For Tony Jenson, his model aircraft is his pride and joy. Despite all of life’s stresses, when he’s out in an open field getting his plane ready for flight, all is well in the world.

“I’ve been flying since 1964," said Tony Jenson, the Binghamton Aeros president.

Tony runs the Aeros, and as he watches his aircraft take flight, he reflects what brought him, and so many other people, to the hobby.

“It gives you the chance to enjoy aviation without having to go through the expense and time of a full-scale pilot’s license. It also allows you to fly all types of different aircraft that you might not normally be able to fly even as a full scale pilot,” said Jenson.

The model aircraft hobby was one of the few that could be done safely throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. And while the Aeros are far from a new group, it's seen its attendance grow over the years.

While annual events were canceled last year, the group of friends is finally gathering once again, with some new faces joining as well.

“A lot of people start in the hobby as a youngster, as a kid, and enjoy flying, and then they get married, have careers, that sort of thing, so people get out of it for a while, while other priorities take place and then when you get into the retirement years, you have a little more discretionary income so to speak,” said Jenson.

Bill Green used the pandemic to get his plane built and ready for flight. Each wire was carefully put in place, with a little help from his friends. And while it didn’t take off this time, Bill says it’s all about the camaraderie.

“That’s half the sport. I don’t even care if I come up and fly. I’m better if I don’t fly. It’s not as expensive,” Green said.

You can watch, and even fly, some of these airplanes at the “Festival of Giants” August 13-15 at the Chenango Bridge Airport.