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Jim Allen
A self-described "aviation nut", Jim has been a team member since '96, an R/Cer for 28 years and a private pilot since the summer after high school. His main competitive focus is pylon, but he also enjoys Q500, Quarter Midget, and FAI F3D pylon and does some 3D electric and other sport flying just "to keep the thumbs sharp." Now a manager of Aircraft Accident Aviation for Honeywell, Jim is a past Q500 NATS Champion ('96) as well as the designer and pilot of the first turbine-powered R/C model in the United States ('88).
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Mike Barbee
Age: 63
City: Delaware, Ohio
Occupation: Owner Barbee Concrete Construction
Years in the hobby: 30
Primary interests in R/C: Scale, and IMAC, flight instruction newbies
Accomplishments: Top Gun 7 consecutive years in the top 10 Scale Masters 6 years in top 10 Nats’ 10 years in top 10 a few first place finishes at the Toledo show in both Scale , MonoKote, and paint finish.
Other notes of interest: District III AVP, Scale Masters East Coast Chairman, NASA President [currently] Full Scale pilot current plane 1946 Aeronca Super Chief, complete restoration of 1940 Aeronca TC underway in my shop.
Ron Barr
How do English R/Cers stack up? Ask Ron: he and his family spent 4 years in London, but now call Kingwood, Texas, home. An R/Cer for two decades, Ron enjoys FAI-class Pattern, IMAC, Scale and 3D electric "foamies" and has designed three 3D aircraft in the past year. A team member for 10 years and an NSRCA member for "as long as I can remember", Ron has the unique distinction of having served as the contest director for the largest pattern contest in Texas history..
Darwin N. Barrie
Age: 54
City: Chandler, AZ
Occupation: Medical Helicopter Pilot
Years in the hobby: 46 years
Primary interests in R/C: Soaring, Giant Scale Aerobatics, small electrics
Accomplishments: 16 year member of Team Futaba. Many Places in Soaring contests and IMAC style events. 26 year AVP for District 10 of the AMA, CD, Leader Member, Distinguished Service Award Recipient. Multi-Facited modeling interests
Other notes of interest: Built Van's RV 7 180 hp, full IFR plane. Second one under construction now.
Todd Bennett
Todd Bennett has over 30 years of R/C experience, but refers to himself as a “professional R/C helicopter pilot.” That’s literally true, because Todd’s profession — and passion (helis) — are one and the same. And that requires him to wear several hats. First hat: he’s the president, CEO and owner of Synergy Helicopters, Inc., manufacturers of the N9. When he’s not making business decisions at Synergy, he’s wearing his second hat: that of owner and chief instructor of the Freestyle 3D R/C Helicopter Flying School in Moorpark, CA. And in his spare (?) time, Todd wears his third hat: industry consultant to Futaba, YS engines and Morgan fuels.
Will Berninger
You'd think that anyone who is a: 1) licensed pilot and owner/operator of a flight school; 2) licensed aircraft mechanic and owner/operator of a repair facility, and 3) manager for a small G.A. airport wouldn't have time for R/C. However, Will and his wife Marian are not only frequent sights at flying events, but frequent volunteers when contest directors and fellow fliers need help. Will, an avid scale aerobatics competitor, has placed second for three years running in IMAC's North Central region and recently placed third in unlimited class at the Tuscon Shootout.
Jeff Blaylock
Despite being a relative newcomer to R/C (a pilot since '97, a competitor since '99), Jeff Blaylock is clearly an enthusiastic one. In addition to being '02's IMAC Southwest Region Unlimited Champion and co-founder of the Rocky Mountain Aerobatics (RMA), he's also an AMA contest director and an assistant director for IMAC events in the Southwest. Currently a general contractor in his family's business, Jeff has also earned a commercial instrument rating to prepare him for a career in aviation.
Bryan Blanchard
Age: 18
City: North Charleston, South Carolina
Occupation: Ramp Agent for Delta Airlines, Charleston, SC International Airport
Years in the hobby: 9
Primary interests in R/C: Pylon Racing, 424 quickie 500, 428 quickie 500, 422 quarter midget
Accomplishments: 2004 and 2005 top junior at the NATS for both Q500 and Q40
2008 and 2009 top senior at the NATS for both Q500 and Q40
Other notes of interest: My Dad was a pylon racer the year I was born and I have followed him around ever since. It was a natural progression for me to learn how to fly and race growing up. I am now lucky enough to have reached the level of racing that allows Dad and I to be a great Futaba Father and Son racing team. When not pylon racing I am an avid Skateboarder.
Marcus Blanchard
Age: 42
City: North Charleston, South Carolina
Occupation: Purchasing Manager
Years in the hobby: 33
Primary interests in R/C: Pylon Racing, 424 quickie 500, 428 quickie 500, 422 quarter midget
Accomplishments: 2002 National quickie 500 champion, 1998 Can-Am Pylon Society yearly champion in both Q500 and Quarter Midget 40, several fast time trophies including quarter midget at the 1998 NATS
Other notes of interest: My Dad taught me how to build and fly model airplanes as a kid in the mid 70’s, he flew pattern and took me to my first NATS in 1983 at Westover AFB, where I then saw my first formula one race, and Pylon Racing became my main focus of interest ever since. I have had the privilege of passing along what I have learned over the years to my son Bryan and together we enjoy traveling around the country and competing at all levels as a Futaba Father and Son Racing Team.
Todd Blose
Age: 46
City: Waco Tx.
Occupation: Engineering Specialist
Years in the hobby: 35
Primary interests in R/C: F3A Pattern, Imac, Indoor
Accomplishments: 97 TOC Las Vegas. Top 10 in the AMA F3A Nats for 15 years
Placing as high as 5th in 2005 Placed 7th in 2009.
Other notes of interest:
Team Futaba member since 1992. I have been able to raise a Family have a full time job
and compete at the Nats or team selection for the last 20 years with the support of Wynde, Whitley and Trinty ( my wife and daughters)
Terry Boston
Though a job transfer to the Memphis area took up much of Terry Boston's time this summer, he hopes to back at the bench and field soon. Though he's been an R/C pilot since '78, Terry has been a pilot and model builder since the mid-50s. In addition to competing in IMAC events himself, Terry has also built aircraft that have competed in some of R/C's most prestigious events, including the TOC, Don Lowe Master's and the Extreme Flight Championship.
Matt Botos
I currently reside in Kennesaw, Georgia but I was born and raised in Grafton, Ohio where I initially started in the world of R/C. I have been involved in the R/C hobby for 19 years now, flying R/C helicopters for the last six of those years. For the last seven years I have been employed as an IT Manager at the EarthLink World Headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. I am thankful to all of my sponsors for supporting me throughout the years as well my friends and family for understanding my passion for this amazing sport.
