Spectators gathered at the PG Aeromodelers’ airfield over the weekend

Prince George, BC – The skies were abuzz with radio-controlled aircraft, as participants from around the region took part in the Prince George Aeromodelers’ annual Fun Fly this past weekend at the club’s designated airfield off the Blackwater Road.

Photo at right shows club member, Dirk Finger, grabbing his H-King Edge 540T electric airplane after a flight filled with aerobatics and a smooth landing.

Finger was a club member when he was younger and has returned to what becomes a passion for many – flying, albeit on a smaller scale than what immediately comes to mind.

The local aeromodeler says he’s strictly an electric flyer.  The Edge 540T is what’s called an ARF – almost-ready-to-fly, meaning it was already assembled, but Finger had to install the components.  To see a video clip featuring Finger’s fine flying skills and the inverted antics of a helicopter operated by Cody Donahue, click here.

PGAM President, Stan Peterson, says the Fun Fly is just that – fun.  He says it’s an opportunity for club members and, this year, hobbyists from Houston, Kitimat, and Mackenzie to share information and ideas.

At left, Tom Hollis (far left) discusses the specs of his Eratix 3D plane after his first flight of the day with Neil Neudorf (centre) and Joe Neudorf (right).

"It’s a very good group of friends, and a good fellowship," says the club president. 

Peterson says while many have been flying radio-controlled planes and helicopters for decades, the club is always opening to newcomers.

"I actually try to teach people how to fly here at the airfield with a buddy box and a cord between two radios to try and help those who haven’t flown before because you don’t want them to buy an airplane and have it end up in a garbage bag in 30-seconds."

Peterson says the club even has a trainer plane for those starting out. 

For more information about the club, go to www.pgam.ca