Re: A program to support and promote F1D in the US (v2018)

From: <mkirda_at_sbcglobal.net>
Date: 27 Apr 2018 02:08:24 +0000

I think it is easy to talk yourself out of making an F1D.
But seriously, it is EASY now compared to how it was in the past.

I made my first one without any help from anyone. No mentor at all.
I found the equation for a prop block in the little white book by Lew Gitlow (all that was out at the time, minus a few plans in Model Aviation), grabbed a 2x4 and started hacking at it with an axe. Literally.

Things were slightly simpler as my local hobby shop carried Micro-X supplies. So I had access to nichrome wire and wood and microfilm. I poured it the first time in my bathtub. My parents are still pissed about that to hear them tell the story.

I figured it out at age 16. And my planes flew ok.
Later on I met the locals, Doig and Shailor and others whose names have faded into the cobwebs of distant memory.

When I got back into it, I just wanted to fly them. No real thought of competing either. For me, the only person I really want to compete against is... Myself. I want to beat my best time. And if I beat others in the process, that's OK, but that isn't really the point for me. I'm not super competitive that way. I may never make the US team. Shrug. Fine by me. If I can continue flying and trying new things and experimenting and getting better, it will all be worth it for me.

Nothing is stopping you from joining me or us or your local group.
It's OK to take F1D up because you find it fun or relaxing or just plain cool.
In many ways, it has never been easier than now.

Regards.
Mike Kirda
Received on Fri Apr 27 2018 - 02:28:29 CEST