De-Fence


Written by Ron Warner, CRCC member As featured on page 9 in the October 2011 issue.

At Cobb County Radio Controlled Modelers (CCRC) in Acworth, Georgia, the flightline safety fence was a deteriorating PVC pipe structure. Eighteen-year-old Joshua Jibilian, a club member for roughly nine years, suggested to club president Karl Durant that the safety fence be replaced.

As a member of Boy Scout Troop 306, Joshua intended to replace the fence to fulfill an Eagle Scout public service project requirement. He volunteered to coordinate “De-Fence” activity and Karl approved.

Before construction could start, De-Fence needed to be approved by Cobb County officials. Joshua assisted with the necessary paperwork to show the project location, materials to be used, and a specific fence design.

After county approval, planning for actual building of De-Fence started. Work would be a joint endeavor involving members of Scout Troop 306 working with volunteers from CCRC flying club. Two Saturdays were set aside for work, and flying on those days prohibited. Arrangements were made for a post-hole digger and a heavy-duty, cut-off saw. Week one, plant the posts; week two, add the cap rail and webbing. Materials were provided by CCRC and placed onsite.


Scout Troop 306 members planting 4x4 fence posts

Let the work begin! The work group was impressive. Eager Scouts of a younger age alongside club members who were noticeably older. No nametags were necessary to tell the difference. Everyone worked together. Week one’s weather was excellent; week two was not so excellent. Rain did not dampen spirits; De-Fence was completed.

Following completion, CCRC attached a brass plate acknowledging Scout Troop 306 assistance with the De-Fence. An evening was set aside for members of the Scout Troop to fly an RC trainer.

Instructors and aircraft were assigned, and a short class on RC model flying presented. Joshua was one of the instructors. Each Scout and a couple adult leaders experienced the thrill of flying RC aircraft and everyone had a good time.

This story illustrates two activities which can have a profound impact on boys as they grow into manhood. One is participation as a Boy Scout, and the second is flying RC model aircraft. Each activity provides myriad beneficial experiences.

Joshua is now an Eagle Scout, has graduated with honors from high school, and plans to starting a college engineering curriculum in the fall. Commitment to both activities over a period of several years has paid off.

In addition, De-Fence looks great and was in place for the largest event which has taken place at CCRC airfield: the 2011 SAE East Heavy Lift Contest. Roughly 70 college engineering teams arrived, each with a scratch-built RC aircraft. These models were team designed and built to lift as much weight as possible.

During the contest three general observations could be made. First, heavy RC aircraft need a substantial safety fence. Second, if at all possible, avoid hitting a fence post. Third, the best offense is a good De-Fence.
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