Air Zoo adds first radio control plane
October 22, 2012, 04:01 pm
Air Zoo in Kalamazoo, Michigan, recently announced that guests visiting their museum will now be able to learn about the Guff, the world’s first successful radio control aircraft.
The Guff was the first R/C aircraft created by Walter and William Good, who both were Kalamazoo natives and went to Kalamazoo College. The model won first place in the 1939, 1940, and 1947 R/C Airplane Nationals.
“The Air Zoo is honored to feature a display that pays tribute to the Good brothers and their contributions to aviation,” Ellis said.
The Guff display features a replica model, a radio transmitter, biographies about the Good brothers and a video of their flights.
Air Zoo announced earlier this month that it added a new plane, a replica of a 1928 Curtiss Robin, to its fleet of aircraft for museum-goers to enjoy. The high-wing monoplane was one of the first aircraft to feature an enclosed cabin and was used primarily as a mail plane, passenger carrier and air ambulance in the late 1920s and early 1930s.
Bob Ellis, Air Zoo president and CEO, said the plane is a great addition to Air Zoo's collection, in part because the plane is from the era of early aviation. The Robin is on loan from Leon Andrews, of Memphis, Tennessee, after originally being used by the air service in Sacramento.
More recently, the National Association of Flight Instructors moved its headquarters into the Air Zoo. The company hopes the new location of a world-class aviation facility will increase events, services and seminars to the aviation community.
Jason Blair, NAFI executive director, said that they will take full advantage of the opportunity they've been given. FBO services on the field, direct ramp access for visitors and large spaces within the facility provide more room for seminars, events and further offers provided by NAFI.
“Over the past few years, the Air Zoo has undergone significant expansion, growth and revitalization,” said Ellis. “We see partnerships with aviation organizations such as NAFI as ways our organization can promote aviation to visitors from around the country and continue our growth of participation in the overall aviation community.”
Those interested in general aviation's history should visit the Air Zoo. This recent announcement should serve as a reminder for pilot's to look into pilot life insurance.
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