Airplane enthusiasts of all ages gathered Saturday to try their hand at flying radio-controlled model airplanes during the Take Off and Grow program hosted by the Traverse Area Model Pilots Society.
Novice flyers were invited participate in the program designed to teach the basics of flying radio-controlled airplanes through the basic principles of flight, using a radio-controlled computer simulator and, ultimately, hands-on flying of a model airplane.
The Traverse area club was one of 43 clubs chosen by the Academy of Model Aeronautics, from more than 3,000 clubs nationwide, to host the daylong educational program. The academy provided the computer simulators as well as several model planes to be used for demonstrations and trial flights.
"This is kind of a try-before-you-buy program,” said Jeff Loshaw, president of the local club, who has been involved in flying radio-controlled planes for more than five years.
"I have loved airplanes my whole life,” said Loshaw, who has a private pilot license.
"Most of us in the group have always loved airplanes and flying, that is what has drawn us to flying these planes. It's not quite the same as flying a real plane, but much cheaper,” Loshaw said.
The Traverse Area Model Pilots Society, also known as TRAMPS, is always glad to welcome new members who share their enthusiasm for flying. During summer months, they offer a training night on Tuesday evenings at their airfield on Rennie School Road, for anyone interested in trying out the activity.
"We are always trying to get people into it and especially encourage young people to get involved,” said Mark Hamlyn, local club vice president.
Thirteen-year-old Ryan Schwab of Grawn is just the sort of young man Hamlyn was speaking of.
"I've always wanted to give this a try. It's pretty cool, I'd love to get into it more,” said Schwab who attended with his dad, Randy Schwab.
"This has been a great experience. It is good training and a little stick time, how could you go wrong,” said the elder Schwab.
After flying a basic model, participants got to take a look at the more sophisticated models owned by club members like the helicopter owned by US Coast Guard pilot Rich Schultz.
"This one is just like the one I fly at the base, I am passionate about making sure it is as exact a replica as possible,” said Schultz, noting that he has spent more than three years perfecting the craft.
"I get joy out of seeing people enjoy it,” he said.
For more information on the Traverse Area Model Pilots Society, visit www.traversemodelpilots.com.