Model planes a fun hobby for “kids” of all ages
By: ROBYN GAUTSCHY | 12/09/11 3:00 AM
Model airplanes aren’t just for kids. In the Southeast Missouri Modelers Association, small-scale pilots of all ages gather to fly planes big and small, and to teach the trade to others.
“I joke about it, but it’s true — we have kids in there from age 8 to 80. We’re all interested in some aspect of aviation, whether it’s helicopters, small or large planes, electric or fuel-powered,” says Doug Leslie, who’s been building and flying model planes since the early 1990s. Three years ago, he retired from his post as Cape Girardeau’s city manager and opened Tailwinds RC Hobby Center on South Plaza Way, where he enjoys living his hobby and meeting other model enthusiasts. Leslie, a licensed pilot since 1972, still flies full-scale planes recreationally, but says there are perks to flying model planes.