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Old airport runway sees action again |
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Monday, 16 June 2008 |
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The runway of the old Saline County Airport in Benton received action Saturday as small planes took off and landed all day.  Bob Richardson, right, of Benton tests a plane prior to takeoff at the Central Arkansas Model Aviators Association air show Saturday. Richardson is president of the association, which held the free show at the old Saline County Airport in Benton. Around 25 pilots participated. Helping Richardson is Josh Lakey of Benton.
People can't fit in these planes, but those flying them sure seemed to be having a good time. And it's a good thing no one was inside the one that crashed.
Around 25 "pilots" lined up to fly their radio-controlled model airplanes in participation with the Central Arkansas Model Aviators Association air show.
Admission was free and the heat didn't keep spectators away. They lined up along the runway to watch the planes take off in the distance and twirl and flip high in the air.
With Bob Richardson of Benton as its president, the Central Arkansas Model Aviators Association is chartered by the Academy of Model Aeronautics. AMA is the world's largest sport aviation organization. About 150,000 belong to the group, according to its Web site, www.modelaircraft.org.
Local AMA Director Ron Stanfield of Maumelle said what starts out as a hobby becomes an important social aspect for model airplane enthusiasts.
"It's a hobby when we're all building model airplanes at home and then the flying becomes a social activity and being with these guys at events like this," he said Saturday under one of many tents set up to provide much-needed shade.
Stanfield noted that airplanes were a "big deal" for older people like him when they were children. Now, their fascination with the soaring aircraft can be tangible.
Stanfield said 30 such clubs exist in Arkansas. This time of year is busy for clubs showcasing their aircraft, he said, noting a big event is planned about every week.
More information about the local club is available online at www.camaa.org.
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