THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: There’s something about flying that has never ceased to fascinate humans. On Thursday, the fascination was there for all to see as youngsters at the Jawahar Balbhavan tried out their new toys - miniature aeroplanes they crafted with their own hands. The aeromodelling class at the Jawahar Balbhavan will be putting their creations on display up to May 31 in connection with the valedictory ceremony of the annual summer camp. “Since childhood, I was so fascinated by helicopters and aeroplanes that I used to try and design planes on my own. Only after that did I become aware of this course. It has given me wonderful hands-on experience in aircraft modelling,” said Surya, a Class X student who aspires to be an aeronautical engineer. He said he was extremely happy to see his dream materialise under the effective guidance of his guru at the Jawahar Balbhavan, Kiran Ignatius, who is an aeronautical engineer himself and a gold medalist NCC ex-cadet. Not just Surya, 24 other students in two batches study aircraft modelling under Kiran. The making of seven different models, including chuck gliders, tow-line models, engine-powered models, radio controlled and free flight models and static models, were taught to the students, said Kiran. He called the Chuck Model the basic model and said that each student was made to model a chuck glider on his/her own. This is to facilitate better understanding of aircraft modelling. “I teach them the main parts of an aircraft. Balsa wood, which is light, is used to make the fuselage. A single piston IC engine is the best engine for this type of aircraft,” said Kiran. “Then I coach them on flying the aircraft which includes instructions regarding how to lift it off from the ground and keep it in the air. Guidance is also given on various types of controls that go into flying,” he said. Only older students are exposed to engine-run aircraft. They are made to work in groups to design a control line model, which will eventually go for real flying. The younger students are restricted to carving out chuck glider models. Kiran calls aircraft modelling a very expensive activity. “Around Rs 45,000 goes into the making of a remote-controlled glider. A model helicopter would need at least a budget of Rs 75,000,” he added. Kiran’s dream - an aero-modelling classroom with computer-controlled aircraft and other modern teaching aids.
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