This is wonderful. Those of us who've ever flown or even watched r/c aircraft fly know they can do things that bigger planes simply cannot including extraordinarily tight spins, loops & turns, and takeoffs / landings in as little as 50 feet. If you know a kid who wants to feel 15 or 20 Gs for himself - all under the control of an expert pilot who doesn't have the distractions that come with actually being aboard, this is the place to send him!
I can't wait for the model rocket people to catch wind of this. Affordable space travel for kids will be here before we know it!
By Casper Planet
December 28, 2024
New Miniature Airport to Let Kids Fly in Remote-Control Planes
CASPER, WY—Dreams of flying are about to get a whole lot closer to reality for Wyoming kids. A groundbreaking new attraction, Lil’ Flyers Airport, is set to open next month, offering children the chance to actually sit in miniature airplanes and take to the skies.
The twist? The planes are piloted remotely by professional operators, controlling them via the internet from a state-of-the-art command center.
Located just outside Casper, the miniature airport features a 1/10th scale runway, hangars, and even a control tower staffed with instructors who monitor every flight. Each airplane is equipped with a cockpit for a single child, who gets to experience the thrill of flying from takeoff to landing—all while safely guided by a remote pilot.
“This is the first facility of its kind,” said project founder and aviation enthusiast Ted Marshall. “We’ve combined the excitement of drone technology with real-life piloting to create a safe, unforgettable experience for kids.”
Planes are built with safety in mind, featuring cushioned interiors, four-point harnesses, and a built-in autopilot that can return the plane to the ground in case of an emergency. Children will also wear helmets with built-in communication systems, allowing them to talk to their remote pilots during the flight.
Parents are already buzzing with excitement. “I can’t believe this is real,” said local mom Heather Cole. “My daughter has always wanted to fly, and now she’ll actually get to do it—in a plane just her size!”
The airport will host daily flights, with different difficulty levels ranging from simple loops around the airfield to aerial obstacle courses. A Virtual Wingman Program will even allow kids to pair up with friends in separate planes for team flying.
The grand opening on January 20 will include free test flights, live demonstrations, and a raffle for lifetime flight passes. With Lil’ Flyers Airport, children won’t just play with planes—they’ll fly them, living out their dreams of being pint-sized pilots.
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