From the Ground Up: A Lifelong Passion for Flight
From a young age, I was captivated by remote control vehicles. If it could go faster, handle better, or pack in the latest electronics, I was all in. That fascination quickly grew. As I entered my teenage years growing up in Wisconsin, just a short drive from EAA, I found myself constantly inspired by the world of aerobatics and the incredible things aircraft could do in the sky.
In my late teens, my passion took a defining turn when I met a family friend who was a retired pilot and was also an experienced RC builder and flyer. With his mentorship, I stepped into the world of RC aviation. Together, we built a Sig Kadet LT-40. Back then, we trained using a wired buddy box, and I can still remember the rush of taking the sticks for the first time. That plane became more than just a first build, it was my entry point into the vibrant AMA community.
Through that experience, I joined a local club and began forming friendships that have lasted for years. The fellowship I found among RC pilots, the willingness to share knowledge, troubleshoot together, and celebrate each flight was just as rewarding as flying itself.
To this day, I’m grateful for what the AMA club continues to bring to our community. It brings together people of all ages and backgrounds, uniting us through a shared love of technology, craftsmanship, and the sheer joy of flight. Whether it’s helping someone assemble their first plane or seasoned pilots discussing the latest innovations, the club fosters learning, connection, and fun.
These days, my hangar includes everything from twisted hobby crack yak to Flex Innovations models and even a gas-powered aircraft from Extreme Flight. Each one offers its own kind of thrill, but the best part is still the same: being outdoors with friends, surrounded by the sound of engines and laughter, enjoying the freedom of the skies.
RC flying has given me so much more than a hobby. It’s given me a lifelong passion, a creative outlet, and a community I’m proud to be part of. There’s something truly special about watching others take to the air for the first time, just like I did years ago, and knowing you’re part of a legacy that keeps growing, one flight at a time.
