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Aeromodelling – A Hobby, A Passion

An Addiction!!

It’s great when, as a couple, you have a hobby you share and are both enthusiastic about.  Sure, some couples enjoy having separate interests but, for us, it’s a case of double the fun with a shared dose of excitement, thrills and adrenalin.

I’ve always had an interest in aviation, having held a private pilot’s licence since I was in my early 20's. I don’t know what it is but something always draws me to airports and aerodromes.

My wife, Janice, and I got into aeromodelling about 6 years ago.  Being totally new to the hobby, we were really fortunate to get a lot of help and advice in setting up and learning to fly from members of the Papakura Manukau Aeromodellers Club.

Aeromodelling is no longer only the realm of middle aged men spending innumerable hours sequestered in their balsawood dust-encrusted workshops constructing intricate and delicate models.

Today aeromodelling encompasses many different and exciting regimes, from the classic balsa wood models constructed from plans to the dynamic, almost indestructible foam flyers, insanely maneuverable helicopters and gently soaring gliders.  In turn, the engines vary greatly also.  The range includes reliable glow fuel powered engines, powerful electric engines through to genuine gas turbine engines.

Internationally, aeromodelling is a widely followed hobby, sport or passion. Europe, America and Asian countries all have large numbers of devotees.  In New Zealand, the governing body of model flying is the New Zealand Model Aeronautical Association Inc which is branded as Model Flying New Zealand. There are 77 affiliated clubs throughout the country.

Aeromodelling can cater to individual preferences from the person who enjoys the building process, to the speed freaks who just love the thrill of burning up the sky.  Depending on the model, one can enjoy a sedate, gentle flight or pure adrenaline pumping aerobatic maneuvers.

I hope you enjoy my site and it gives you inspiration to go out and try aeromodelling yourself.

Cheers

Pete