John Flanders, AMA 136543
My first Radio Control airplane was a Sterling Mambo that was a project with my dad in the 1970s. We had a temperamental Fox 15 on it but eventually flew it enough to learn how to land!
Along with my wife Debbie, who was also my caller, I competed in R/C Pattern in the 1980s-90s in the southeast and either flew my own design Elite or an Atlanta. I enjoyed this period quite a bit, as while I became a better R/C pilot, I also really enjoyed the friends and camaraderie with a great group of people that also enjoyed the R/C hobby.
One of the great aspects of the R/C hobby is the wide variety of aircraft to choose from. Over the years, I have enjoyed sport flying, pattern, helicopters, FPV drones and planes, sport scale and many, many others, as well as teaching others how to fly R/C. I am currently trying out EDF jets and having as much fun as I did 40 years ago! I attribute my career in engineering to the R/C hobby and have encouraged many R/C pilots to pursue STEM as careers.
Earlier this year, we visited the AMA International Aeromodeling Center in Muncie, Indiana, for the first time. The AMA folks were great, and the National Model Aviation Museum is a definite must see if you are in the area; absolutely worth the trip!
I am currently the VP of Texoma R/C (#276) located in Sherman, Texas. This club has been active at this location since 1972, hosts a variety of AMA sanctioned events each year, and has a diverse membership that enjoys the wide variety of interests in the Radio Control hobby. I am currently living in Sherman, Texas, with my wonderful wife Debbie and Chorkie Trixie.
