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 It’s not unusual to see a group of people flying model airplanes in an open field. However, it is unusual to find a club that flies model airplanes indoors, as is done at one of the Pringle communities, Highland Lakes.
The Micro Flyers Club was formed about one year ago. Under the guidance of Len Panizza, President of the club, they have grown to a membership of approximately 20 members. They meet regularly at the community’s large recreation center with their hand-built model airplanes, maneuvering them over the indoor track and tennis court arena, sharpening their light plane flying skills. Electronic controls are used to guide the planes from takeoff to landing.
 Glenn Asher, Secretary of the club, has a model plane that he built, using balsa wood cut into minute strips to make the frame. Stretchable food wrap is glued to the wood frame and tightened by exposing it to the sun. A tiny motor is added, as well as the electronics that allows contact with the hand-held control board. Glenn described the many hours needed to cut the Balsa wood and, when the plane is completed, its total weight is less than 1 ounce! He estimated that the small model that he flies took about 30-40 hours to complete.
Some model planes have to be flown outdoors. After the smaller planes are flown indoors, the group travels to nearby Pear Park, where they are able to fly the larger models. Many of these models are made of either Styrofoam, or Depron, which is a material used in Europe for housing insulation. Kits to build these models are available at hobby stores for about $100, and hobbyists can purchase all types of parts for these planes.
This club is one of the many activities that residents enjoy at Pringle communities. It was formed by a resident who brought his interest to the community and was instrumental in forming a club to develop that interest with fellow residents. This is how the list of activities continues to grow as Pringle communities are established.
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