But most new model pilots cannot experience all that is waiting for them once they enter the widespread and fascinating world of model aviation. If they are AMA members, new pilots get a glimpse of the wonders awaiting them, but it is just a glimpse. They can just “see” a few of the possibilities. Just about all most new pilots see is their club field, familiar aircraft and the same old flying experiences.

In the beginning, the challenge of flight is more than enough to keep us interested in model flying. But once we have conquered the sky, or at least have reached an uneasy truce with the forces of gravity, wind and “dumb thumbs”, much of the challenge is gone. It is at this point that many newer pilots are lost to model aviation.

They lose interest in repeating maneuvers without a purpose. Some feel that they have achieved “all there is”. Others let their flying skills remain at a certain level, fly a few different airplanes with about the same performance and then “move on” to another hobby.

“On The Horizon” will try to show new pilots just how much there still is to do and learn in this sport. There are more than several thousand AMA sanctioned model aviation events in the U.S. They are all there, waiting for you to join as your skills increase. Right there, just on your horizon line. So level those wings, put the nose on the horizon, give it some more throttle and get here as fast as you can. We are all waiting for you.