The following write-up was provided by Tri-City Radio Control Modelers Secretary Camille Page.
On behalf of Tri-City Radio Control Modelers (TCRCM), thank you for providing the Club Training Day Starter Kits to help promote model airplane building and encourage youth involvement in aviation. We appreciate AMA's investment in programs that give young people opportunities to experience the excitement of building and flying their own aircraft.
Your support has provided more opportunities than we could realistically schedule in a single day. In fact, we've found ways to extend these experiences into multiple activities, reaching young people both in the STEAM classroom and through home schooling hands-on building projects.
Kiona-Benton Elementary School - October 15, 2026
TCRCM Secretary Camille Page and Introductory Pilot Program (IPP) instructor Scott Page visited Kiona-Benton Elementary School to share the excitement of aviation with a group of enthusiastic third graders.
The visit began with a look at the parts of the Mamba biplane, introducing students to airplane terminology and the control surfaces that help pilots guide their aircraft. Next, the students rolled up their sleeves and assembled their own FPG-9 Foam Plate Gliders, discovering how a few simple materials can become a flying machine. One of the day's highlights was adding "scarce" pennies as weights to help balance their gliders!
The activity brought science, technology, engineering, art, and math to life. Students explored the science of flight and used creativity and problem-solving skills to build their gliders. Teamwork was in full flight as classmates helped one another with assembly and celebrated their progress.
Then, under beautiful sunny skies, it was time to head outdoors! The students launched their gliders and experimented with how the rudder and elevons influence an airplane's direction and turning ability. There was plenty of excitement as they watched their creations fly and discovered how small changes can affect flight.
The visit also opened the door to conversations about aviation careers and the many opportunities available in the world of flight—from pilots and aircraft designers to aerospace engineers, mechanics, and air traffic controllers. Who knows what future career ideas took off that day?
And here's a little secret for anyone who wants to feel like a rock star: carry a model airplane through an elementary school hallway! The wide-eyed looks, excited questions, and enthusiastic smiles make you an instant celebrity. It's a wonderful reminder of how much joy and inspiration a model airplane can bring to young people.
The interest hasn't stopped there! Four additional classrooms have expressed interest in doing the same activity.
Balsa Cadet Building Project
Two locally home-schooled students, a brother and sister, expressed interest in building the Balsa Cadet kits. With the assistance of an IPP instructor, I prepared building surfaces in advance and assembled the necessary tools so we could make the most of our time together. Their little sister also wanted to participate, so she had the opportunity to fly a Balsa chuck glider while her older siblings worked on their Cadets. It was a great way to include the whole family!
Although the kits suggest an assembly time of approximately four hours, we quickly learned that using the white glue supplied in the kits requires considerably more time to allow for proper drying in between steps. Rather than rush the process, we worked through the instructions carefully, one step at a time.
Over four days, we spent approximately nine hours on the project. The time investment was well worth it! On the first day, one young builder remarked that it was "just like engineering." That comment alone made the experience worthwhile.
Both builders were engaged in the process and proud of their finished airplanes. They had the opportunity to take their creations outside and experience the excitement of flying.
Perhaps the best outcome is that they now have their sights set on more advanced builds! What began as an introduction to building has sparked an interest in learning new skills and taking on bigger challenges.
Looking Ahead
These experiences demonstrate just how valuable AMA's support can be. A Club Training Day Starter Kit can become a classroom STEAM lesson, a family building project, an introduction to aviation careers, or the beginning of a lifelong hobby.
TCRCM is proud to help introduce the next generation to the excitement of aviation, the value of hands-on learning, and the joy of flight. Perhaps among these enthusiastic students are a few future RC pilots, engineers, and aircraft designers!
Thank you for helping us make these opportunities possible. We look forward to finding even more ways to share the world of model aviation with young people.
