On a wing and a prayer

Remote-controlled airplanes are becoming increasingly popular in Beijing. Zhang Lei meets enthusiasts to find out why.

After two failed attempts at takeoff, Tao Li finally managed to get his recently purchased radio-controlled plane airborne. The plane with a 1-meter-wingspan soared into the air before banking and landing safely. However, during the fourth flight, the battery died mid-turn and the model aircraft plummeted to the ground, resulting in a large crack in the nose section.

Tao, a 30-something model plane buff whose boyish looks belie his age, examined the damage, retrieved the parts scattered on the ground and frowned. The motor had been damaged and it will cost a small fortune to replace it.