John Burdin
When you grow up with a free flight champ and Navy pilot for your dad, it's only natural to grow up loving flight. But despite being introduced to model airplanes at 6 and R/C at 12, it wasn't until the late '80s that John got back to R/C. In addition to renewing his passion for pattern (and competition), he also branched out into IMAC planes before settling on ducted fan jets as his main interest. John attends every jet event he can, including (and serving as co-contest director of) the International Jet Rally in Lake Wales, Florida, each November.
Rick Byrd
Age: 38
City: Fort Worth, Tx
Occupation: Honda Tech
Years in the hobby: 30
Primary interests in R/C: IMAC, F3A Pattern
Accomplishments: ’98 TOC Las Vegas, 2 time finalist Don Lowe Masters, Invitational pilot Tucson Shootout, Clover Creek Invitational pilot, Past AMA National Champion, Many time finalist F3A Pattern NATS, US Team selection and IMAC NATS. 10 time NSRCA District 6 F3A Champion, 2007 IMAC SC Region Unlimited Champion
Other notes of interest: Team Futaba member since 1989. My wife Kim, son Hayden, and twin girls Ali and Gracie support me in my life. Past IMAC South Central Regional Director, past IMAC sequence committee member, current IMAC rules committee member, and current IMAC Vice President
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Danny Carozza
Age: 52
City: Yonkers, New York
Occupation: Prototype Packaging Concept Artist
Years in the hobby: 39
Primary interests in R/C: Giant Scale Aerobatics Top Gun & Scale Masters Compitition
Mike Clemmens
Pilots have been flying model airplanes for decades, a unit of time ideal for marking important events in Mike Clemmens' life, too. He started building and flying C/L in 1965 at the age of 5, received his first R/C plane in 1974 and has been building and flying giant-scale models since the mid-80s. He's been an IMAC judge and competitor since 1997 and is now, in 2004, the Scale Aerobatics Chairman for Canada, the owner and operator of MSC Props and a valued member of Team Futaba.
Pete Collinson
A native of Pinehurst, NC, Pete has been an R/C pilot since age 9 and a competitor in precision aerobatics since age 11. Since ’97, he’s won over 40 competitions (including consecutive National Championships in ’98, ’99 and ’00) and tried out for the F3A-FAI World Team in ’07. Peter is obviously a man who’s going places in R/C, but he’s going places in other ways as well. That’s because Peter has been flying full-size planes since he was 14, and soloed at 16 in a Porsche Mooney. Now 22, he lives in Wrightsville Beach, NC, and flies commercially for Northwest Airlink, transporting passengers ‘round the country in a 50-seat Canadair regional jet.
Kevin Cordell
Kevin Cordell’s introduction to R/C probably sounds familiar to a lot of pilots. After a few visits to the local field, he bought a plane. Then, a year or so later, his wife mentioned that helis looked pretty cool, too. However, when she found out what helis cost, she decided planes were just fine…but it was already too late. Kevin was hooked. Over the years, he’s made steady progress up through the ranks of AMA contest flying, and now competes — and judges — at local F3C events. (“The guys that I used to fly with don't give me near as much trouble as they did when I flew,” notes Kevin.) Kevin was also the CD for the 2001 F3C Worlds and makes it a point to make the Toledo show and IRCHA World Helicopter Jamboree each year.
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Ralph Dalusio
Age: 76
City: Daytona Beach, FL
Occupation: Retired
Years in the hobby: 60
Primary interests in R/C: I flew fixed wing for many years & got into helicopters in 1971
Accomplishments: Won the first FAI East Coast championships several times 1982-83-84, Won the New York State championships, also the New England state championships. I was the alternate on the first US World Championships 1985. Won many regional events.
Other notes of interest: Worked with Ernie Huber for 12 years teaching people from all over the world at Ernie Huber Flight Training School for helicopters. I still enjoy meeting new pilots & helping them get started. I joined the Futaba Team in 1982 & never looked back, it’s a pleasure to be in the company of so many dedicated & good pilots.
Jason Danhakl
Age: 33
City: Champaign, IL
Occupation: Product Development
Years in the hobby: 23
Primary interests in R/C: Giant Scale 3D/ IMAC, Giant Scale Warbirds, Pattern, and Pylon
Accomplishments: Multi Time E-TOC competitor, placed top ten in every Extreme Flight Championship Airplane division with a best 4th place finish in 2005.
Other notes of interest: I love the 8FG!!
Steve Dionne
A resident of Rimouski, Quebec, Steve has been an R/Cer since ’90 and IMAC’s biggest supporter in Quebec since ’98. With Steve’s help, participation in IMAC events has grown from 8 pilots competing in one class (Basic) to 60 pilots and four events each year. In addition to taking responsibility for contest schedules, Steve also serves as the link between local modelers and larger IMAC and Scale Aerobatic organizations. In addition to competing in local contests, Steve’s passion for IMAC has taken him to IMAC events in Ontario, the Canadian Scale Aerobatic Nations (twice!) and the JR Challenge in Florida, as well as to Muncie, IN for the AMA Scale Aerobatic Nationals.
Tim Diperi
Tim got into R/C at the start of the '70s and by the end, was already a confirmed heli enthusiast. He's also a confirmed competitor: he's attended most Nats since '83, and focused on F3C/FAI events exclusively since '89. In addition to performing at demos and education events (often with his daughter and two sons along), Tim also writes freelance for several magazines. Outside of R/C, Tim is also a business owner, an electrical engineer and licensed commercial pilot who, in his "spare" time, serves as co-leader of his sons' Boy Scout Troop.
B.E. “Rusty” Dose III
If you see an RV with plates that read, “PLNCRZY”, it’s a sure sign that you’ve found Rusty Dose and family. Home base is Port Washington, WI, where Rusty lives with his wife Alice, and their two “plane crazy” sons Chip (4) and Tom (2). Rusty’s day job is investment counseling, but it’s clear that he lives for R/C in general and F3A competition specifically. In addition to being a past treasurer of the National Society for Radio-Controlled Aerobatics, Rusty has most recently served as the fund-raising coordinator for the USA’s ’07 F3A Team. However he’s also a contributor to Fly RCmagazine and the R/C Universe web site, and has developed a series of high-level clinics/training sessions for precision aerobatic pilots.
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Tom Erb
Age: 52
City: Alliance
Occupation: construction Forman
Years in the hobby: 32
Primary interests in R/C: heli competition, instruction (both heli and air)
Accomplishments: Flight line coordinator twice for US world heli championships, AMA heli contest board member for District 3, Just an all around nice guy?
Other notes of interest: was part of the build-launch team for the Steve Eves Saturn V. The worlds largest model rocket ever successfully flown.
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Mark Fadely
Age: 50
City: Fishers, Indiana
Occupation: Construction Sales
Years in the hobby: 40
Primary interests in R/C: Helicopters
Accomplishments: 5 times XFC – 2 4th place finishes
Other notes of interest: Writer for Model Aviation's heli column, and other magazines.
Jim Flannigan
One of the best ways to ensure that students will be active, involved and enthusiastic is to find a teacher who’s the same way. And that pretty well describes Jim Flannigan. “I like teaching new people about the hobby, helping them become successful pilots and showing them what the aircraft and equipment are capable of doing.” Jim also enjoys flying giant-scale aerobats and performing 3D demo flights throughout the central region of the United States.
