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In October 2006 we visited Blue Lake for kite aerial photography and to test a model airplane for the same purpose. The airplane was built and flown by Brian Graves using inexpensive components. The airplane has a body and wings of styrofoam, which makes it quite light, resilient, and easy to repair. It's powered by a small electric motor and operated with conventional radio controls. A small digital camera was mounted in the cockpit to take oblique views toward the side.
| Closeup view of model airplane with camera mounted for oblique views. |
| Brian Graves prepares to launch the model airplane by hand. |
| Model airplane in flight above the Blue Lake vicinity. |
The day was completely clear, but wind was light and variable. We were able to fly our large rokkaku only for a few minutes before wind became calm. These conditions were perfect for the model airplane, however. So between the two systems, we acquired several good pictures overviewing Blue Lake and surroundings.
| Kite flyers at the lower end of the tether line. |
| KAP view toward the northwest over a pool in the Blue Lake complex. |
| Model airplane view toward the west, showing pools along the western edge of the Blue Lake complex. |
| Model airplane view toward the east depicting the main pool at Blue Lake (center). The boardwalks and dock are used by scuba divers to access the lake. |
| Model airplane view beyond the southeastern side of Blue Lake. |
| Model airplane shot of Blue Lake boardwalks with the rokakku kite in lower left corner. |
Related site
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