June 16, 2010  by Dave Anderson, as told by John Dow

I am in my 50’s and have been building and flying model airplanes from the age of six on.  My first model was a Guillows rubber band Curtis Robin mail plane.  I have tried everything from free flight, rubber band power, control line, radio control, airplanes and helicopters. I learned to fly radio control at the age of 12 with a Top Flight Headmaster.  My radio was a M.A.N 2-3-4 Controlaire with bright blue servos!

I enjoy collecting old radio systems. In the picture you will see the original Controlaire radio which was a full assembly kit.  My father and I built it on the kitchen table much to the annoyance of my mom.  Total cost at the time for the radio was $150.  I highly recommend the Radio Control Hall of Fame website www.rchalloffame.org - there you will see my Controlaire Radio in a magazine article.  My father was heavy into the hobby and many of these old radio systems I grew up with.  I especially like the old Bonner, Logictrol, and Kraft radio systems.  Radio control systems were not as reliable then and subject to engine vibration. We often had to open servos and clean the pots to stop the chattering controls. Giezendanner carbon button pot wipers were all the rage.  I love the Phil Kraft story and the simplicity of the hobby in the 60’s and 70’s. 

My worst experience was a T-bone crash between my $1500 Helicopter and $150 airplane in the early 90’s.  My helicopter hit right in the middle of the concrete runway with parts going everywhere. It was quite spectacular with a lot of spectators looking on. 

I have logged many hours of flying.  I used to set my airplane up with a big enough tank to fly a ½ hour, sometimes logging eight flights in a day. I have converted mostly to electric and you will see me at the field with the Red and Green Addiction from PA or a T-Rex helicopter. Currently I am working on the Extra 260 from Precision Aerobatics.  I like flying more than building but have done a lot of both.  As I age the hobby is becoming more challenging mentally.    

I transferred here from Medford, OR in 1996 and have been working for Pacific Power 26 years.  I am a Metering Business Analyst working on computers all day.  I graduated from Southern Oregon State College in 1981.  

This has been a great hobby and escape for me over the years. I have met a lot of bright, interesting, and sometimes strange people at the flying field.  I like flying here because our runway is seldom crowded.  The flyers are also very nice company.   

I have seen a lot of crashes over the years, mostly pilot error.  In the old days you could blame it on the radio, not anymore.  I am amazed at all of the high quality products we have available for this hobby today.