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| Mike Hensel, employee of London Public Library, will present a program on remote control airplanes at 6:30 p.m. April 23 at the library. He is holding a plane he built over the winter season. |
As a young boy, Mike Hensel started his fascination with flying by visiting the local library to get books about airplanes.
“I remember tracing the airplanes on a blank sheet of paper so I could have a picture of them when it was time to return the books,” he said.
Thirty years later, he finds himself building and flying airplanes instead of drawing them.
“I’ve always dreamed of getting into remote control flying, so a few years ago I decided to give it a try,” he said.
Hensel’s love and experience for the hobby has inspired him to present a program to the public about it at none other than his place of employment, the London Public Library. The event is set for 6:30 p.m. April 23.
“It makes sense to do this program at the library since my interest in airplanes began there,” he said.
The program will cover several topics, including an introduction to airplanes for beginners and costs involved with the hobby. Most hobbyists can start flying an electric model for $60 to $100. At the end of the presentation, one attendee will walk away with a complete electric air-plane, which is being given away as a door prize.
Other program topics will include flying locations, safety tips and the importance of having a membership to the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA). Hensel says the first lesson you learn about remote control flying is that the airplane is not a toy because of the power involved, especially when it comes to nitro- or gas-powered models. An AMA membership is essential be-cause it basically insures each flyer from accidents that may occur while flying.
On a side note, Hensel said he hopes to get community input on starting a local remote control club.
“We desperately need an area to fly around here because almost everyone ends up going to Franklin, Union and Clark county,” he said.
Occasionally, one may see Hensel and some of his friends flying out at Merri-Mac Park, but most everyone agrees there needs to be a permanent solution to a local flying site.
“You need a place where seasoned flyers and beginners can come together and interact in the hobby, so everyone has fun while being safe,” Hensel explained. Even though a permanent site needs to be determined, he is still optimistic about having a local club someday soon.
For now, Hensel is excited about bringing the program to the library.
“RC airplanes can be a great individual or family experience, and I’m happy to pass the excitement and knowledge along,” he said.
There will several library books to checkout and plenty of information and handouts available at the program.
The London Public Library is located at 20 E. First St. and online at www.london.lib.oh.us.
