Every Wednesday, a group of remote-control airplane enthusiasts, known as the Tampa Indoor Flyers, gathers at the All People’s Park gymnasium to engage in their shared hobby.
This club, founded in 2009, attracts members of varying ages and skill levels who seek respite from the outdoor elements. “We’re just a bunch of old people that got tired of being beaten up by the sun and the wind and the heat, and we found a place with a controlled environment,” remarked Donnie Hardaway, shedding light on the group’s migration indoors.
For these hobbyists, remote-controlled flying is more than just playing with toys; it’s a challenging endeavor. Ed Brown, a veteran in model aviation with 68 years of experience, expressed the ongoing learning experience: “Every time you come out, you can do something different. You can learn to do something else with a plane.” This sentiment underscores the continuous self-improvement the club encourages.
The club is open to new members, whether they are skilled pilots or novices. Co-founder Joe Piccolo highlights the enjoyable aspect of testing one’s limits within a safe indoor space. However, members warn that crashing is an inevitable part of the learning process. As Brown puts it, “You pick up the pieces, you glue them back together, and you go again.” This resilience is a key aspect of their ethos.
The camaraderie among the members is a crucial component that keeps them returning each week. Hardaway describes the sense of achievement when commanding these delicate machines: “It’s just a feeling of accomplishment and a challenge to make these little pieces of foam do what you want to do.” The indoor setting provides a comfortable and collaborative environment where members can learn from one another.
Brown passionately compares their weekly meetups to a “field of dreams,” emphasizing the comfort and satisfaction they derive from flying in a controlled indoor space. This consistent gathering in a shared space strengthens their community bonds.
The Tampa Indoor Flyers club continues to thrive due to its welcoming atmosphere and the mutual support among its members. The indoor setting at All People’s Park gymnasium offers an ideal environment to practice and enjoy remote-controlled flying, making it a cherished routine for its dedicated enthusiasts.
Source: Fox13news
