Foam Airplanes – Opportunities and Risks

Dear Reader

Some time ago, during an AeCS delegates’ meeting, I reported on recent developments in model aviation and, among other things, asked whether model aviators—who can purchase a complete set of equipment from a store or online for less than the annual dues for groups and associations— still be willing to join our organization in the future. Well, we humans certainly can’t boast of being forward-thinking. I’m not referring to the much-discussed visions of the future or even research on the subject. It’s much simpler: Take rubber-powered planes, for example—also known as “foam waffles” in the north—which have

various association committees as an opportunity for model flying. I myself don’t view this quite so positively, though I’m fully aware, of course, that this trend also has its advantages. Let’s mention, for example, the advantages for beginners—though sometimes I get the feeling they’re almost more like people who’ve given up on the hobby—who can buy a remote-controlled airplane for little money that hardly ever breaks and, if it does, can even withstand an unprofessional and rather rough repair without much trouble. I definitely see an opportunity here for model aviation.

On the other hand, I see how our “foam” colleagues are setting up new “flying fields” everywhere. Soon there will be cars with open trunks on every corner,

trunk, with models in the air and on the ground as well. They don’t need a fully equipped airfield. They fly from any meadow or dirt road—here today, there tomorrow. It won’t be an easy task to convince these people to join a model flying club. First, they’d have to follow rules; second, pay annual dues that, as mentioned, are higher than what a rubber-powered plane and its controls usually cost; and third, they’d even have to volunteer their time.

What conclusion do I draw from this development? So-called opportunities for model aviation aren’t necessarily opportunities for our organizations. Why should these colleagues flying in some random meadow care about the airspace restrictions and safety regulations of

light aviation? They will not be willing to support or help fund our associations’ political lobbying efforts in this regard. I believe we must urgently address these issues. The “McDonaldization” of model flying also brings us the dubious “achievement” of a throwaway culture and the accompanying loss of seriousness. Nevertheless, I want to emphasize that model flying does not necessarily have to be expensive. Foam models have long been established in the youth development and flight training programs supported by our clubs. While this does not solve the problems mentioned, it may help us come to terms with the situation to some extent.

Best of luck and warm
regards
, Emil Ch. Giezendanner