An active R/Cer for over 25 years, Jim in a Division Manager for a national auto parts chain.
Kim Foster
With over 40 years of R/C experience, Kim’s not only been everywhere (man), but done most everything, as well. At Top Gun, for instance, he’s won every place in the top 10 except 7th and 1st (in overall) and placed first in biplanes, aerobatics and team once each, and four times in high static scale. In addition, he’s also been to the Scale Masters (four times, with a 2nd and Best Biplane to his credit), the NATS (“too many times to keep track of…”), four World Championships and 4-5 jet events per year. If you’ve seen Kim in ’07, you’ve probably also seen his most recent scale masterpiece: a Frankel T-34. While he’s focuses on scale and jets (he currently flies a King Cat), Kim also likes to branch out occasionally. He “dabbles” in helicopters, foamies, sport and pattern and competes in Advanced C/L stunt, too. Plans for the future? “Maybe another run at the World Championships, and more than likely a run at the World Jet Masters, too.”
Scott Foster
Age: 31
City: Temperance, MI
Occupation: Orthopaedic Surgeon
Years in the hobby: 26
Primary interests in R/C: Everything! Jets, F3A pattern, 3D aerobatics (airplanes and heli’s), DLG’s, nitro, kero, electric, indoors or outside.
Accomplishments: 2005 ETOC, 1st place, 2005 EX Games, 4th. 2000, 2001 team leader and pilot for Miami University’s AIAA/Cessna/ONR design, build, and fly team. Currently on ‘leave’ for medical training.
Other notes of interest: Listed above me in the team directory is my old man. Model aviation has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I owe my passion, curiosity, and ability to him and the countless hours of building, repairing, teaching and of course many gallons of fuel throughout my youth. There are a few family team’s here in the directory and I am proud to join pop’s in the ranking.
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Ryan Gonsoulin
For Ryan Gonsoulin, 31, of New Iberia, LA, the world is a very busy place. In addition to being owner of a mechanical engineering firm, he's also the President (and Safety Officer and Board Member) of the local "Cajun R/C" club, a regular IMAC competitor, an accomplished designer and builder (See Ryan's Rebel, R/C Modeler, December 2002) and the lucky husband of a very supportive wife, Jenny.
Mike Goza
Preparations for '05's F3C championships in Zamora, Spain are well underway and Mike is eager to manage the team and help bring home the gold for Team USA. An R/C pilot for three decades and a heli pilot for over two, Mike is a sponsored pilot, Team Futaba member and a contributing editor for Model Helicopter Technique magazine. He is also a multi-talented member of NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, where he contributes to on-going work in robotics, computer graphics and computer simulations.
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Buddy Hale
Just 23, Buddy is currently a Master of Science Degree candidate in Computer Science. He’s also a 10-year veteran of R/C and the proud recipient of the Bob Smith Award at the ’04 Joe Nall Fly-in. “For my dad and me, flying is more than a hobby; it’s a passion and truly a team effort.” While he enjoys all facets of R/C, Buddy has focused largely on giant-scale precision aerobatics and going to as many fly-ins as possible. His goals for 2007 were to begin competing in IMAC and aerobatic contests and to explore the flight possibilities of warbirds and turbines.
Don Hamilton
For these Team Futaba Members, R/C is definitely a family affair. Don was introduced to R/C by a patient and passed his love of the hobby onto his sons Stephen and Jordan. Most weekend afternoons (and sometimes mornings), they pack up their gear and head out for as much R/C as they can squeeze in. If they're not competing, they're sharing the fun of R/C with others as Team Futaba ambassadors. What kind of fun doesn't matter at all. Say the Flying Hamiltons: "If it's R/C, count us in!"
David Harkey
With twin daughters and five grandkids to visit, you'd think David Harkey would be too busy for R/C. You'd be wrong. A modeler since '89, he turned to helis in '91 and, just five years later, became the USA Class II National Champion. In '97, he took on twin responsibilites, serving as the Vice President and President of IRCHA between '97 and '00, and as Assistant Event Director at every AMA Heli Nationals since 1997. He has also been an FAI/F3C competitor since 2000 and served as USA F3C Team Manager in '99. Plus, David served as USA Judge for the 2005 F3C World Championships in Zamora Spain and XFC helicopter judge from 2005 to 2008.
Mike Harrison
An avid second-generation modeler, Mike got his start in C/L at age 11, his first taste of C/L stunt flying and competition as a teen and picked up pattern in 1978 after dental school. Mike has flown in all team trials since starting FAI in 1985, and in recent years, has racked up several Top Ten or Final performances at the Nats. In addition to designing and flying his own aircraft, Mike has also seen several kitted, including the Obsession, Odyssey, Rhapsody, Ares and (most recently) the Symphony.
Bryan Hebert
Bryan has been designing, building and flying models for “…as long as I can remember…” and admits to being something of a perfectionist. It’s a quality he brings to everything, including his model designs. His past models have won at all levels of competition world-wide, and his most recent airplane, the Shinden, is currently being kitted in both composites and laser-cut balsa. As a pilot, Bryan enjoys precision aerobatics and has placed in the Top 10 several times at the American NATS. He’s also won numerous trophies for building as well as flying, and that makes him a natural (and willing) source of information for anyone who asks.
Jeff Heitman
A modeler for 28 of his 36 years, Jeff currently has both a 46% Ultimate Biplane and a Carden Edge 540 in his personal hangar, and hopes to add a pattern ship to the fleet in the near future. When he's not flying R/C, Jeff doubles as a flight instructor and dedicated examiner for the Citation Excel at FlightSafety International. A holder of both airline transport and CFII ratings, he looks forward to IMAC giant-scale events and meeting new pilots at every one.
Bill Hempel
Age: 44
City: Tucson, AZ
Occupation: UAS Flight Instructor for Northrop Grumman
Years in the hobby: 30+
Primary interests in R/C: Giant Scale/IMAC
Accomplishments: 4 times US National IMAC Unlimited Champion, TOC Competitor
Other notes of interest: I love all aspects of RC flight, I enjoy flying R/C helicopters and electric planes during off competition times of the year. Also enjoy having/flying BIG RC 50%+ planes that are a ton to fly!! GO FUTABA!
Cliff Hiatt
For Cliff Hiatt, life has been a series of firsts. Born in Chitose, Japan, he got his first taste of control-line in '64 and of R/C in '70 (for which he scratch-built his first R/C system, an RCM Classic). He entered his first fixed-wing aerobatics competition in '74, the same year he won his first Senior Nats title (Class A Pattern) and entered his first heli competition in '82. He placed first in AMA Expert and F3C classes in '84, won a place on the first U.S. F3C team ('85) and won his first World's F3C championship in '95, in Kasaoka, Japan. A long-time sponsored pilot for Futaba, he is also the "first" chairperson of the AMA R/C Helicopter Contest Board.
