Fun with indoor RC

Model Airplane News, Jun 2001

Many of you have flown all types of indoor rubber-powered models, from peanut scale to high-performance endurance models. On the outdoor model-flying scene, there are those who enjoy breathtaking aerobatics, and some who get a thrill out of piloting a racer around a pylon at very high speeds. By combining many types of model aviation, you can come up with an enjoyable new approach to modeling-better known as indoor RC.

I realize that a few diehard modelers have been flying indoor models since before Orville and Wilbur were born, but only in recent years have most us who love model airplanes taken the hobby indoors, where it's even more enjoyable. For example, the weather indoors is always great. You may fly into a wall, but you never have a flyaway. If one of those lightweight, slow-flying indoor models bears down on you, it probably won't even knock off your hat! They are very quiet and don't spray out oily fuels. You won't fet sunburned. and you won't have to pick sand burrs out of your socks. You won't tear your pants climbing over a barbed-wire fence to chase a free-flight.

Nor does it take much time to construct one of these jewels. They don't cost much, and they require only a small space for storage, thus permitting you to have several diverse models.

Interest in designing, building and flying indoor RC models is at an all-time high. Last year, we had the first-ever sanctioned AMA contest for indoor RC. We flew five events: scale, aerobatics, weight-lifting, pylon racing and endurance. New indoor events will include helicopters, blimps, towplanes releasing gliders, combat, bomb drops, carrier landings and balloon-busting. Although a few modeling events are experiencing declines in interest, indoor RC is the fastest-growing activity in the model airplane industry today. Many model-supply manufacturers have realized this, and they are jumping on the bandwagon by producing new, small, lightweight equipment for indoor RC.

Recently, the very popular Life Stik models were introduced (see photo on page 32). We took the opportunity to have some indoor pylon races. "You ain't seen nuthin until you've seen six of these simple little models buzz around the pylons together. Yes, we had a few midairs, but above all, we had lots of laughs.

Pylon racing is popular with the indoor guys, but there is interest in many other events, too. There is a lot of room to experiment and evaluate the many new products such as motors, radios, servos, speed controllers, props, gears and batteries. Manufacturers are doing a great job of supplying the hobby with more innovative supplies, equipment and models for indoor RC. If any of this interests you, and you are considering building something, the best and simplest advice I can give you is "Build it light-very light." Come join the fun!

Joining NIRAC

Thanks to the tireless efforts of Bob Wilder and his associates in Texas, an exciting new special-interest group has emerged: the National Indoor Remote-Controlled Aircraft Council (NIRAC). Officially recognized by the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA), NIRAC encompasses both radio-controlled models and those guided by infrared light. NIRAC is helping to develop a number of events, including indoor aerobatics, scale, pylon racing, endurance. weight-lifting. blimps, helicopters and more. The annual membership fee is $12.

For more information an joining NIRAC or on the NIRAC fun fly and competition, contact Bob Wilder at 1005 Hidden Oaks Ct., Colleyville, TX 76034; (817) 498-6316; rjwmaw5@flash.net.