Flying model airplanes didn't arise by accident. It arose from curiosity and a desire to understand my father. From there, I went on a journey of self-discovery and found friends and a burning desire. The journey can't be said to be easy, but learning has been consistent and ever evolving, and it should tell women or any fliers who feel the need to be more than just a name. Let's begin.
I moved into my home in Redmond, Oregon, in July of 2006. We had completed the garage, and I wondered why Dad built and flew models. From there, he strove me to build a Staggerwing to understand the concept of building. A year later, I had a science project, and I built two wooden gliders and presented it to a class with the results of each flight. I flew a 1/2A speed plane as my first official plane and progressed to a 1/2A Skyray once I mastered equilibrium. I flew that for years to prepare me for flying beginner pattern.
As I grew into a teenager, I flew a 402 Shark designed by Pat Johnson, who has become a friend of my father. I have endured crashes and building through those planes. Once, my father and I switched from glow engines to electric engines in one year. My flying has allowed me to progress from flying loops to figure-eights. I have gotten awards from the Meat n' Meat and the Regionals this year as a result of my new setup. I have made friends with Jim Aron and Alice Royer who push me to try more. I am still flying Sharks, but instead of watching, I have built an RD-1 and my newest Shark named Athena.
It started small, and progress has been slow, but I am learning what it takes to be part of the hobby. At times, I questioned my worth due to the number of better fliers, but I see they had to start somewhere, and they are no different than me so instead of feeling isolated I should write my experience and give voice to a hobby few people know about.