Chip Hyde
Age: 38
City: Tucson AZ
Occupation: UAV External Pilot
Years in the hobby: 34
Primary interests in R/C: F3A
Accomplishments:2 Time World Champion (F3A 1991, F3D 1999) 3 Time TOC Champion 90, 92, 2002) 3 Time Vice TOC Champion (88, 99, 2000) 1992 TOC Freestyle Champion, 13 time US National Champion (9 Pattern, 1 Racing, 1 Helicopter, 1 Imac) 6 Time US F3A Vice National Champion, XFC Champion 2002, World Air Games Champion (Dubai 2005) 9 time US F3A World Team Member, 4 Time US F3D World Team Member, 7 Time NMPRA National Record Holder (Q-500, Q-40) 2 Time Championship Race winner Q-40
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Zak Johns
Zak hails from Virginia Beach, VA, and at fourteen already has nine years of R/C flying experience under his belt. For the past three years, he’s devoted his time and efforts to mastering 3D helis.
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Kurt Koelling
Age: 39
City: Powell, Ohio
Occupation: Professor of Chemical Engineering at The Ohio State University
Years in the hobby: 10 years
Primary interests in R/C: Scale Aerobatics, Precision Aerobatics, Indoor Electrics, Freestyle/3D, and Pylon Racing
Accomplishments:
9 time IMAC Scale Aerobatics National Championship finalist (2001-2009)
2007 U.S. IMAC Unlimited National Champion
2007 Canadian IMAC Unlimited National Champion
2001 U.S. IMAC Sportsman National Champion
5 time Tucson Shootout Invitational class competitor (4 time finalist)
3 time Don Lowe Masters competitor
XFC Extreme Flight Championships competitor
First place in over 90 Scale Aerobatics competitions.
Other notes of interest:
Kurt currently serves as a member of the AMA Scale Aerobatics Contest Board, IMAC International Sequence Committee, and as an IMAC regional judging instructor.
Derek Koopowitz
Age: 53
City: Oakland
Occupation: Audit Manager with the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco
Years in the hobby: 45+
Primary interests in R/C: Pattern, IMAC, electrics
Other notes of interest: Californian Derek Koopowitz notes that he’s been playing with planes since he was 7 years old “…in one way or another…” but does own up to moving over to gas-powered R/C cars back in ’74. He returned to R/C flying a decade later and in 1996, he began competing in pattern events. A long-time member of IMAA, IMAC and NSRCA (Pattern), he currently competes in FAI Class and supports flying and flying events in several capacities. He is the ’09-‘10 President (and a former Treasurer) of the NRSCA and the AMA District X R/C Aerobatics Contest Board Representative. In addition, he has also been the official scorekeeper at the TOC since 1998. When he’s not flying, leading or keeping score, Derek is the Audit Manager for the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco.
Jason Krause
I am 31 years old and have been flying helis for 11 years. I currently work for Synergy Helicopters and Align Taiwan designing and testing. I have participated in many contests including: 2002 3D Masters (2nd Place), 2002 XFC (2nd Place), 2003 XFC (2nd Place), 2004 XFC (1st Place), 2005 Micro Heli Cup (1st Place), 2005 Align 3D contest Taiwan (1st Place), 2006 HTC cup Taiwan (7th Place), and 2006 XFC (3rd Place).
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Dan Landis
Dan Landis has been flying R/C and full-size airplanes for over 15 years, but he’s actually the third generation of R/Cers in his family. Both Dan’s father and grandfather have been R/C pilots for more than 40 years. Dan says that his father was an extremely strong influence on his flying career, crediting his father’s dedication for creating the opportunities he needed to polish his pattern skills and become a certified flight instructor. After competition, Dan says that his favorite part of flying is sharing his knowledge and passion for R/C with others.
Lyle Larson
Lyle began flying R/C so long ago (’74), that his first radio was square brown box Futaba. “They advertised it with a picture of a servo underwater, with a goldfish swimming by.” The goldfish and brown box Futaba system are long gone, but 33 years later, Lyle is still flying Futaba and still competing with the best. “Most of my racing efforts in the last four years have been in FAI,” Lyle says, “and I compete in Europe about 4 to 5 times a year.“ In addition to being the manager for the USA’s World Team in ’07, he’s also been a pilot on four teams himself. Team finishes included two firsts and two seconds. As an individual, Lyle can look back on fourth and eighth as a pilot and two second-place finishes as a caller. Not content to leave competition at the field, Lyle manufactures racing planes under the California Speed Pros name.
Ty Lyman
A lifelong aviation buff, Ty got his introduction to RC in 1997. Two years later, after a visit to the Don Lowe Masters, he was hooked on scale aerobatics. Ty flew his first IMAC contest in 2000, winning the basic class, and has been competing ever since. Now a fixture in Unlimited on the Southeast IMAC circuit, Ty is also a member of the IMAC International Sequence Committee, the IMAC Assistant Regional director for Virginia, and a IMAC Judging Instructor. Though scale aerobatics is his primary interest, Ty also follows the pattern scene closely and has aspirations at giving it a whirl someday. Ty and his wife Gaynell have two wonderful children, Josh and Samantha, who stay home and keep dad on his toes everyday.
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George Manning Jr.
Age: 51
City: San Bernardino CA
Occupation: Elevator Service Technician
Years in the hobby: 40 Flying planes since 1969 and Helicopters since 1976
Primary interests in R/C: Jets both scale and sport, Helicopters, Slope Gliders, Aerobatics.
Accomplishments: NSRCA district 7 champion several times beginning with Advanced pattern and going through Expert, Masters and F3A. Former NSRCA national Masters class Champion. Several time National and US team selection finalist in F3A. Former TOC Competitor. Numerous awards at the AMA convention in the static model display competition.
Other notes of interest: I miss the old style of pattern we once flew and find that flying jets at several events a year allows me to fill the fast, long and smooth style of flying I once competed in. I am originally from Cleveland Ohio area and have been living in Southern California for the past 26 yrs. Although I have flown most types of radio equipment that has been available to the modeling community over the past 40 years I have chosen to own and fly Futaba equipment since the early 70’s.
By the way I will drive or fly anything that has a radio in it.
Jim Martin
“I enjoy all types of flying,” says Jim, “whether it’s free flight, control-line, R/C or full-scale. In fact, my interest in model aviation helped start my career in full- scale aviation.” Jim, a pilot, mechanic and a Maintenance Safety Inspector for the FAA, took up R/C in the late ‘60s. He competed in scale and pattern events during the late ‘70s, but his interests have broadened considerably since then. Current activities include serving as an Associate VP for AMA District III and as a judge at NATS, Scale Masters & Top Gun events in R/C Scale. He’s also training to be an FAI rep for the USA in R/C scale and performs with the Buckeye Aero Squadron, an AMA show team in Dayton, OH. And in his spare time? Jim gives a typical Team response: “I enjoy helping others build and fly.”
