I have been an active modeler since I was old enough to toss a glider.
I just recently found the September 1961 issue of Model Aviation that had the results of the '61 Nats. My 3rd place in Junior 1/2 A speed was the first time I won at anything. Later in my teens, I won a few times at the Nats and held a number of Control Line speed records in the junior and senior age group.
In my 20s, I evolved into full-size flying and have been a flight instructor for over 50 years and have made almost 24,000 safe flights. I still fly models, mostly light electric Free Flight or RC.
My experience with model aviation laid the groundwork for my professional life as an engineer and my passion for aviation.
