airliners for American Airlines, but he likes to commandeer planes of another sort when he''s not at work. Ever since he was a young boy, the Clifton Park resident has been fascinated by radio-controlled model airplanes, but the aircraft he flies for fun these days are no toys.

They cost more -- much more -- than the models he used to buy for $28 and glue together in his basement as a kid. Alvarez was one of about 40 "pilots" at the second Capitol Jets R/C Model Air Show on Saturday at the Schenectady County Airport. The event also will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today. He created the air show, known as a "fun fly" in model aeronautics circles, as a way for enthusiasts to show off their high-tech planes and ability to do barrel rolls, loops and other tricks. Hobbyists from Canada to Florida came to the event, including a group of friends from Putnam County who arrived in NASCAR-esque fashion with a black trailer that doubles as a fully-equipped, air-conditioned mini-garage and storage unit. Part of the proceeds from the two-day event will be donated to the Empire State Aerosciences Museum. Last year, about $2,300 was raised for the museum through visitors'' entry fees. The planes on display were models -- usually 5 to 9 feet in length -- of military fighter jets, such as F-15s, F-16s, and commercial aircraft, such as 747s. The miniature jets are powered by micro-turbine engines that can propel the aircraft to speeds in excess of 200 mph and heights of more than 1,500 feet.

Ten years ago, the planes were fan-powered, but the hobby has enjoyed a renaissance in recent years as designers of unmanned military drones have used their talents to soup up the jets. For $5,000 to $20,000, you can own one. Being able to fly one is another matter. Pilots must be licensed by the Academy of Model Aeronautics. Training can take as long as 10 years. "I didn''t think they went this fast," said air show newbie Tommy Thomas of Scotia, looking skyward as a red, white and blue F-15 zipped past the crowd before taking a near 90-degree turn straight up. In the background, an event announcer told the crowd the aircraft they were watching was using the "same battery you''d find in a laptop computer or cellphone." The planes smell like the jet fuel they use and sound very much like real jets when revving their engines for take off. "This is a different breed of aircraft," said Alvarez.

Owners are meticulous when it comes to the maintenance of their aircraft. Ray Kappes of Clifton Park, a model airplane enthusiast for 40 years, estimated he spends six to eight hours a week tinkering with his planes. Some owners use hypodermic needles to paint rivets along the body of the aircraft to duplicate the look and feel of a real jet. "It''s an addiction," said Amir Abtahi of New Jersey. Organizers go to great lengths to ensure the safety of operators and spectators, which numbered about 300 by midday. Each pilot must go through a thorough preflight checklist, ensuring battery packs in the plane and the radio control are fully charged. Accidents are few, according to event volunteer and hobbyist Eric Williams. He said they''re usually caused when radio transmission between the plane and the operator is disrupted. Pilots must operate their planes with a spotter, so they don''t accidentally fly directly over the crowd or into uncleared airspace. One person on the ground is in direct contact with the air traffic control tower in case the airport needs the space for incoming aircraft. Extinguishers are on hand for each plane in case of a fire. Speaking about the allure of the hobby, Alvarez said, "You want to know what makes them go and then you ask yourself, ''Can I make it fly?'' " Clemenson can be reached at 454-5030 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it