I am a 60 year old, who started learning to fly RC planes eight years ago. I grew up near a state park that had a small airfield where many pilots would gather to fly. I would ride my bicycle there (about 3 miles) and watch them fly on Saturday mornings. I always wanted to get involved. But, I didn’t know anyone in the hobby. So, unfortunately, I missed out on many years of enjoyment.
Around our 32nd anniversary, my wife and I were walking in the same park.
Someone was flying their plane at the same field I visited as a kid. My wife said, “You're paying a lot of attention to that plane. I know what I’m getting you for an anniversary gift.” You guessed it; my first RC, a 4-channel Cub. Needless to say, that plane has been replaced with many other models in the past years.
I joined a great club, Springfield Model Airplane Club, in Ohio. Besides learning to fly, I have gained a great, and growing, circle of good friends.
Being an engineer, I set out with a goal to build and fly a kit plane. With many hours of work, and a lot of help from my fellow club members, that goal was accomplished, along with a few ARF kits along the way. There is no greater joy than to be able to fly a plane that you have personally built. I always say, I get as much enjoyment out of building as I do flying. And flying is a blast! This hobby has added many things to my personal fulfillment. Here’s hoping for many more things ahead. Happy flying!
