The following report was provided by Bend Aero Modelers Club President Waldemar Frank.
On Thursday, October 8, the Bend Aero Modelers welcomed eight students, accompanying parents, and teachers Shauna and Tony from Baker Web Academy to Popp's Field for an immersive, hands-on introduction to aeronautics and RC model aviation.
The morning opened with a ground school presentation led by Chris Rankin and Waldemar Frank covering the fundamental principles of flight—lift, drag, thrust, and gravity—along with an orientation on RC flight systems and safety protocols. To give students a firsthand view of diverse disciplines within the hobby, club members arranged a static aircraft display, James Fredericks performed a precision 3D flight demonstration, and Chris Rankin showcased a ground turbine start-up and operation sequence using his Boomerang Elan jet.
Interactive Activity Stations
Students rotated through three structured stations in groups of 2-3 students, ensuring focused guidance and active stick time:
1. RC Flight Simulators: Directed by Tom Rainwater and James Fredericks, students took the controls on virtual flight simulators, learning dual-stick transmitter inputs, spatial orientation, and circuit flight maneuvers before flying actual models.
2. Hands-On Flight Training: Operating two HobbyZone AeroScout trainers connected via buddy-box systems, flight instructors Joe Newman and Steve Haas provided one-on-one stick time. Each student piloted an aircraft through guided patterns over Popp's Field, and several attending parents stepped up to take the controls as well.
3. Free Flight Assembly & Dynamics: Led by Dennis McMahon, students constructed rubber-powered airplanes, testing center-of-gravity balancing, trimming control surfaces, and conducting Free Flight test glides to see direct aerodynamic feedback in action.
Connecting Model Aviation to Career Horizons
To close out the day, Chris Rankin—District AVP, longtime club member, and commercial airline pilot—shared his personal journey from building model airplanes as a child to flying commercial jetliners professionally. His talk illustrated the clear bridge between hands-on aeromodeling skills and future career pathways in commercial aviation, aerospace engineering, and flight operations, leaving students and parents with a powerful perspective on where the hobby can lead.
To cap off the day, students took home not only the airplanes they built during the Free Flight session, but also brand-new model aircraft from the AMA Foundation Club Training Day Starter Kit, awarded through an end-of-day raffle giveaway.
Baker Web Academy teacher Shauna shared her appreciation following the event: "It was such a pleasure! Our students and parents had a wonderful time, and we truly appreciate you and your members hosting us. The activities and learning were amazing. It was a great day!"
Building on this success, Bend Aero Modelers and Baker Web Academy leadership agreed to establish recurring outreach sessions and explore future STEM field opportunities at Popp's Field.
