My name is Oliver. I am 11 years old, and two years ago I went to RC Fest in Monticello, Illinois, where I discovered my love for RC planes. I bought an Aeroscout and went out to a local soccer field, wanting to fly. I took off and immediately lost control of the plane when it was flying off. I felt terrible that I had lost the plane. My dad posted on social media asking if anyone had found it. No one had found it, but a kind person replied saying they had an extra one that I could have.
I then found out about the local RC club (Champaign County Radio Control Club - CCRCC), and that is where I learned about their free training program. At the training program, I first practiced on a simulator, then worked with a coach, where I learned to fly outside. I felt that I had made a big accomplishment and knew that this would be the start of my passion for the hobby. I enjoy learning new things and improving every time I fly.
That winter, our local high school let the club fly indoors in their field house. That is also when I got my second plane, a smaller UMX Turbo Timber Evolution, in order to fly in a tighter space. I had friends who liked flying model airplanes, so I would fly with them there, as well as outside in the summer.
All of these experiences have led me to now using the same aeroscout that was given to me to help coach new students in the training program. I enjoy teaching beginners, knowing I can help prevent what happened to me.
The Illinois Aerospace Institute Camp for high schoolers visits our club every summer. During this camp, I helped take several students up for a flight, and it was exciting getting to share RC flying with new people. Luckily, those flights, unlike my first flight, did not fly off into the distance with my assistance in taking off and landing.
Socializing has been a big part of my experience as well. The club's positivity and inclusive environment have helped me succeed in flying model planes, meet a lot of great role models, and make new friends of all ages. In the future, I hope to compete in competitions, help coach more students, and fly bigger planes.
