What is it about model aircraft?

The June 2010 edition of Professional Pilot particularly got my attention as I counted ten photos of people with model aircraft.

I always look forward to receiving my issue of Professional Pilot Magazine.   I enjoy reading about the operations of the flight department of the month and the various features such as Squawk Ident where a question is poised and pilots and respond.

The June 2010 edition particularly got my attention as I counted ten, yes, ten photos of people with model aircraft.  These included scenes from EBACE 2010 featuring an Aerion SSBJ, Global XRS, Legacy 650, Airbus ACJ.

Another set of photos showed winners of a customer response drawing receiving model aircraft supplied by OEMs.

I then thought of the show dailies such as those published by AIN and Flight Global.   They seemingly always feature a number of photos of happy people holding models above their heads or signing a contract with a model strategically placed in the foreground.

What is it about a model of a sleek aircraft that enhances an event or draws attention?  Evidently a photograph with people and a model is more appealing than just people alone shaking hands or smiling into the camera.

Is it that the model captures the beauty and promise of the actual aircraft?    Is it that model represents the connection and relationship between the individuals in the photo and hence the individuals in the organizations they represent?

Or is it that model aircraft are just cool and having one that belongs to you is a reminder of why we are all in this business and why we are fascinated with aviation?

Whatever the reasons behind the drawing power of model aircraft and the potential for them to build or solidify a relationship or capture the media’s attention, we want our customers to have put forward their very best.

Our most savvy customers know that their brand and reputation is embodied in each model they display or gift.   They understand that an aircraft model really “is” what they are all about.  Consequently they take the decision to choose that which is congruent and consistent with their brand message.

These customers understand the total value of what a “super model” brings to the party.

Is it about just looking good?  There is much more to it than that.  There has to be real substance (skill, ability, professionalism, dedication)  behind appearances.

Yet looking good also brings out the best in all of us, as the famous musician and band leader Benny Goodman said:

“To this day, I don’t like people walking on stage not looking good. You have to look good. If you feel special about yourself then you’re going to play special.”