Don McClellan
I started as a young kid flying with my Dad, and still fly with him. Now we've added my son who at 12, soloed in RC last year. Started competitive flying in the late '70's with Pattern, then late in the '90's got into Scale Aerobatics. Now I'm flying in the Unlimited class of IMAC and also compete in Team Scale with my Dad's Mosquito and my friend's Boomerang, with which we competed at TopGun 2006 and 2007. I travel to many contests in Ontario, Michigan and Ohio and have met many great flying friends along the way. Have recently entered the world of RC helicopter flying and am really enjoying that challenge - something completely new (two nitro copters and one electric). I fly using the 14MZ and enjoy showing all its capabilities to fellow competitors at all the events. It's way too easy to sell. For many years, I've run the CAN-AM IMAC contest in the NC region, held late in the season each year. Occupation is classic car restorer, mostly European classics.
John McDermott
Age: 60
City: Inman, South Carolina
Occupation: Retired Commercial Pilot
Years in the hobby: 55
Primary interests in R/C: Q-40, Quickie 500, and FAI
Accomplishments: 1st place Goodyear Pylon Atlanta (1968), 3 time Tangerine Winner Formula One (1975, 1982, 1989), Fast Time- 5th place 1975 NATS, 1st place and fast time National Championship Race 1978, 2nd place National Championship Race 1976, 3rd place National Championship Race 1975, 4th place National Championship Race 1980, 5th place National Championship Race 1990, 1st place Formula One Bowie Maryland 1976 and 1st place Q-40 Bowie Maryland in 2009, Fast Time 2009 NATS in Quickie 500
Other notes of interest: My Dad was a pioneer in RC and introduced me to flying RC airplanes at the age of 5 with a Debolt Champ. We spent nearly every weekend together for almost 30 years going to and from contests. I was a member of the Samurai Racing Team in 1978 alongside Dave Shadel and Richard Verano. I am retired from commercial flying with 12,000 jet hours and looking forward to the future flying RC airplanes with my Futaba radio.
Laddy McMurry
Age: 49
City: Midland
Occupation: Disabled/Retired
Years in the hobby: 19
Primary interests in R/C: Helicopters, Cars and Planes
Other notes of interest: If health problems hadn't forced Laddy McMurry into retirement, he might still be building Indy car engines. Instead, he discovered helis 19 years ago and reports that "I'm still learning something new with every flight." A meeting with fellow heli (and race) fan Ted Schoonard led to a field rep's position for Miniature Aircraft. Similarly, a meeting with Steve Helms at IRCHA (and good words from Ted and Cliff Hiatt) resulted in a rep's position at Futaba and YS. "I'm very grateful for all who have helped me along the way," says Laddy, and he shows it by building helis for friends and helping newbies wherever he finds them.
Gordie Meade
2004 was a busy year for mathematics professor Gordie Meade. In addition to flying about 3 days/week in season (plus weekends in his off time), he was active in his local club, attended and/or competed in 9 events, served as contest director for a tenth, contributed to the written U.S. proposal for new 2006 and 2008 F3C rules and test flew new patterns for comment. At present, 2005 plans include the possibility of making revisions to the AMA rules he originally wrote for Class 1, II and III helis, and definitely include getting married in June!
Ben Minor
Though he lists his primary interest as FAI-F3C heli competition, Ben admits to taking special pleasure in assisting newcomers and providing support for Futaba Technical Assistance. An R/Cer for 23 years and heli pilot for 18 of them, he's held two national titles in Class II and III heli events and enjoyed multiple first-place finishes in the same classes at regional events. A multi-term president of his local club, Ben adds that by day ("when I'm not building or practicing, that is), he's a small animal veterinarian.
Garrett Morrison
My name is Garrett Morrison and I live in Lodi CA. I'm training to be and EMT Fire Fighter and just love every aspect of the Fire Service. I'm 23 years old and have been flying for 9 years. Eight of my nine years of flying have been with Futaba and I really enjoy using Futaba products. My interest in this great hobby is mostly Giant Scale aerobatic, but I also venture out and do a little of everything. I have been to many different spots around the world flying RC demo's and competitions. My two favorite elements that I enjoy the most is IMAC unlimited competition and Freestyle. Well I'm very happy to be here on Team Futaba and if you ever see me out at the field come by and say hello. I'm always willing to help with any problems even if its a different brand so don't be shy!
Nob Muraki
Age: 39 and holding it for a while
City: Tampa, FL
Occupation: Medical Equipment Engineer
Years in the hobby: 22 years
Primary interests in R/C: Helicopter and IMAC
Accomplishments: 1989 AMA Intermediate NATS Champion.
1995 F3C World Championships USA Team Manager and assisted Team and individual titles.
Other notes of interest:
Been competing F3C since 1991. Started IMAC competition from 2009 and staying busy.
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Phil Noel
Age: 59
City: Delta, B.C. Canada
Occupation: Business owner/manager
Years in the hobby: 35
Primary interests in R/C: Helicopters
Other notes of interest: For lucky Phil Noel, his work and his hobby are one and the same: R/C helis. He switched to helis in '85, after 12 years in fixed-wing craft, Similarly, he began his own R/C heli business in '96, after a quarter century in both sides of the audio business. He's also been the manager of the Canadian FAI/F3C team (1995 in Japan & 1999 in Poland) and a FAI/F3C World Championship judge (2001, 2003, 2005, 2007 & 2009), judge at the 2006 HTC Taiwan invitational, judge in 2008 at the Asian Oceanic FAI/F3C championships in the Philipines. He has also been the treasurer of the 1986 Canadian Nats and chair for the committee that organized the Canadian Nats in 2000. A 9ZH convert, now flying the 14MZ, Phil enjoys meeting new people while traveling to various events, and bringing fresh ideas, new products and hands-on help to local flyers.
Chad Northeast
Age: 32
City: Calgary, AB Canada
Occupation: Engineer
Years in the hobby: 20
Primary interests in R/C: Precision Aerobatics, Electrics, 3D, EDF
Accomplishments:
5 time Canadian F3A World Championships Team Member
4 time F3A World Championships Semi-Finalist (best finish 16th)
5 time F3A Canadian National Champion
2 time F3A US Nationals Finalist
Other notes of interest: I have really enjoyed being involved with a lot of the baby steps of electric power that is being used in F3A, it has been very rewarding to be involved in the development of that aspect of the event. I have two boys that keep me really busy Thomas who is just 6 weeks old, and Matthew who is 3 years, and somehow my wife Agnes manages to handle them while I am practicing!
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Brian O'Meara
I entered my first model airplane contest when I was five years old, in 1953. Like many young boys in the 50's, I built and flew many U-Control planes. I built my first RC plane in 1967, forty years ago. My first radio was an Orbit. My next radio was a Kraft and had them build me a Kraft Signature Series in 1978. At that time I was flying pattern.
I built my first scale war bird in 1976, a .60 size, Royal kit of a KI-61 Tony. I flew this plane in both scale meets and pattern meets.
