Written by CLF (2003); Transcribed, edited, and formatted by JS (11/2007)
I started flying Control Line models in 1972 while stationed at Karlsruhe, Germany. I became fascinated with the airplanes. My two sons and I flew Control Line for about two years. We moved to Radio Control in 1974. My first radio was a 40-channel MRC that we flew in three Sig Kadets as well as several other airplanes. While in Germany, I started a club and built a field. When I was transferred, the club had grown to about 10 members.
In 1975, I began my next duty assignment at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, where I continued Radio Control model airplane flying with my two sons. During the next two years, I designed my first airplane without much success and tried Radio Control boats for the first time. I flew with the Mesquite modelers of Sierra Vista, Arizona.
My next assignment, in 1977, was in the Republic of China (Taiwan.) My boys and I were deeply involved in Radio Control, so we again started an American club and built a rough but useable dirt strip. During my stay, we had approximately 15 US members. I was also privileged to fly with the local Chinese club and met some very generous and friendly people. In 1979, we were transferred to Huntsville, Alabama. The local club, Rocket City Radio Controllers, was using an old airport for their flying field and I became a member. I now began flying Pattern and achieved a modicum of success flying all over the southeast. Later, I was elected as club president where I initiated a project to move the club to a new location. Serving two years as president, I coordinated with city officials, state officials, and local benefactors to locate, design, and build a new site. The result is a world-class site located on a closed landfill. I am extremely proud of this endeavor! The story about the new field appeared in Model Aviation magazine. The field was later named for an aviator who lost his life during the Gulf War. I remain an officer in the club and have served as treasurer for the past four years.
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