My journey begins into model aviation at the age of nine, building rubber band-powered balsa airplanes. This hobby quickly becomes a passion, and I develop skills in structure, covering, and painting. In time, a turning point occurs when my neighbor—who is also a skilled surgeon—takes notice and invites me to help build a much larger radio-controlled model, the SIG Cadet.
This is my first exposure to advanced modeling and radio-controlled flight.
Despite early challenges, including an unexpected engine shutdown, the narrator successfully lands the model, solidifying a lifelong love for the hobby. Over the years, their skills evolve significantly, especially while living in San Diego, where they join the Torrey Pines Gulls soaring society, eventually serving as vice president and focusing on large gliders and ridge soaring.
My passion for model aviation deepens after attending a show at Miramar NAS, where they are captivated by large aerobatic planes and get their first glimpse of a model helicopter. This pivotal moment expands my interest into new areas of RC (radio control) flying. To support the growing hobby, I take a part-time job at a local hobby shop for discounts and begin flying larger ARF (Almost Ready to Fly) models with 4-stroke engines. Then I joined a local flying club to improve my skills flying in challenging conditions, eventually becoming an instructor and hobby promoter.
My journey also includes experimentation with RC boats, cars, and trucks, but flying remains my true passion. Now based in Fernandina Beach, Florida, I remain active in the flying community, owning over 27 electric aircraft (balsa and foam) and 5 helicopters. More recently, I’ve embraced drone flying, earning an FAA Part 107 certificate to complement my private pilot’s license, showing that my enthusiasm for flight continues to grow.