In 1980, I had qualified and flew in the first US Scale Masters in Los Angeles, CA. Along with my long standing attendance record, I have won the championship twice as a pilot. The first time was four years ago in Kansas City with a KI-61 Tony at the 2004 Championship, I also earned both the top single flight score and the top overall flight score. With the same plane at Top Gun 2004, I earned the top flight round.
For the last 2 years, I have been flying a 101 inch Seafury. We earned fourth place last year at Top Gun along with "Runner Up Critics Choice" and "Most realistic Flight" award. I flew the plane all over the country over the last year and everywhere I have flown it, the plane has won many awards. In Phoenix 1/8th Air Force fly in, it won "People's Choice", Pilots Choice" and "Most realistic flight."
In October 2006, I won the US Scale Masters for a second time with the big Seafury. No one in the country has attended more US Scale Masters than my self.
I am the event manager for Warbirds over the Rockies, and my planes have been featured on the cover of national R/C magazines 6 times over the years.
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Tanner Pacini
While many thirteen-year-olds enjoy skateboarding, baseball and fishing, few have set speed records in R/C pylon events. Tanner Pacini has. In January, 2004, Team Futaba's Gary Schmidt loaned Tanner an airframe, which he promptly used to break the Winterfest Q-500 Junior record not once, but twice. In April, Tanner broke the Q-40 Junior Record at Sepulveda Basin in California. His future goals include competing in the '05 Nats, making the F3D team in '06, and someday, becoming a fighter pilot.
Mark Parker
Age: 50
City: Grapevine, Texas
Occupation: FAA Fort Worth ARTCC District Manager (Manages ZFW ARTCC and all FAA facilities in West Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas)
Years in the hobby: 40
Primary interests in R/C: Pylon Racing, sport electric helicopter and 3D
Accomplishments: Has attended every AMA Nats (save one) since he began pylon racing in 1990 and achieved a 2nd Place in Q500 in 2005 and a National Championship in Quarter 40 in 2006. Married to Sandy for 30 years. Two daughters (Jennifer age 22 and Amy age 16). Jennifer graduates college this year! Pay raise!!
Other notes of interest: enjoys the outdoors (deer hunting, pheasant hunting, turkey hunting, bass fishing, golfing and slow-pitch softball)
David Pinegar
Age: 50
City: Ridgeland SC.
Occupation: FAA Manufacturing Inspector
Years in the hobby: 36
Primary interests in R/C: Scale
Accomplishments: Winning Team Scale Pilot flying George Maiorana’s 4 engine electric scale models, Top Gun, AMA NATS. Past IMAC Competitor.
Other notes of interest: Enjoys helping others with technical issues.
Shailesh Patel
Age: 49
City: Eureka, CA
Occupation:
Years in the hobby: 35
Primary interests in R/C: Scale and Sport Jets, Aerobatic
Accomplishments: World Jet Masters Qualifier Winner in 1997. Have had numerous second place finishes at the Scalemasters. Have placed in the top 5 in many scale competitions such as the Scalemasters, Nationals, and Top Gun.
Greg Poppel
Like many Team Futaba members, Greg is a multi-talented fan of, and contributor to, the world of R/C. In addition to being a co-announcer for the XFC, Scale Masters and IRCHA, Greg is also a builder and writer for numerous articles in R/C Universe and Fly R/C magazines. A veteran pilot with over 30 years of experience, he goes for the extremes, dividing his time among IMAC events, giant-scale fly-ins and indoor electric flying.
Raiko “R/C Kid” Potter
Age: 42
City: Foley, Al
Occupation: Lead: Marianna Airmotive ( Main Landing Gear Door Program)
Years in the hobby: 22 years
Primary interests in R/C: IMAC, Pattern, Helicopters
Accomplishments: See Bottom updated notes.
Other notes of interest: At 19, Raiko Potter was just getting introduced to the fun of R/C and flying. Today, at 42, he's a single father of two daughters and the owner of "Raiko Dzigns" ‑ a business dedicated to expanding the outer limits of airplane appearance. "I am an extremist builder," states Raiko, "along the lines of popular TV shows like Pimp My Ride and West Coast Choppers. I get to express the radical side of kit bashing and modification in building for myself and other nationally known pilots." ".Raiko Dzigns is my way of bringing together other extreme builders, so we can express our artistry through the models that we fly." In addition to flying pattern, IMAC and helis this year, Raiko also served as the assistant manager for Team USA during the '2007 and '2009 World Aerobatic Championships. He is also the lead at Marianna Airmotive and head of the C‑5 Main Landing Gear Door Program which rebuilds the landing gear doors for the C‑5 Galaxy aircraft presently being used by the United States Air Force.
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Mark Radcliff
Age: 55
City: St. Marys, WV
Occupation: Parts manager for C & C Dodge-Toyota
Years in the hobby: 45+
Primary interests in R/C: Precision aerobatics, Giant scale, vintage pattern, electric
Accomplishments: Was a 4 time member of the winning US F3A Team (75, 77, 79, 81), placed 3rd in Worlds (1979). Flew in 7 TOC’s (74,75,76,77,78,80,82). Judged 2 Don Lowe Masters and 4 XFC’s
Other notes of interest: Retired from competition in 1982 to pursue family and career opportunities. Started active flying again in 2001. Flying giant scale and some pattern and vintage pattern.
Kevin Reinhart
Age: 43
City: Kitchener, Ontario Canada
Occupation: Self-Employed Lawn Maintenance
Years in the hobby: 7
Primary interests in R/C: Airplanes
Accomplishments: Competed in several IMAC contests over the years. Placing in the top three on many occasions.
Other notes of interest: R/C off road buggy racing, shooting and hunting.
Pete Rosas
“As a kid in the ‘70s, I flew control line with friends at our local park. We didn’t have much of a budget back then, but we did have fun. And that’s always been what R/C is all about for me: having fun! I feel we all fly for the same reasons: our love of R/C aviation and all that goes with it.” states Pete. Meeting people is a part of it. “My home is in Council Bluffs, Iowa, but you can find me at flying events from South Dakota to Tennessee, Colorado to Ohio and everywhere in-between. And in the course of traveling those miles, I have made some life-long friends.”
Another part is R/C’s ability to let the modeler get away from everyday problems…a gift he regards as priceless. “As I’ve told friends, ‘When that plane leaves the ground, they could be foreclosing on my house for all I care. I am there, in the moment, and totally focused on flying.’ “And,” he asks with a grin, “how often do you get the chance to do that legally?”
“If you see me at an event, introduce yourself,” Pete adds, “I love to talk to people who love R/C aviation as much as I do. See you at the flying field!”
Scott "Rusty" Russell
Though he's been flying (and flying Futaba!) for 24 years, Scott reports that he's recently developed a taste for competition. "There is nothing like that first major competition," says Scott. "You swear you can't do it, but when it's all over, you feel this great sense of accomplishment." Now, after competing in the '02 XFC and '03 and '04 Top Gun and Scale Masters, Scott believes that win or lose, competition attendance is worth the time "just in the new friends you make."
