MODEL BEHAVIOUR (From Gazette & Herald)

MODEL BEHAVIOUR

THINK of a hobby that combines skill and style with aggression and adrenaline and model airplane flying is unlikely to be the first that springs to mind.

But such ingredients are all part of the pursuit, according to Neville Eyre, of Kirkbymoorside, who has just begun the new competitive flying season. The 46-year-old's passion for the pastime first began when he picked up an Airfix kit at the age of eight. He started flying model planes at 11, before taking up the real thing at 16, when he gained his glider's licence after joining the Air Cadets.

As a young man, his interest waned, in preference for the racier attractions of cars, bikes and boats. But nostalgia persuaded him to return to his first love six years ago.

"I wanted to see if I could still do it," said Neville, who grew up in Guildford but came to Ryedale nine years ago to work for Kirkbymoorside-based company Europa Aircraft.

Clearly, he still had the knack, as last season he picked up three national titles in competitive control line aerobatics competitions.

These involve manoeuvring planes - which are powered by up to 10cc and have approximately a 60-inch wingspan - using two steel lines, between 60 and 70 feet in length, connected to a handle. Tilting the handle forward causes the plane to dive, tilting it backwards causes the plane to climb.

The pilot must perform a series of manoeuvres (including loops, outside loops, horizontal eights, vertical eights) within a tight time-frame, which are scored by a panel of judges, who take into account size, shape, height and position.

Neville, who has also built his own full-sized plane and has a pilot's licence, said the key to success was a combination of skill and preparation. Controlling the steel lines to carry out a stylish routine requires dexterity and timing. Preparation is vital, as an incorrect needle setting on the plane could lead to the plane flying too fast or too slow and cause carefully-timed manoeuvres to go out of sync.

National tournaments provide several opportunities for the competitor to get it right, with the best three scores from six flights counting. But club events are a sudden death affair, with the entrant getting one chance to impress the judges.

Neville admits: "The mouth goes dry as the plane goes down the runway ready for take-off."

The need to get things right first time means regular practice, come rain or shine, is essential. Neville, who practises on a weekly basis at the airfield at Wombleton, or at Brawby Cricket Club, said: "You can't look out of the window and think 'It's too windy, I won't bother', you have to practice whatever the weather is like as you never know what it will be like on the day of an event."

As well as aerobatics, Neville also competes in combat and team racing disciplines.

A well-honed aerobatic routine gives him the most satisfaction, whereas combat flying gives him an adrenaline rush. In combat, two models fly in the same circle, towing crepe paper streamers. The object is to cut your opponent's streamer and keep yours intact - to kill or be killed, as Neville puts it. "Combat has no finesse to it. It is more about aggression and can bring out the animal in you."

The Kirkbymoorsider is certainly no stranger to adrenaline-fuelled activities. He competed at national level at water-skiing during the 80s and early 90s, took part in rally driving in the seventies (he has plans to restore a 1973 Hillman Avenger), and also used to go powerboat racing.

Model plane flying may register somewhat lower on the 'thrillometer' than these sports, but Neville's love of his hobby is, without doubt, sky-high. He is set to take part in events across the country, including competitions at Nuneaton, Luton, Southampton, Nottingham and Manchester.

To find out more about model flying, contact the British Model Flying Association on (0116) 2440028.

Updated: 15:04 Wednesday, May 14, 2003