The dream of freedom of flight often
includes the dream of flight. The whole concept of being “as free as a bird” is
so strong in many of us that one wonders if, perhaps, man really was meant to
fly.
Flying airplanes and helicopters has always
been an integral part of the Bazflyer’s life and now in retirement years the legacy of flight continues with Piper Comanche, ZK-BAZ. Over the past eight
years this marvel of aerodynamics has taken us to many wonderful places,
introduced us to new friends and in every way continues to fulfill the dream of
flight.
However, for those who would rather risk
time and money, rather than life and limb, building and flying model aircraft
can also be the fulfillment of a flying fantasy. A man of many talents and with
a life-long interest in aviation, my good mate Laurie can undisputedly lay
claim to being an accomplished radio-controlled model aircraft builder and
flyer. In recent months his ‘home’ aircraft factory has amazingly produced an
almost authentic radio-controlled replica of ZK-BAZ.
Two weeks ago I was in attendance at the
Greenmount Model Aircraft Club for the successful first flight of
‘Baby” BAZ, with my good mate Laurie at the controls!
Preflight complete and ready to taxi. Just like the full sized Comanche, "Baby" BAZ has retractable undercarriage, flaps and fully functioning flight controls.
Posing with my good mate Laurie holding "Baby" BAZ
