How I became an RC junkie

by Smitty
(J-ville, Fla)

The first time I saw RC flying I was 5 or 6 years old. That would be 1961 or 1962, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Had a couple of neighbors that were into combat at the vacant fields near the houses where they flew...

My Dad always had an interest in aviation, he was a private pilot before I was born, although he had not flown in some years...

He gave me an airplane ride for my eighth birthday from the FBO where he renewed his ticket the next year or so.

My Dad's love for aviation got to me also. I joined the Marine Corps in 1973 right after my 17th birthday, with an Aviation contract.

While stationed in Memphis for school I saw RC again. I resisted the urge to fly at that time. But I never lost an interest in RC! Whenever I saw flying I'd always stop and watch....

Some years later when married with a couple of kids living in Waco Texas, I used to go to Speigleville Park, across the bridge over Lake Waco. There I'd watch those guys fly...went home and tinkered with a glider (Gentle Lady), but I never knew what I was doing.

Years later added another young'un in Fredericksburg VA. Christmas of 03 my wife got me a Firebird of some kind.

I was flying it well, even doing touch and go's, when it suddenly winged over and and crashed doing damage to the nose. But it was still flyable. I was flying along and the same thing happened again,this time it was pretty well toast.
But the addict in me was hooked.

Went to the Fredericksburg Aeromasters and built an LT-40 and they taught me to fly. What a rush! After that first solo landing I wanted to be an instructor bad, so I could share this addiction!

I became an RC pusher. Remember that last young'un? She became my first victim and solo'd at 9! The first female and the youngest solo'd pilot in Aeromaster history.

Went ahead and did what was needed to be a qualified instructor (family members could teach their own family). Low and Behold the next year I became the chief instructor.

The rest is history. I am now in Jacksonville Florida where I have several aircraft and a daughter that flies with me.

Man I love this hobby!