Crawley, West Sussex, isn’t renowned for its RC model shops or flying fields. However, pilots of radio control helicopters would have had a treat, had they been at ASDA recently.
Because in the car park was a veteran RAF helicopter, “Zulu.” Now being restored by an enthusiastic gang of volunteers, she last saw service in the Falklands, flying wounded personnel for the Medical Corps.
The people restoring her have more than a passing interest in radio control helicopters. Apparently, the old bird has got quite a packed schedule this summer, making guest appearances at various heli club meets and air shows across the country.
She may well meet a few old friends. RC Helicopters attract Air Force personnel the way model boats attract retired sea captains. In fact, you could say that the RAF has an entire squadron of radio control helicopters, all to themselves…
The RAF Model Aircraft Association was founded in 1949, when the RAF recognised model aircraft flying as an official RAF sport. RAF personnel had been closely involved with the BMFA (then called the Society of Model Aeronautical Engineers) since their early days, so it wasn’t before time.
Undoubtedly, modern electric helicopters owe their existence to those early pioneers in the SMAE and the RAF. Next time you fly, it’s worth remembering that names like Frank Whittle and Thomas Sopwith were instrumental in establishing the concepts from which rotational flight model aircraft (that’s RC Helicopters, to you and me) developed.
The website is well worth a look – it’s totally unlike the usual model club site. Your chest puffs out with pride just looking at the handsome RAF logo, let alone reading the history pages. And there are some fascinating snap shots of vintage model aircraft from yesteryear to browse through, as well.
Although RC Helicopters aren’t depicted in the photographs (mainly because the photos predate their existence) this doesn’t mean they aren’t flown. In fact, the club has an active radio control helicopters section, and “loans” its experts to various civilian events. All RC helicopters are welcome - the only stipulation is that you are either current or former RAF personnel.
RAF MAA shows are open to the public. However, if you think your prowess with electric helicopters will sneak you in by the back door – think again. A Wing Commander holds the post of Chairman, with various other air ranks presiding over the committee. Squadron Leader Rogers is the current enrolment secretary, so it’s unlikely your weekly stint with the Air Cadets will be enough to earn you membership, no matter how shiny your BMFA badge is.