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Manuel Santos
Behind every successful man there’s a woman, and Manuel truly appreciates the support he gets from his wife Elisa. However, Manuel’s interest in R/C dates back to before his marriage, to age seven. Now thirty-eight, Manuel lives in Mexico City and works as a professional photographer for a living. He’s also an active…and successful…competitor.
He began flying 3D in ’02. Since then, he’s placed first in Mexico’s IMAC National Free Style event and racked up five consecutive first place finishes in Mexico’s National Fun Fly Tournaments. He’s also placed in the top 15 at the ’04 and ’05 Extreme Flight Championships, and in 2006, competed at the ETOC in Toledo.
Mike Scoles
Age: 40
City: Sammamish WA
Occupation: Dentist
Years in the hobby:10
Primary interests in R/C: Helicopters and Turbine Jets
A.J. Seaholm
Age: 32
City: Lee’s Summit, MO
Occupation: Technical Manager w/ Honeywell Aerospace
Years in the hobby: 24
Primary interests in R/C: Pylon Racing
Accomplishments: 2009 Q-40 National Champion, 2009 Overall Pylon National, 2009 Florida Gold Cup Champion, 2002 RC Combat National Champion, 2003 RC Combat National Champion
Other notes of interest: Kansas City Radio Control (KCRC) VP – 2008, KCRC President – 2009. Raised in Billings, MT and taught to fly by my father Earl Seaholm. I have many wonderful memories from Pylon racing as kid in Montana. I’m fortunate now to be making new memories going to races with my lovely wife, 4 year old daughter, and 18 month old son.
Dwight Shilling
Age: 52
City: West Chicago, IL
Occupation: Technical Support
Years in the hobby: 27
Primary interests in R/C: Helicopters.
Jason Shulman
Age: 35
City: Lake Mary, FL
Occupation: Sales and Marketing
Years in the hobby: 32
Primary interests in R/C: Pattern
Accomplishments:
2004, 07 and 08 F3A Pattern National Championships
6-Time US F3A World Team Member (5-times in the top 7)
IMAC National champion, Tucson Shootout champion and Top Gun winner as well as winning numerous pylon and pattern contests over my career.
Relaxing weekend warrior pilot when I have time.
Other notes of interest:
I have been a Futaba team member since 1990 and have enjoyed the advances in the hobby as well as with Futaba. I also fly UAV’s, gliders, jets, scale, pylon… pretty much anything that can fly, I will try. Currently I am working with my family in growing Shulman Aviation.
Carey Shurley
Carey Shurley knows the value of support, in both modeling and in his job of managing a worldwide computer network. “When I was getting started, I didn’t know what to buy or how to do some things and had a really hard time finding the right information.” Carey notes that the internet makes getting started easier, but also that “…nothing can replace a live person…” for conversation or hands-on help. Says Carey, “It really gives me a good feeling inside to help somebody who wants it. “
Paul Soha
Name: Paul Soha
Age: Closely guarded secret
City: Stow, Ohio
Occupation: Construction Management
Years in the hobby: 30
Primary interests in R/C: RC Helicopters
Accomplishments: Nationals Helicopter win, FAI pilot, XFC pilot, QSPRA racing champ,
Other notes of interest: I currently reside back in Ohio after a stay in St Louis. I have competed in many nationals with a national championship in Class lll helicopters. I have aso competed in Pattern and pylon racing. I have flown helis in five of the XFC competitions, and I have been judging the event the last several years. I really enjoy the RC hobby and I hope to continue my involvement for many years to come. Futaba has always been my choice of RC products and am impressed with the hobby support they have given so many people for so many years
Kyle Stacy
Age: 14
City: Rochester, NY
Occupation: Student
Years in the hobby: 8
Primary interests in R/C: Helicopters, airplanes
Accomplishments:
2009 E-Fest Heli Smack down Champion
2008 & 2009 World Micro Heli Cup Champion (both mini and micro classes)
2008 & 2009 Phoenix Cup Champion (both mini and micro classes)
2009 XFC 10th Place
2007 World Micro Heli Cup 2nd Place Micro 3rd Place Mini
Archie Stafford
Age: 33
City: Lexington Park, MD
Occupation: UAV Test Engineer
Years in the hobby: 29
Primary interests in R/C: Pattern, IMAC, Pylon, Helicopters
Accomplishments: 3 time top 5 finisher at the US Nats. 2 – 2nd place finishes. Over 70 local contest wings. 2009 NSRCA District 6 Masters Champion
Other notes of interest: I started going to the field as soon as I could walk with my father Wes. I soloed the first time with an Ace Alpha at 5 and have been hooked every since. I began flying pattern in the mid 90's and really became serious with competing around 2000. Since them I try to hit 6-8 pattern contests per year and have competed in the NATS each summer, with multiple top 5 finishes. I also compete flying IMAC, and Pylon, and enjoy flying about anything I can get my hands on. I have worked in the UAV industry for the past 6 years, both stateside, and deployed, and am qualified as an instructor on several platforms. I currently work as a test engineer helping to develop the next generation of Unmanned Systems for the US Navy.
Jim Stark
Since age 10, Jim has been involved in all forms of RC, but has spent the past 15 yrs primarily flying helicopter, honing his freestyle flying skills. In addition to pushing his own limits of flying, he also enjoys working with young and new pilots. In 2003 Jim was given the opportunity to compete in the XFC, placing 5th in 2003 and 2004. Jim is also contantly working with manufacturers in new product testing and development. Since 2006, Jim has also designed and produced his own line of performance parts through Hyperformance RC, located in the Chicago, IL. Experiencing modeling from the sport, competition and business sides has given Jim a very unique perspective. Jim has a true passion for all types of modeling and considers himself very fortunate to have started at a young age.
Tony Stillman
AMA Hall-of-Famer Tony Stillman was introduced to C/L by a friend, to R/C by a local R/C club's contest and to competition by a young electronics whiz named Steve Helms. A familiar face at every Nats since '90, Tony is perhaps best known for his many achievements and history of service to the AMA and R/C. Currently a member of the AMA Frequency Committee and a regular contributor to R/C Report, Tony is also a tireless Contest Director and former, 4-time US F3A Team Manager.
Erich Stolz
Age: 41
City: Sierra Madre, CA
Occupation: Machinist
Years in the hobby: 26
Primary interests in R/C: Helicopters
Mike Swift
Age: 55
City: Summerville, SC
Occupation: Precision sheet metal fabricator
Years in the hobby: Over 30
Primary interests in R/C: Helicopters
Accomplishments: Enjoyed competition during the mid 80`s through the mid 90`s.
Other notes of interest:
Started modeling in 1975 with fixed wing, progressing into helicopters in 1978. My first model helicopter was the Kavan Allouette. Many models followed that with my first sponsor being GMP. I support several other companies and enjoy helping anyone out no matter what they fly.
Attending approximately 12 fun fly events a year, I enjoy the non competitive type of aerobatic flying, as well as supporting my other sponsors.
