Written by JK (2013); Reformatted by JS (09/2013)
John Kagan
I grew up in West Hartford, Connecticut, and now live near Cleveland, Ohio, with my sons Michael and Brandon, and my wife Terria. My career is Information Technology, and I have a Master’s degree in Computer Science.
I am fascinated with things that fly—rockets, kites, Frisbees, and, of course, model airplanes. I have been involved in FF, CL, and RC models since elementary school in the late ’70s. Highlights in my memory include: my Guillow’s Javelin silently taking to the air down my parent’s driveway—right before whacking into the garage door and crumpling up; the whining buzz when I finally got the .049 on my Baby Ringmaster started; the smell of spring when I soloed my red Sig Kadet; the impossibility of watching my Gentle Lady gain altitude in a thermal; losing my Record Breaker HLG out-of-site; whistling speed runs with my SD7003 Molded Eagle; and 40-plus minutes with my first VP equipped old-rules F1D.
My current passion is Indoor FF in general, and F1D specifically. I’ve had the privilege of being on the last six consecutive F1D World Championship teams, earning one gold, one silver, and two bronze individual medals, along with four gold and two silver team finishes. My Unlimited model, Saffat, is one of only two Indoor FF airplanes that have flown more than one hour. I also enjoy RC sailplanes (honorary FF models) and electric park flyers, and I get nostalgic at the smell of glow fuel, glycerin and green soap, cut grass, and the sound of any small two-cycle engine.
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John’s column appears in Model Aviation quarterly: January, April, July, and October. His email address is john_kagan@hotmail.com.
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