Written by JS (03/2010), transcribed by JS (01/2013)
A Conversation with Higher Plane Productions’ Heather Massey JS: Tell us about your first experience with RC.
HM: I worked with the Hockadays at East RC and Scootworks [motorcycle accessory company]. They convinced me to attend the Fly-for-Tots [Children’s Charity Fly-In, held by the RaleighDurham RC club] event, and I really enjoyed it. The reason I am involved in RC is because of them.
JS: Describe the first time you met Fred and washed his model on video.
HM: We were washing bikes for tips, and Fred came up with a camera and asked us to wash his plane. I thought he was adventurous and he wanted something interesting – something no one had shot before. We kept in contact after that, and I became a part of the Higher Plane team about a year ago.
JS: What was it like, attending your first big RC event?
HM: The first big event was the Atlanta Huckfest. I loved it; everybody was really nice and flew their planes like there was no tomorrow. People went all out. We stayed with Chris [Hinson of Extreme Flight RC] and his wife and experienced some crazy flying.
JS: You just returned from Pilots of the Caribbean 2 in Puerto Rico. What was that like? HM: I enjoy all the events I attend, but I think Puerto Rico was my favorite event. The field was small, but there was a lot of energy throughout the event. They were happy Higher Plane was there and really went all out for us. There was a real focus on fun with a slightly more laid-back atmosphere.
JS: What has been most enjoyable to you in the time that you have been involved with Higher Plane Productions?
HM: Going to events and seeing people that actually like what Fred and I do. Seeing all the support that everybody gives us, knowing they enjoy what we do, and showing us what they like. It makes all the hard work worth it.
JS: Why do you think there are not many women involved with our sport, and what could we do to attract more?
HM: I think that the majority of women who are introduced to the hobby are introduced through their husband or boyfriend. With me, if I was married and my husband loved this sport and spent a whole bunch of time doing it, I would probably turn my nose up to it.
I feel like we should introduce women to it without undermining them. Support them if they are interested. When I first started, I heard things like, “You are a girl; you can’t fly.” If you want to fly, don’t let anyone else stop you. That’s what I did. -Jay Smith
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