Jim-

I sat back and pondered your comments for a while and asked myself what I could do to help educate others about our aspect of the hobby.

Well, last night at our monthly meeting I took my Roo II to show and discuss the construction, hardware installation process, and safety procedures. I wasn't sure how it was going to be received, since several of the meeting regulars fly electrics and sport aircraft. Surprisingly, I had the undivided attention of the entire room for over twenty minutes! Everyone was very interested, and asked several educated questions, including discussion about the current and soon to be new rules. In closing my presentation, I asked the members if this was something they would like me to continue in future meetings, and the response was an overwhelming YES! So I will be doing a monthly series at the meetings until she makes her maiden flight, and maybe some after that. Our discussion last night also included flightline etiquette, and ways to share the airspace respectfully.

Many of us are under the impression that “the old farts” don’t want us around, which is well documented by many here. What I learned last night was that many don’t understand what’s involved in turbine operations, but when invited to learn at an early point, they’re very interested. If you try to describe what the mess of wires and tubing is inside the fuselage, they lose interest very fast. That’s why I thought it would be good to discuss this at the meeting from the beginning.

Try it at one of your meetings, and see what kind of response you get.