If Lee Dufort and Wayne Reineke have their way, the skies just north of the Humboldt Airport will soon be full of lots of little planes.
Dufort and Reineke are members of the Humboldt Remote Control Model Association and appeared in front the city's Community and Leisure Services Committee on April 22 in hopes of securing a location where members of their group can safely fly their model airplanes and helicopters. Darrell Lessmeister, Humboldt's director of community and leisure services suggested an area just north of the Humboldt Airport.
"We are looking at leasing that land as a sort of feather in the cap for us," Reineke said.
Dufort added that the group is waiting for official confirmation from the city to use the land, but both he and Reineke said conversations on that point have been positive.
"We are certainly considering it, we just need a little more information," said Jennifer Brooks, the city's communications director. "We are very interested in working with them."
The Model Aeronautics Association of Canada has approved the proposed site for insurance purposes. The new location would give the Remote Control Model Association, founded just this year, a permanent home. Right now the group flies their planes and drives their cars at Glenn Hall Park or just north of the hospital, but that's not quite good enough. "We're always looking for a place that's safe and insurable, a place where the public can watch and get interested in the hobby," Reineke said.
According to Reineke, it's a hobby that is safer and less expensive than it's ever been. Most of the group's planes are small - maybe three feet long - are made of foam and come ready to fly.
"As far as safety goes, they're readily available for anyone nine years and up," Reineke said.
The group had its first meeting about three weeks ago and drew close to 20 people. There is a Facebook page that anyone interested in can easily check out, and there's always room for those willing to try something new.
"It's a great hobby," Reineke said. "If you see us flying come by and we'll show you how it's done. You can be the co-pilot."
Anyone interested in getting involved is encouraged to visit the Humboldt Remote Control Model Association's Facebook page for more information.
