NOEL AND RTP MODEL AIRCRAFT FLYING
SKYHIGH - "RTP" (Round the pole) MODEL AIRCRAFT CLUB
One could almost be excused for fantasising that they were standing on the tarmac of Adelaide Airport - with design engineers and pilots already working on and completing upgrade of a very busy and outdated facility. But NO - its just an ordinary night at "SKYHIGH".
Everything happening - new model aircraft being "created"; old and much loved models being repaired after many an encounter with the hard floor - and then, if you look beyond the workshop, into the flying area - all sorts of electric powered models, and, in addition to these, lighter and flimsy old fashioned rubber-powered models, flying gracefully in circles around the room, and almost touching the ceiling. Then again - who cares when you're having fun ?
Among all this business of building and flying these lovely little aircraft - just to see the "joy of the beholder" in the eyes of these "young student pilots" as they watch their own little creations fly - is quite remarkable. But, like all busy airports, flying fields and workshops have to be prepared and made ready for when the "crew" arrive at 5pm..
Around 3.00pm, every second and fourth Friday of the month over the past 18 months, SKYHIGH leaders Geoff and Joy Mills, Glen Roullier and Noel Skillicorn move in and "clear the deck" of our hall and pavilion with extra help from Merv Rogers. Firstly, a dozen tables are set up in the pavilion, ready for the students to work at, two to a table, with one instructor to oversee the work and add encouragement. Following on from this, the hall is cleared, to be set up as our "flying field".
Then our "heavies" arrive, bearing between them an average age of around 75 years, mark, their input in the Club in invaluable - so many skills to share !! What a wealth of knowledge and expertise in so many ways - motor mechanics, air force experience, electrical technicians, and teaching. This remarkable team is made up of Bruce Combe, Charles Comley. Kevin Merret and Ken Fitzgerald and this team is certainly not lacking in patience and energy. And then, added to this group, the not so old Lesley and David Munro along with the other half of their family - Keren and Jarrod (also instructors after proving their model aircraft building skills with models still capable of flying after many hours in the air).
SKYHIGH has been very fortunate to be able to boast new instructors from "within the ranks". These lads have gained much "on the bench" - Andrew Leonard, Kent Blight and Nathan Smith - and added many creative ideas alongside the "oldies". Jocelyn Smith (Nathan's Mum) has also been a great asset to our leadership. Jocelyn came as a result of reading about SKYHIGH in the F.W.
Well, as the song goes, "Where do I begin"?
It all started back in Port Lincoln, almost five years ago when Noel caught "The Dream" after reading an article in a Model Flight magazine by another model aircraft enthusiast who was teaching and making aircraft models at a high school in Hobart, Tasmania. Noel was soon in touch and information was received. Here was an opportunity to release some of the acquired skills and desires in model making, and give a chance to young kids interested to "have a go".
When Noel landed at Marion, he introduced the idea to Graham Agnew, Minister of Marion Churches of Christ, over a cup of coffee and cream cake at Graham's favourite haunt - and the idea was born - "SKYHIGH - RTP Model Aircraft Club"
So what does it achieve apart from all of us "oldies" satisfying a long lost ego towards this fascinating hobby ?
We believe it is a "BRIDGE BUILDER". Bridges have always been an interesting concept and one can always symbolise stories to implicate the two shores they span. In our case "Our Church" ( the Love of God shown through Christ our Saviour) and the other side, the children (student pilots) and families to whom they belong.
After more than 18 months building and flying, our Club is making contact on a regular basis with an average of 17 young people (19 at the time of writing this report) and there are 27 contacts on our roll. Some have had forced landings, but we believe they will fly again - and, if not, they have had a good experience. There is good "mateship" between the students. The Club has a good relationship between more than 50 parents, and in the time we have been operating, more than 50 electric-powered models have been purchased - some of these still to be completed and tested.
SKYHIGH would express thanks for the interest shown as we continue to teach and support these young people in a fascinating hobby which we feel confident will help them develop alongside other interests they pursue in their learning experience.
Our Mission Statement explains all our endeavours :- To instruct and initiate skills in model aircraft building, and to teach the fundamental theory of flight, and to encourage the Members to "Reach for the Sky", both morally and spiritually."
The Club SKYHIGH will keep focused on Jesus our Lord, as Chief Test Pilot.
HAPPY FLYING
JOY, GEOFF, GLEN AND NOEL
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If this has been an encouragement to you, please contact :-
NOEL R. SKILLICORN,
14 Egan Street, Mitchell Park, South Aust., 5043, Australia
Phone 61+8+8374+4462
ROUND-THE-POLE-MODEL FLYING - ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
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