Almost seven decades after being gifted his first remote control aeroplane, Roger Peddle still loves the hobby.

In fact, as a flying instructor for Tauranga Model Aircraft Club, he’s eager to share the passion with new, younger members.

“Every fine day, we’re out flying,” says Roger.

“Getting out in the fresh air is great to start with but also the youngsters are getting all this technological knowledge from us older guys.

“The electronics blow me away.

"There’s a lot to learn and I find it fascinating but the young guys who come along just seem to get it intuitively.

"Nate, here, just picked up the control and knew what to do.”

Fifteen-year-old Nate Wadsworth already flies drones and drives robots.

He’s interested in the challenge of learning to fly remote control planes.

“Drones are great but take most of the work away with their stabilisation and auto-pilot tricks,” says Nate.

“I like the idea of flying planes as having more thinking involved. It takes more skill.”

The larger model planes can have a wingspan of around three metres and 250cc motors, but Roger recommends new members begin with smaller models.

“They’re great for learning to control and a trainer will stand alongside giving advice.

“You can slowly decrease the amount of auto stabilising as your flying skills improve.

"They’re also not so expensive if you crash,” says Roger.

When he started with the club, Roger admits he crashed lots of planes.

“Another member saw that happening and took me under his wing to teach me.

"These days we can bind transmitters so the trainee has control but if he gets into trouble I can quickly take over.

"The chance of you crashing your plane reduces a lot.”

Roger suggests anyone interested in joining should contact a club member.

“That way you can get some advice on the first plane to buy.

"You don’t want to get something too sophisticated.

"You’ll crash it and that’s discouraging.

“If you like it, you can work towards your pilot’s licence and compete.

"We’ve even had locals at recent world championships.”

For more information, see: https://taurangamodelfly.org Or email Roger directly at: roger@ezlife.nz