michaelburton01
Posts: 33
Joined: 9/11/2003
From: Assumption,
IL, USA
Status: offline
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Hey fellas,
Well I have done some serious soul searching. I have considered all my previous plans for the ill fated AgScout. I have put the whole "UA" idea on the back burner. At the moment the cost outweighs the benefits. And I'm not just speaking of my position.
In the August 2004 issue of MA there is an article by Dave Brown the AMA President. Regarding commercial model aircraft "UA" operations. The intent of using the SFK to video farm fields would cause the use of the craft to fall under FAA regulations. This is in direct conflict with the mission statement of the AMA. As a fellow member of this fantastic and often underrated sport, I do not want to become an example for stiffer regulation of aeromodeling.
A recent visit to Muncie Indiana, at the AMA homecoming, I marveled at what the AMA has done for us. The large and expansive facility was breath taking. I actually felt like I was a part of the big picture. Even though I was, in my mind "just a member". It was a wonderful feeling to gather with others like me who wanted to come and fly and just enjoy the day at the AMA homecoming. As I watched everyone, and looked at the wide range of pilots and aircraft. I realized many were families of rc flyers. Friends from different states traveling miles upon miles to share a beautiful day of sport flying. Old friends crossing paths once again at a homecoming of unique individuals. A gathering of talent from not only the US but from around the world also. Craftsmanship, talent, and skill matching that of the full sized aircraft industry. Yet on a smaller scale and more open to public involvement. And the museum is something to be seen. It's a testament to our sport, to the ingenuity of many upon many modelers before us. If you have never been there I highly recommend making the trip. They have something to offer everyone. Rockets, control line, free flight, even a designated Kite flying area... go figure. It's a wonderful place and a great organization.
With my trusty Sony in hand I videoed many fantastic pilots and many astounding planes. In particular one flyer caught my eye. A father and two sons (I would imagine) taxied their matching P-51's to the runway. In formation. The first Mustang made a daring roll across the runway only to sputter and die well short of liftoff. The second Mustang rolled slowly at first, then gathering speed, the tail came up, and finally the mains released the craft from the runway. As it did, the gear folded up with scale realism and the P-51 rolled off into the blue awaiting his wingman. As the third Mustang began it's rollout it nosed over and scratched it's way across the asphalt into the grass leaving it tail up with no joy. The lone P-51 howled through the sky with precision and grace. Perfectly planed low passes down the runway slightly banked and only a couple of feet off the ground. With military grace. I was very impressed with this pilots disciplined flight routine. As I panned my camera back to the pilot stations I noticed a small pair of tennis shoes and a young boy looking up to the sky, casually, with transmitter in hand. He couldn't have been very old, cause he was very short. I thought to myself. This young man has a bright future ahead of him, it shows in his flying abilities. He was in the zone and ripping through the sky the way a P-51 was designed to do. With grace and precision. It was a beautiful site. And he was an amazing young man. How cool is that ?
We enjoy this sport because it allows us to pilot aircraft of our own making and allows us a release from the bounds of earth, Frees us from the stress's of daily life. It puts us "A Cut Above" as they say. To accomplish flight in virtually any craft of any design. With skill learned from seasoned flyers. Veterans of the sport passing on the tradition of aeromodeling. The friendships made. The countless goals and ambitions are born from this sport. It inspires the imagination, young and old. It inspires our minds to look beyond the normal envelope of life. This sport brings people together, near and far. This sport has shown me that friends not only found at the local field, or a field of invitation, but also in online forum's such as this one. The sharing of information, ideas, and excitement. And at times the sharing of loss.
At the crash site of my SFK I saw many faces of youngsters, not smiling, not laughing, yet pitching in to help pick up the pieces and offer a cheerful word. And many of the people who would watched from a distance as we fly, come to help also. And even though I was disappointed in the days events, I saw that my sport, My fun in the sun, would be missed. Not so much by me as it would be by them. And during the whole event I felt no anger, no rage, just sadness because I know I not only disappointed myself, I disappointed them.
I'm proud to be a an American and and proud to be an AMA member. I am proud to be a part of this forum and consider you guys as friends. Your comments, your concern, and your kind words are appreciated greatly. The new SFK will be used to promote the hobby to those who would not otherwise have the chance to. Each time I go to my local field there is always a small crowd of spectators. Mostly youngsters. What better way to enjoy an afternoon, than to share an experience I have come to love, with others.
My hat is off to all of you, You have brought me to my senses (unknowingly) and shown me that I can make a difference just by enjoying the sport as it was meant to be enjoyed. By sharing it with others because It's what, as modelers, we do just for the fun of it.
Take a kid to the field with you next time you go.
Offer a spectator a moment in the sky.
You won't be dissapointed.
You might even change their life.
This world needs more folks like you.
Thank you all.
Michael
Reg,
Climb out of your space ship.
We need you here.
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Printable Version
All Forums >> RC Airplanes >> Giant Scale Aircraft - 3D & Aerobatic >> RE: Super Flying King twin-engined version 
RE: Super Flying King twin-engined version - 
RE: Super Flying King twin-engined version - 
Michael, 
RE: Super Flying King twin-engined version - 
And the pleasures, As I watched you today with your heli, I knew I had passed on to you the pride and confidence of accomplishing what you once thought you couldn't. Your in the groove and your confidance is showing in your flights. Great Job. 
. umm my wheels are turning.