It all started when I was 8 years old. I used to hang Revell plastic models in my bedroom from the ceiling. I went to those plastic .049 cox planes, which were impossible to launch on one piece of plywood on the grass. I kept trying but only succeeded in setting my glove on fire in the winter trying to start the engine. No injury.
Graduated, still with control line (in those days, r/c was unattainable for me due to cost) to the infamous Ringmaster. Flew it twice then one of the cables snapped and totaled the plane. I wrote to them and they said I probably had a kink in the cable. In any event, due to my interest in the sport, they still sent me a new set of cables, a rubber fuel bulb, and $30 for a new plane. This is where it pays to be in the hobby.
I stayed with control line building the firecat, prowler, and planes like that.
I went to Aviation H.S. in Long Island City, New York, and graduated at the age of 18. (I graduated late because I broke my neck in senior year which put me behind in shop.) I graduated in January. Now came the draft. I didn't want to go in the jungle in Vietnam, so I joined the Navy. They gave me a choice ... Annapolis or squadron. I am not a book-smart person, as I am a hands-on mechanic, so squadron it is. RVAH-11 Vigilante squadron.
I signed up for 4 years active, went through training, and became a jet mechanic for our J79 engines in our vigilantes. After serving, I started in with R/C. First planes, then helicopters. Finally drones. At 78 years old, I'm still in a flying club here in Florida where I stay 9 months out of the year. Lately, psoriatic arthritis in my hands is preventing me from full use of my hands, so it's hard. I tried getting my 4 grandsons into the sport giving them r/c trainers for Christmas, but they had other ideas. It's an amazing hobby, especially today with this new technology. I think everyone should at least try it.
There is a photo above of the original ringmaster. I now have planes, a helicopter, drones, and a glider but am hurting for space in Florida (no garage). Hope you liked the story.
