MAAA Wingspan

14 15 A father and son team have received their Silver Wings from the Broken Hill Model Flying Club recently, just five months after joining at a “Come and Try” day. Paul King and his 16-year-old son Robert had the assistance of the Club’s trainer aircraft, a Phoenix Boomerang 60, which Instructor Greg Pope would fly with them on the buddy box system. This helped them become confident and comfortable with flying before they went out on their own, which they have now done successfully, joining the other club members on the field and flying independently. They are now flying their model aircraft including a Seagull Boomerang 40 and E-Flite Extra 300, thanks to the generosity of several club members who donated spare parts and gave the duo useful tips and advice. Instructor, Greg Pope said that while club membership had slowed in recent years, he is confident a new trainer aircraft will attract more Broken Hill residents to the sport. There are currently 15 members in the Club. “For me, training students is rewarding in itself,” Greg said. “Seeing the reaction on their faces after greasing that perfect landing or throwing in the variety of a random loop or roll while practising mundane circuits, gives a sense of accomplishment.” I think having a trainer aircraft on hand is a must for every club,” he added. broken hill club successfully growing numbers Paul and Robert moved to Broken Hill in January 2020 and joined the Club in June after a free trial. “I’ve always had an interest in aeromodelling, and I wanted to get my son into the sport as he has always been interested in remote control cars,” Paul said. “The Broken Hill Club is a fantastic club with great people who have been really helpful in teaching us with lessons and advice, and they are always available.” Paul said that Greg’s teaching methods made the entire experience enjoyable by changing up the training schedule every week and keeping the process interesting. “Greg kept things interesting and even had us practicing landing approaches in the first few weeks,” added Paul. When asked what was next for Paul and Robert at the Club, they appear to have some different interests with Paul purchasing an E-Flite Extra 300 to train up on aerobatics and Robert preferring lessons on flying helicopters and drones. However, they have both taken similar benefits out of joining the Club, giving them a chance to spend quality time together while making friends with other likeminded people. “The Broken Hill Club is a fantastic club with great people who have been really helpful in teaching us with lessons and advice, and they are always available.” PICTURED: Instructor Greg Pope with Robert King at the Broken Hill Model Flying Club.