Since I was about 10 years old, I have had an interest in aviation. When I started a paper route at age twelve, I would run over to Al's Hobby Shop on 28th and North Av in Milwaukee every week and purchase the latest Revelle plastic model. I had them set up all over the house. This was driving my folks nuts so they decided to purchase a completed model from Al with the hope that I would stop buying the plastic models.
The model they presented to me for Christmas was a Control Line Kenhi Wildcat with a Fox 29 engine. I didn't know how to fly but I did figure how to start the engine, and I would run it in our back yard and in the basement. The latter was not a good idea because the entire house filled up with exhaust fumes. I finally met someone who knew how to fly CL and he taught me the basics. Unfortunately, I totaled the Wildcat and followed that up with a Flight Streak. All of this was in the late 50s.
In 1962, I enlisted in the Navy and spent four years flying aircrew in a Sikorsky Sea King. Upon discharge from the Navy, family responsibilities took over and my flying came to a halt until 1985. I then got the itch to build a plane and purchased another Flight Streak and a Fox 35. I also hooked up with the Milwaukee Circle Masters and have now been a member for over 40 years. I have been president, VP, and Contest Director during that span of time. I have also flown competitively at the Nats, Brodak, and Sig, and well as many local contests.
About 6 years ago, I had the opportunity to learn and fly RC and have been doing so ever since. I am a member of the Flying Electrons of Menomonee Falls, WI. Most of my RC planes are based on Flight Test models as I don't see the sense of spending $300.00 + on foam planes. I am now flying 60% RC and 40% CL.
