ELIDA — At this weekend’s Sparks over L.A.R.K.S. event held at the club’s flying field near Elida, both hobbyists and attendees alike were treated to many different styles of airplanes and helicopters.
They also noticed a few other types that are working their way into the hobby.
According to FAA regulation, radio-control airplanes and helicopters are UAVs, or unmanned aerial vehicles. The term “drone” is just a slang term for a UAV.
In common use, however, “drone” tends to mean vehicles with more capability than just line-of-sight flight. Whether it is a weapon-equipped MQ-9 Reaper or a light Wasp III observer UAV.
To those uninitiated into the hobby, a drone is a device commonly used by the military. What is defined as a drone in the hobby is not quite the same thing.
“Drones are easier to fly,” said Lima Area Radio Kontrol Society President Andrew Augustine. “They have gyro systems and a stability unit. The drones can also auto-compensate, so you can’t over-correct.”
Augustine explained the big difference is that drones can hover around and stay closer. While RC planes need a larger area for general flying, drones can be used indoors.
“They can be programmed to go from point A to point B,” Augustine said.
The drones also often carry screens built into the transmitter for a first person view and are capable of aerial photography. It is a segment of the hobby that appears here to stay.
Augustine said the next big thing will be racing the drones.
“A lot of guys are starting to buy and race the drones,” Augustine said. “People like to compete. There are a lot of races at some of the clubs. We haven’t had one yet, but I am sure we will as it gains popularity.”
Anyone interested in the L.A.R.K.S. organization can contact Augustine at 785-493-6031.
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