I have supported Futaba products for 16 years and feel they are a strong contributor to our sport and hobby as we enjoy it today.
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Frank Tiano
Age: 65
City: Lakeland, Florida
Occupation: Hobby Manufacturer / Distributor / Promoter
Years in the hobby: 62
Primary interests in R/C: Scale
Accomplishments: Introduced ZAP glue to hobby market in 1980, founded the Top Gun Invitational, Promoter of Florida Jets,( world’s largest jet together), author for Model Airplane News, Fly RC, Flying Models, introduced Monster Planes USA for large scale models, past AMA associate VP, AMA Leader Member, AMA Contest Director, AMA Experimental Class Inspector, Trouble Maker Extraordinaire.
Other notes of interest: I still build and fly on a regular basis. My dexterity is not yet compromised, but I do fine that lugging a 55 pound model around is getting a bit old!
Perhaps losing a couple dozen pounds would go a long way to solve that problem. I love aviation, all parts and modeling is something I hope to be able to do until the day I die. One of the best rewards of this sport is that I have made some wonderful friendships, with those I call “real” friends, people who know me for who I am and accept me for what I am as well.
Doug Trent
At 40, Doug Trent is a former Marine pilot of the AV-8B Harrier and A-4 Skyhawk, current 767/757 pilot for UPS and a strong believer in giving "the new guy" a hand. A heli pilot since 1975, Doug is frequent instructor at the field and host each winter to a friendly, chili-fueled get-together for new pilots. "Less experienced and budget-conscious modelers desperately rely on our advice," says Doug. "I believe in Futaba products and the difference the Team can make in our hobby."
Mark Trent
Former west coaster Mark Trent grew up in a small town in central California, but is now a resident of St. Peters, Missouri. He moved to the Midwest just seven years ago, but has been an avid modeler for twenty-eight. Mark started out flying with a Futaba 4AL, and has worked his way up through FG7, 8UAF and 9CAP systems before switching to his current system, the 14MZ. He’s a current AMA turbine waiver holder whose primary interests include giant-scale 3D, electrics and (naturally) turbine jets. However, Mark also enjoys participating in R/C in a number of different ways, including production of 3D videos, running his own web site and flying as a member of the Bud Light aerobatics team.
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Dezso Vaghy
The government in Kingston, Ontario, Canada knows pattern veteran Dezso Vaghy as a systems analyst, but in R/C, he enjoys the distinction of being the first Canadian to enter an electric plane in his country's F3A national competition. He's also a four-time F3A Canadian team member who has competed in Poland ('97) and the U.S. (Pensacola, '01), and will represent Canada in France in '05. His plane is a Focus 2 powered by a Hacker C50. His radio Futaba!
Aaron Valdes
As the Lead Aerospace Engineer for the Hunter UAV program, Aaron Valdes enjoys applying his knowledge of UAVs to model airplanes and vice versa. Even so, his first love is still flying R/C gliders. Other firsts: San Diego Season Championship ('93, '94), first Futaba Team sponsorship and SC2 season championship ('95); unlimited class LSF/AMA Nats championships ('95, '96); and first alternate slots on the US F3B team '98, '04). First choice for soaring? A 6.6-meter Nimbus 4.
Rusty Van Baren
Rusty admits that he’s been flying R/C for about four decades, and in that time, “I’ve tried almost ever aspect of R/C, from cars to boats to airplanes. I’ve always used my Futaba radio equipment, and always felt confident in its reliability.”
His first competitive events were in pattern, and it wasn’t long before he was competing in Masters and FAI Pattern classes at the national level. At about the same time, he tried his hand at airplane design. His efforts included a pattern plane called the Scepter and a Firebird. He attended his first Formula 1 race at the ’74 NATS in Lake Charles and has concentrated on racing ever since. He currently competes in Q-40 with the Miss Ashley II, an AMA 422-legal semi-scale replica of the full-size Miss Ashley II. He not only competes with it, he also designed it and markets it himself. Highlights of his four-decade history in R/C include being a member of the U.S.A’s FAI F3D pylon team and a NATS championship in overall Pylon.
Dan Venables
Age: 54
City: Lethbridge
Occupation: Process Engineer
Years in the hobby: 32
Primary interests in R/C: FAI
Accomplishments: Two World Championships
Other notes of interest: 1977 is an important year in Dan Venables’ history. That was the year that he discovered R/C and became a Power Engineer and Millwright with the Black Velvet Distilling Company. A pattern competitor since ’80, Dan has placed in several Canadian national completions and won the Western Canadian Championship in FAI twice. He also served as team mechanic at the ’01 Worlds in Ireland competed for Canada at ‘03’s Worlds in Poland. In addition to pattern competition, his interests now include electric helis and indoor . In 2009 Dan Competed in Portugal at the World Championships .
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Tony Watkins
Tony is an American citizen, but was born in Madrid, Spain in 1966, where his father was stationed while serving in the U.S. Air Force. After graduation from high school, Tony followed suit and joined the Air Force, serving as an airborne crypto-logic linguist. He speaks three languages, including Farsi, which is spoken in Iran and Dari, which is spoken in Afghanistan. Though his fascination with R/C airplanes began at age seven, it wasn’t until six years ago that he finally gave it a try. “I first learned to fly with a FlightStar 40,” Tony remembers, “”I soloed with that plane after a few hours of instruction and knew I had the bug.”
He soon moved on to larger, aerobatic planes and competitive flying. Tony currently flies in Advanced IMAC and Intermediate Pattern. “I fly three to four times a week,” Tony says, adding “It’s a great time to be in the hobby!”
Glen Watson
Age: 52
City: Cypress, TX
Occupation: SR Business Consultant for TelaPoint a Wright Express Company which provides a suite of web-based of solutions built specifically for the fuel supply chain industry.
Years in the hobby: 40+ years
Primary interests in R/C: Pattern competition, precision aerobatics, helicopters, building and designing model aircraft
Accomplishments: Pattern competitor 1994 to current Glen is a 2 time AMA Pattern National Champion, 6 time AMA Masters class National finalist, 7 time NSRCA district Champion with over 40 first place regional pattern competition finishes 1994 to current. Team Futaba member since 1999.
Other notes of interest: Honorary member of Western Pennsylvania’s chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen plus Glen serves as consultant to their youth organization regarding model aviation.
Dean Wilson
Dean began flying model aircraft in 1986. Like most people, he started with trainers and sport planes. But now he's an accomplished pilot of high-performance aircraft, including helicopters — and for the past six years he's unleashed his skills in FAI-F3A R/C Aerobatics Pattern competition. During his first three years as a contest pilot, Dean won three consecutive R/C Aerobatics National titles in Classes 401, 402, and 403. When not outshining other pilots, he lives in Greensboro, North Carolina, and pursues a career as a Mechanical Engineer, MS. "I love all aspects of modeling, not just airplanes," Dean says. "The problem is, there's just not enough time to get to all of them."
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