club recently held its Pity-Pat Fun Fly at Hamilton Flats near the dog park. The event was open to anyone affiliated with the Model Aeronautics Association of Canada (MAAC). Eighteen hobbyists from Moose Jaw, Estevan, Regina, and Swift Current spent the day showing off their planes and their aeronautic abilities.
Kerry Olson, event chairman, said the Fun Fly went well. The activity helped everyone to build friendships, while it also allowed some members to show off their model planes, including a few powered by small two-stroke gasoline engines.
The club began in the 1970s and is still using the same field since Day 1, Olson explained. He himself bought his first model airplane kit in 1984 and picked up a membership in MAAC about the same time. He moved to Moose Jaw 12 years ago and has been a member for 10 years.
“The parts I love the most is the camaraderie and sharing of information … ,” he continued. “The biggest thrill I get out of it is actively having members teach new members and (helping) grow the hobby.”
Anyone interested in joining can visit the club’s Facebook page. Membership is $75 per year and insurance with MAAC is $85 per year. Being a member gives hobbyists access to the flying grounds, as long as they are trained to fly an RC aircraft.
One of the biggest changes Olson has seen since he started is the improvement in electronics. Similar to how TVs and radios have become better over the last 40 years, the electronics inside the RC aircraft have also advanced. The radios and receivers on the models all use 2.4 gigahertz frequencies, which eliminates jamming and ensures the models respond to input from the ground.
“It’s also a lot more safe,” Olson added.
Olson flies aircraft that are powered by nitro-burning two-stroke motors, while other members fly battery-powered machines. He pointed out the motors and drives of the RC aircraft have improved over the decades, while the quality of the batteries has also noticeably increased.
The Moose Jaw Radio Control Aircraft Club installed a solar station at its site to help keep the batteries charged, Olson said. This ensures members can spend more time enjoying the hobby instead of worrying about having to go home to recharge their machines.
A gas-powered RC aircraft takes a little more knowledge to operate, Olson said. A battery-powered machine is similar to flipping a light switch: just turn it on and the machine will fly. The advanced electronics also allow operators to set timers to alert them when the battery is low.
“The gas ones are a little more of challenge. If a motor quits, you still have control of all your radio functions for the control surfaces. But, you’re going to be a glider now instead of an airplane,” Olson smiled.
The Moose Jaw Radio Control Aircraft Club meets at the Eagle’s Club on the first Saturday of every month, except for July and August, unless there is a special event. Throughout the winter, the club does a lot of planning, although some members do fly if the weather is suitable.
The group also has a clubhouse at its field near Hamilton Flats. It has a couple of lawn mowers to keep its 50 acres of grass clipped. Olson explained this helps prevent gophers from digging holes in the runway and badgers from digging bigger holes pursuing them.
The club wants to add an RC truck track so it can attract younger members, although older hobbyists are also always welcome.
“It’s a neat little hobby, that’s for sure,” Olson added.
