Fly with the Woodland Aero Modelers Club without ever leaving the ground

By Maureen Callahan

It’s a bird, it’s a plane…well, yes, it is! If you regularly hike or cycle at Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve, you might have seen members of the Woodland Aero Modelers (WAM) radio control (R/C) flying club honing their craft. Literally. The group flies their planes on a field within this forest preserve.

R/C-controlled mechanisms originated in 1898 when Nikola Tesla demonstrated a radio-controlled boat at Madison Square Garden. While the trial was not done on an aircraft, it proved the possibility of R/C.

World War II saw the U.S., Germany, and the U.K. experiment with R/C aircraft for military purposes. Since then, R/C has become a technically sophisticated discipline that has become much easier since the discovery of transistors, GPS, and lithium batteries. “With technology constantly advancing, the sky is literally the limit!” said WAM secretary Ed Miller.

WAM designs, builds, and flies R/C model aircraft for fun and competition. The group was founded in 1936 and is chartered by the parent organization, the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA), a nationwide non-profit that celebrates aviation through a network of clubs that support flying fields and the safe enjoyment of model aviation. Membership runs the full spectrum from kids to teens to men and women and retirees.

The “pilot” of an R/C plane never leaves the ground. A transmitter allows communication between the pilot and a receiver located inside the plane. The pilot sends signals to move mechanisms that change the plane’s position. “Our airplanes fly the same way as a full-scale airplane,” Miller stated. “The only difference is the scale of the airplane, and there’s obviously nobody actually ‘on board.’”

You can literally show up with no experience, and WAM will get you flying in no time. From start to flight, they’re here for you. The club offers free flight training in addition to help and advice on how to select and purchase planes. They’ll even help you build the plane and are able to assist with repairs and technical issues.

Flight training is carried out using the “buddy box” teaching method. Instructor and student radios are linked together. The instructor can take control of the plane at any time. “It’s similar to the way you learn to drive a car at a Driver’s Ed class,” Miller described. “The instructor can take over at any time if the student gets into trouble.”

Typically, students learn takeoff, landing, and basic flight in a relatively short period of time. As soon as the student is proficient in the basics, the instructor may sign them off as a safe and competent flier and present them with a solo flight certificate.

Pilots need to join the Academy of Model Aeronautics and get licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). They must also take a collaborative test between the FAA and the industry that covers safety materials. While this sounds like a process, “it’s really not,” Miller reassured. “The test is very easy.” WAM is there to help every step of the way.

The next decision is the type of plane to purchase. Beginners usually start with “trainers,” which are stable and easy to fly when learning. Airplanes can be purchased as kits, traditionally made from balsa, plywood, or foam. Some easy assembly is usually required. Ready-to-fly models, powered by electric motors, gasoline, and nitro engines, are also an option.

WAM’s yearly open house, held annually during the second week of June, is a great chance to visit the flying field and take a free introductory “buddy box” flight with an instructor. The club is willing to pair up a newcomer with an instructor at other times, as well.

The opportunity to fly indoors during winter months makes it possible to enjoy this hobby year-round.

WAM welcomes anyone with an interest to attend their monthly meetings on the first Tuesday of every month at VFW Post #503 in Downers Grove at 7.00 p.m. It’s a great way to meet members, ask questions, and see if R/C piloting is for you. Events such as fun fly competitions, meetups with other clubs, and holiday events give the organization an active social side. Club memberships for anyone under 19 years old are free. “Anyone can get involved,” said Miller. “It’s a great hobby for parents looking to share something with their children, for retirees looking for a new hobby, and anybody in between.”

Come fly with us!

For information on Woodland Aero Modelers, please visit WoodlandAeroModelers.org.