Accomplishments of aircraft large and small were celebrated the Centennial of Naval Aviation July 29 at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.

Whidbey Island Radio Control Society, a featured attraction at CoNA, proved beyond a doubt that aircraft need not be full-size to be impressive.

Visitors seemed to be observing WIRCS’s demonstrations with great interest, said WIRCS president Chuck Bower.

“This is the aviation community out here today — you could say this is our kind of crowd,” said Bower.

WIRCS members share a passion for operating radio-controlled aircraft models — yet they are far more than just operators. Learning to expertly pilot and control the model aircraft is one of the skills they seek to cultivate. They also take great pride in creating prototype aircraft that match their full-sized namesakes with great fidelity.

Recently, WIRCS presented NAS Whidbey’s commanding officer, Capt. Jay Johnston, with one such model — a specially-made F-15 aircraft for him to display in his office.

WIRCS maintains an active monthly meeting schedule, as well as an agenda of planned events. One of those events, “Jets Over Whidbey,” is coming up soon, said Bower.

“We’re glad to be out here today so that we can publicize our next event, on August 26 to 28,” said Bower. “So far, we’ve seen some good interest shown by Navy families and the public alike.

“But the main reason we’re here today is to say ‘thank-you’ to the Navy for all they do for us,” he said.