Around this time last year the Blackpool & Fylde Radio Controlled Model Society (BFRCMS) committee discussed the issue of attracting new younger members to their club and to the hobby in general. This has been a national issue identified by the BMFA, with the hobby, and in general club memberships becoming predominantly an older age profile further exacerbated with what appears to be lack of interest and uptake by young people.
Knowing that their local college, Blackpool & Fylde College, has courses in aeronautic engineering, both at further and higher qualification levels, the BFRCMS committee decided to propose a project whereby the club would support the college in a design, build and fly activity.
The BMFA Payload Challenge, which is intended to engage schools, colleges and university students, was discussed however the challenge is quite complex and they thought a simpler approach would be a better introduction.
The club contacted the college to explain their idea and to ascertain the level of interest. The college took them up on the offer and identified two groups of students best suited to undertake the project. Both Andy Moore and Dave Hindley from BFRCMS visited the college to make a presentation to the students and the member of teaching staff who would support the students. This visit went very well and following the visit the college identified a timeslot at the end of the day on Wednesday. Andy and Dave attended each week to provide support as the students, who were from National Diploma and BEng degree Aeronautical Engineering course, made progress with their ideas. This was slow going at first as the support from the college was less than initially expected however when provided with a list of build materials and equipment required the college quickly obtained all the required components.
As the year progressed some students dropped out of the project leaving the higher level students to progress. During the summer term this year the students moved over to the workshop for the weekly session, and construction commenced. At the end of the summer term only one student remained, Andrew Lamb a first year degree student (Aeronautical Engineering), Andrew worked hard and with the support from Andy and Dave eventually completed his construction.
The BFRCMS committee discussed the project development at each of their meetings. Early on in the project it was discussed that on completion of the test flight prizes would be awarded to students based on different aspects of the project outcome, along with club membership for the winning student. As this now amounted to our one remaining student the judging of performance became easy.
Due to a spell of unsuitable weather coinciding with the build completion, and then the holiday period occurring, Andrew eventually undertook a test flight with his model on the morning of the 6th September. It must be said that there were some doubts whether the flight would take place. However to our surprise and Andrew’s delight two short flights were made. It was obvious that many design aspects would be need to be improved if the build was undertaken again, but it did fly and there is video evidence!
Andrew and his father returned to the field that evening to a healthy gathering at our BBQ, to be awarded with his prize, a RTF trainer, the cost of which was funded by the BMFA North West Area, and our offer of club and BMFA membership which he accepted. We look forward to Andrew taking up training with us.
In conclusion, the BFRCMS committee agreed that they will approach the college to offer support if they wish to run the project again this year. Many lessons have been learned by all parties, and a more effective approach would be in place if the project is repeated.
However, we now have a young person very interested in flying radio controlled model aircraft and in our club. And we have a good working link with our local college which we wish to develop further.
The header photo above is of Andrew receiving the prize.