I have been active in modeling since early childhood. Started building model aircraft while in elementary school. Active in Control Line flying in high school then Radio Control until present. Over the years, I have also built a few models from scratch, including a Control Line T-28A and a Control Line Dauntless that was based on some 3 views from a WWII manual. The T-28 was developed from some 3 views in an Air Force manual I borrowed from my Dad who worked at a local Air Base.
About 10 years ago, I wanted to build a model of the Lockheed F-80, powered by EDF, that would fit in the back of our Chevy van. I got 3 views and photos from several sources and spent about a year preparing the plans. It worked out very well and a construction article with inflight photos was posted in RC Groups.
In addition to EDF, I have a Turbine Waiver and have enjoyed Turbine flying. At one time, I also flew "big" airplanes for several years and picked up over 2,000 hours on several aircraft types, including a Beech Bonanza which was handy for business travel and family trips. Although I am no longer actively flying full-scale aircraft, I hold a commercial pilot's license for single and multi-engine land with an instrument rating, and at one time, I was an active flight instructor with the same ratings.
Like many of our older members, I got much of my interest in aviation from my Dad and many of our friends who all served in WWII and continued in aviation as pilots, instructors, and mechanics. In 1969, I was able to attend the Nats at Willow Grove, and have been an AMA member since the 1960s.There was one brief period when I was not active in modeling while I was busy doing a lot of flying around the country in addition to my "day" job in the computer industry.
During the past few years, I have had to deal with some health issues so have been finding a new home for some of my models and "projects." I do intend to continue flying and am fortunate to be a member of the Georgia Jets Flying Club and can take advantage of the nice paved runway and shelter. If I fly anything with a turbine, it will be one of the smaller ones. Most of my flying will be EDF with a focus on keeping things simple and with less setup time, etc. at the field.
My best regards to the AMA flying community and hope future generations will continue to enjoy seeing their dreams take flight.
Sam Phillips
