"McDonaldization" in Model Aviation?

Dear Reader

As we all know, these days I can walk into any specialty store—sorry, into any toy store—and buy a helicopter that actually flies all on its own (by the way, it’s now common knowledge in the scene that I consistently use the word “helicopter” because all normal people around the globe know what that means). Months of practice on the computer and in the field, starting with careful hovering, are a thing of the past for the average consumer. Of course, there are helicopters that can do more and cost more. Especially when individual experts want to try their hand at 3D flying or fixed figures—or even compete in contests—let them suffer! Instead of a regular bike, we could also buy a unicycle... The mass movement of helicopter flying began a few years ago with Hirobo’s coaxial helicopter. Today,

most of these devices come from China. They’re almost all the same—only the “yogurt cup” casing changes from time to time. Soon they’ll be replaced by completely ordinary-looking single-rotor helicopters that are electronically stabilized to the point where they stay airborne just as easily as the coaxial ones. Added to this are the 2.4-GHz RC systems, which can also be handed to any novice without the hassle of instruction sheets explaining what to watch out for when turning them on. Now anyone can fly helicopters whenever and wherever they want—and at bargain prices, too. As consumers, we’re accepting that helicopters all over the world will look the same—just like the hamburgers at fast-food chains and the dark brown “sip” that goes with them. Standardized model flying—but cheap? Incidentally, this trend isn’t limited to the helicopter scene, but is also taking place in

other branches of our hobby. The question remains: How do we, in our groups and associations, deal with developments where the aircraft and its controls are cheaper than our annual dues? Alongside us established model aviators, a consumer group of model aviators will grow. Perhaps we’ll manage to win over a few individuals here and there to model flying. Good luck.

I wish you, dear readers, a wonderful holiday season and all the best for the New Year.

Best regards

Your Editor, Emil Ch. Giezendanner