Guelph Gremlins Model Flying Club flies high for love of aviation

The sky's the limit for the Guelph Gremlins Model Flying Cub who's hand built flying creations cover the spectrum of aviation, from the pioneer days of flying, to the helicopter and jet age of today.

"In terms of the models, it is getting more and more varied," said club secretary, Glenn Fox.

"I myself fly what can be described as old school, internal combustion engines, that run on a mix of methanol and oil. But more recently, people have reintroduced gasoline powered engines."

Electric model airplanes have also become popular running on lithium batteries. Some are propeller driven and some are much like miniature jets.

"They have a fan inside that turns at a very high rate and sucks in air at the front and pushes it out at the back, functioning like a jet," Fox said.

Models vary in scale and realism, from basic trainers to exact scale replicas of actual aircraft. Some are technically quite simple, others are very sophisticated. Planes can be scratch-built, kit-built, and wingspans can range from three to 12 feet.

Fox said there are club members who fly jet turbine engines that actually work like commercial airline planes.

"There's so much variety now. Every time someone brings a plane out, it's a little different. Some fly helicopters, some are electric, or some are glow engines," Fox said.

Founded in 1946, the Guelph Gremlins Model Flying Cub began with a few local model buffs and continued to nurture through the years. Today, averaging about 45 members each year, club members range in age from mid-teens to octogenarians.

"We have a reduced rate for youth members. Then there's some seniors like me.  We've had a number of our junior members go on and get their commercial pilot licence and currently work in the aviation industry. And that's very exciting to see," Fox said.

From a very early age, Fox was interested in aviation.

"I think I would have become a commercial pilot but I had glasses when I was 12. At the time, if you did not have corrected vision, you could not be a commercial pilot.So, that dream was crushed. But I had some uncles who build Balsa model planes, so I built some of those when I was younger," Fox said.

"And then when I was living in London, I decided that I wanted to get into radio control so I got in touch with a club there. I joined and that's when I started to fly. I also flew in Minnesota when I was in graduate school."

A typical Guelph Gremlins member attends meetings, studies articles, ask questions and learns from other members.  

They can start off with the purchase of a simple kit, build it with the guidance of an experienced member, and take flying lessons from one of of the club instructors.  A minimum safe standard of flying proficiency is required to solo, and earn your 'wings.'

 I joined three years ago. Growing up, my dad flew. There's pictures of me when I was four or five running around and flying planes," said club president, Josh Berry.

"But recently, I thought I'm going to take up something I grew up with. There's nothing better than coming back to something you are used to and remember. Nothing has changed and everyone is family here."

Berry believes there are great opportunities to learn.

"And it's a very hands-on hobby that is very respectful and overall, it's alot of fun," he said.

The Guelph Gremlins Model Flying Club flying field is located at 8623 Hwy 24, by the town of Everton.

Model aircraft flying is governed by various safety regulations and all pilots are required to have specialized liability insurance to cover damage to property, through MAAC, the Model Aeronautics Association of Canada.

"People who want to join have to be a member of M.A.A.C. that provides us with insurance. We have to also register our airplanes so their numbers are on file with Transport Canada. So, there are a couple of hoops that we need to get through now," Fox said.

Drone flying is also available at the club.

Meetings are held the over the cooler months from September to May at 7:30 p.m. at Kortright Hills Public School in Guelph.

"We have club meetings during the off-season.  This is generally, about six times a year," Fox said.

"And we typically have one or two events at the field in the summer. One is called a Fun Fly. We cook up some burgers and invite family, friends and neighbours. That was in June and there's also a corn roast too."

Berry said the model flying club is always eager to welcome new members. 

"There's  so many different kinds of planes, from advanced to old school," he said.

"And there's just so much to learn. We all support each other. Everyone helps everyone."