Society of Model Aeronautical Engineers (SMAE) and the Aero-modelers Association,

Educational Society of Model Aeronautics

Aero-modeling is the simplest, safest, most creative and fun way to build and fly one's own airplanes. Most kids are fascinated by airplanes, and flying model airplanes is top on their priority list. However, only a few of them take their passion for flight to the next level to eventually build/own their own model. The high cost, lack of information, organized training, dedicated flying sites and access to good aero-model suppliers are the main limiting factors. With these problems in mind, the idea of making a society dedicated to model aeronautics came to us 'like minded' few who are deeply passionate about flying. We had similar stories to tell about our 'trials and tribulations' in this field and felt we needed to be more organized and formed this society. All of us get together every weekend or holiday at our flying field and apart from flying our planes, indulge in a lot of model building and technical discussions.

History of Model Airplanes

Humans have been building model airplanes since the beginning of recorded history. The first rubber-powered model plane can be credited to the French aviation enthusiast, Alphonse Penaud in 1871. The first Model Airplane Club was formed in 1907 in New York City. Till 1911, model airplanes were made out of bamboo, pine, and spruce. With the concept of Balsa Wood (lightweight wood still used for model airplane construction), the popularity of model airplanes skyrocketed! Many large businesses (oil companies, automobile manufactures, and newspapers) took notice of the popularity of aero-modeling and decided to use this in their advertising campaigns.  They sponsored contests, created model designs, and created fictitious characters to promote the model airplanes. By 1936 there was enough national interest to form the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA). By the nineteen fifty's model engines had evolved enough to allow model building to become very popular. Free flying models and control line models were common. Some of the models were still powered by rubber bands. Radio controlled models were a novelty that was just beginning to become practical. Since then this hobby has been increasing by the day. Various aero-modeling meets, competitions, fly-ins, demos & air shows regularly all over the world. Currently the most popular area of model airplanes is Radio Controlled (ask called Remote Controlled) Airplanes & Helicopters.

Types of Model Airplanes

1)     Static Model

Non-flying static or display model. This type has fine details of the real aircraft. These models come either prefab in plastic, or in wooden sections. This is the perfect type for someone who likes exact scale replicas of real planes.

2)     Free Flight Planes

Free flight planes are probably the simplest types of model planes to build, other than those Styrofoam throw planes of paper airplanes. This makes them ideal for the beginner because of their straightforward design and relative simplicity. You can find free flight models at practically any hobby shop, and most toy stores.

Free flight models come in a variety of types, and most are prefabricated at the manufacturers. You will probably be able to complete one of these models in anywhere from one day to one week.

This type of model can be powered by a rubber band or from a model plane engine. They can be flown by either throwing the model gently into the wind while under power, or by the VTO (Vertical Take Off) method.

The VTO method is widely used in free flight competitions. To launch a model using the VTO method, you start the engine of the plane and put the plane on the ground facing upwards. Next, you release the model, and away it goes! In flight, these models make a large, circular loop. After the power cuts out, it should land around where it was launched.

3)  Control Line Planes

Control line airplanes are the next step up from free flight. A Model planes engine or engines power this kind of plane. Using two lines connected to a handle that you hold on to controls the plane. The plane flies in a circle around you, and the lines are used to both anchor the plane and to control pitch movement. It is important that you keep well away from power lines, for obvious reasons.

To control the plane, you either pull back or push forward on the handle. This causes a control mechanism in the plane to put the elevator up or down, causing the plane to climb or drop. In some models, there can be further control of the throttle, retractable landing gear, and other accessories.

This type of model could serve as a fairly simple beginner's model. Some of these types are extremely simple, consisting of a small piece of balsa wood, and minimal moving parts.

4)     Radio Control Planes

Radio control models are the more complex and challenging of the four types. They are also the most fun. They operate on the same principals as a real aircraft with the primary control surfaces being the ailerons, rudder and elevator. The pilot also controls the throttle. Flaps, spoilers and retractable gear are seen in some of the more advanced models.

A radio transmitter in a control box that the pilot holds controls them. This radio's signal is sent to the plane and is received by the plane's receiver. The receiver then signals the servos (small electric motors) – which in turn move the control surfaces for the desired plane movement.

 

Types of Radio Controlled Planes:

1.      R/C Powered Planes (propeller)

a)     R/C electric powered planes

b)     R/C fuel powered planes

2.      R/C Gliders

3.      R/C Jets & Turbines

4.      R/C helicopters

Current Worldwide Scenario

The sport of aero-modeling is extremely popular worldwide. USA, UK, Europe, South Africa and Australia take the lead in terms of the sheer number of modelers in the hobby. There are various events and competitions organized such as the "IMAC" and the "TOC" events in the US with participation from all over the world. There are a huge number of clubs (the AMA in USA alone has more than 2500 clubs affiliated to it) and airports that are dedicated to model aeronautics. The highly successful worldwide scenario is primarily due to a large number of enthusiasts coupled with an excellent support structure to look after their needs.

