My old friend, Bernie.
I started flying RC in 1973, enjoying almost 20 years of making friends and flying at the club field. Around 1990, other interests took me away from the hobby. When I retired 10 years ago, I decided to start flying again.
My old club was still active, and my original AMA number was available. I paid my dues, built a new, electric sport plane, and started my old passion again.
Back in '73, some really great people helped me to get started, and we became good friends. But, after 30 years away from the hobby, I lost track of them. One friend I remember well was Bernard - Bernie. He lived just down the street. We car-pooled to club meetings and to the flying field. But 30 years ago, he lost his wife, moved away, and we lost touch.
The first day at the new field with my old club was great. I was the only one there from the old days. A couple flyers remembered some of the original members, but many of them had passed away. That night, I read the club roster and saw Bernie's name. I sent an email to the address listed and got a reply. I was to meet Bernie at the field the next Tuesday!
Bernie had remarried and was in his 90s. He had a stroke, has trouble walking, and his eyesight isn’t good. He doesn't fly anymore but has kept a beautiful plane that he designed and built himself years ago. He comes out to the field occasionally just to watch and talk RC. His new wife drives for him and looks after some of the things he has trouble with. She confided to me that after the stroke, they both agreed it would be OK if Bernie did not fly but enjoyed visiting the flying field from time to time.
On Tuesday, Bernie brought his plane to the field to show me. I showed him my plane, and I flew it a couple of times. Then he asked if I could give his plane a try. I'd really hate to be responsible for potentially damaging a plane that was obviously very dear to him. But, I said I'd try.
He got his plane ready for me to fly, connected the battery, and even taxied a little. I was impressed. His wife and I helped him to the flight line and brought a stool for him to sit on. The other flyers cleared the flight line. He taxied out to the active runway, I adjusted the nose gear to get it to track straight, and put it back on the runway.
Before handing me the transmitter and without saying a word, the throttle went high. Bernie steered it down the runway, not real straight, but good enough. He lifted the plane off and did a respectable job of executing the pattern. I tried to help by saying things like: "nose down," "more power," etc. But, I don't think it was needed.
After a while, he made a couple landing passes that were a bit high. The third time was the charm. The only thing to touch the runway was the wheels. Applause broke out behind us from the others.
Bernie is gone now. But I pledge to keep my mind sharp, my enthusiasm high, and my body well enough to be as good as Bernie. I believe flying RC models can help us get there.
