I was introduced to the hobby when I was 12 years old, however it wasn’t radio controlled planes back then but ‘free flight’ planes. I can remember building a few kits by Keil Kraft, the Ajax and Ace. I would spend hours building these, covering them in tissue and dope. Then eventually winding up the rubber band, praying the fuselage wouldn’t compress and break, then letting go and hoping I wouldn’t loose it!
This then led nicely into my first RC kit, a glider called the Osprey 100 by Sail Planes International. I thought this would be similar to building the free flight models but it was much harder. I unfortunately never really flew the Osprey.
I was however very lucky as my parents brought me my first IC plane. A second hand Cessna from a local hobby shop, Fratton Bargain Centre. It had an OS 40 and a new JR transmitter. I loved this plane! I learnt how to fly with the Cessna, how to crash and importantly how to repair! I managed to take and pass my BMFA A Certificate, I think I was around 14 at the time.
Things progressed, as the often do, a few models later I was lucky enough to be given a baby Sapphire aerobatic plane by Dave Smith Models. It had an OS46 ‘pumper’ with a tuned pipe! This was my entry into aerobatics. Aerobatic style of flying has stayed with me to this day.
My highlight with F£A flying was competing in the British Nationals, I cant remember what year it was, but I did win the best Junior Pilot award with my Summit 3.
Throughout the last twenty years or so years I have taken a couple of breaks from the hobby, mainly due to life! However in 2019 I bumped into a good buddy of mine, who I had lost contact with, and he mentioned he had a foam Acro Wot (by Chris Foss) and asked if I thought I could still fly it! Well here’s that very first flight!
That was it… I had the bug again and things have rather escalated from there!