Current Indian Scenario

Estimates of current Model Airplane Flyers in various cities are listed below:

S.No	Name of the City	Number of Flyers (Approx)
1	Mumbai	50
2	Pune/Ahmednagar/Kolhapur	25
3	Delhi/ Punjab/Haryana	50
4	Bangalore	15-20
5	Chennai	15-20
6	Hyderabad	15-20
7	Goa	5
8	Calcutta	30
9	Nagpur/Akola	30
10	Ahemdabad / Surat/ Baroda	30
11	Jaipur / Udaipur	20
12	Madurai	5
10	Others	150

The figures given above are an indication, and in reality we can easily assume there are about 1000 flyers in India active/passive. This is in-spite of the fact that it is not very organized in India and the flyers are extremely scattered and speaks volumes for the captivation this hobby holds. We assume the figure will increase many-fold once the sport is more organized, represented by a body, with events at a National level organized regularly. There are only handful aero-modeling clubs/societies in India and they too are mostly area specific. The most notable ones that come to mind are the Society of Model Aeronautical Engineers (SMAE) and the Aero-modelers Association, both of which are Calcutta based. The former headed by Mr. Suresh Kumar (Now 82) ran the "hobby centre" retail outlets through out India. These have, unfortunately, shut down and the societies are not very active either. This has created a further vacuum in the already lacking area of hobby product suppliers. Despite these obvious difficulties, modelers in India have kept this sport alive due to the sheer passion with which they follow this hobby.

Purpose of ESMA

Model aviation in India is struggling to keep up with developments in this field the world over, both organizationally and technologically. This is despite the fact that there are many experienced and avid modelers who have been in this hobby for decades. There is no organized group/body of modelers dedicated in popularizing this sport. ESMA aims to fill this void. Tapping the tremendous growth potential and educational aspects of this great hobby will go a long way in nurturing current and future generations of aviation enthusiasts, giving a much needed boost to model aeronautics. 

The purpose of this society is thus:

To tie up with schools/colleges and introduce aero-modeling through workshops and training sessions and get quality equipment and instructors to work with the students. To bring in more enthusiasts into the sport and helping to train them at a reasonable price and by qualified instructors. To organize events and competitions from time to time throughout India. To act as the voice of its membership, providing liaison with concerned government authorities. To advise the authorities and the various security agencies in India about matters relating to model aeronautics – as and when it is called for.To help allocate available public space for the purpose of model flying by helping to take the necessary permissions from the local authorities in-charge. To form the rules and regulations for the members and associate clubs to ensure the abidance of a safety code of conduct. There could be a set of both – general and area specific rules. This will be a prerequisite for all modelers who apply for membership. To make modeling equipment and spares available easily to the member modelers and giving a list of all suppliers/manufacturers to the members.To publish a quarterly journal to be circulated amongst its members that has news, articles, product reviews and reports on various activities of the organization over the previous quarter. The end of the financial year journal would also include the financial reports for the year.

Facilities at ESMA

At ESMA we offer facilities for the experienced as well as novice aero-modelers. From qualified instructors, to a state of the art field with pit facilities, parking area, spectator area, and a 28600 Sq. foot runway – ESMA has it all. Keeping in mind that safety is of paramount importance, this site is designed as per the field specifications suggested by the "Academy of Model Aeronautics", incorporating all their safety features. There is a list of field rules that have to be adhered to by all members and the abidance of these ensures a safe flying environment for the members and spectators alike. The Spectator line, for instance, is a safe 50 feet behind the flight line and it is forbidden to fly behind the flight line. ESMA provides the ultimate platform for modelers to come together and exchange ideas. It gives the opportunity for beginners to interact with experienced modelers and get tips on both - building and flying model airplanes. Seasoned modelers are more than keen to impart knowledge that they have acquired over their many years in this hobby. We will organize periodic workshops during school vacations to educate young students about the principals of flight and in building and flying model aircraft. Apart from this, members who are keen to get model kits or spares, will be given a list of suppliers from all over India so they may compare prices and services of various suppliers before buying expensive equipment. ESMA will also organize events and air shows from time to time. This will give the chance for modelers from all over India to come together and display their flying and building skills. Special shows will also be organized for schools with physically challenged children.

Finances

ESMA runs on a non profit basis. All its income will be ploughed back into the maintenance and upkeep of the society and club area. Among the expenses will include the yearly lease of land, weekly maintenance including weed removal, runway flattening and watering, purchase of chairs tables and garden umbrellas etc. A file listing all income and expenditures will be maintained. This will be transparent and accessible to all members at any time. We strongly discourage members who seek financial gain through fellow members of the society. Applicants should apply for the sheer love of model aviation. There will be no monopoly of hobby equipment suppliers in this society and a list and contactdetails of ALL Indian hobby suppliers will be made available to the members

Membership charges:

1. Full Members – Rs.2000/Year (All decision making rights during meetings, use of facility at anytime)
2. Visiting Members – Rs.1000/Year (Use of facility to a maximum of 24 times a year, no decision making rights)

 

Charges for students attending workshops:

1. Rs.100/class per student.

Visitors and flyers are more than welcome to visit and try the facilities for free before deciding to apply for membership.

Conclusion

We believe that a compelling case exists to initiate the revival of this exciting sport and hope that ESMA would spearhead this effort. A body representing the needs of modelers to the authorities, educating young students in the many facets of aero-modeling, providing regulation and governance for safe flying and having an exclusive site dedicated to model aeronautics has been long overdue and its formation will form the essence of this effort. Through ESMA we hope to provide the much needed platform from which to launch the revival of the sport of aero-modeling in India. In fact, developing an intellectually stimulating hobby like aero-modeling is a wonderful legacy to leave for our children and to develop a new generation of aviation enthusiasts.