From the Copilot’s Seat
Three generations of modelers and building aviation careers
By Gary Fitch
I have met many members throughout the years, and I am amazed at the influence model aviation has had on some of their careers. I know of several commercial airline captains who had their beginnings flying model airplanes, and they continue in the hobby today.
Model aviation is an educational experience, which is a marketing point when discussing its benefits with our local municipalities, regional, and state governments. We certainly make it known to state legislatures and Congress.
I received the following information from John Sabini Jr. about three generations of Sabinis.
“I cannot remember my life without model aviation. I have made a life of this hobby and I owe this to my Dad, first-generation modeler and AMA member, John Sabini Sr. This is a story of three generations with model aviation and the wonderful fun and joy it has brought and can bring to future generations and families alike.
“My dad pioneered many new techniques. Some became mainstream in the hobby. Dad was always helping out other builders. One that comes to mind is CA glue. In the early 1970s, my Dad was the only one, as far as he knew, using CA glue. He would buy thousands of those little Krazy Glue containers.
“He remembers calling the company and asking if they could sell him larger quantities. The company asked him what he was using it for. When Dad told them he was gluing wood together they laughed and told him that the label said wood could not be glued. CA glue made many things possible. Dad spread the word around to builders and eventually it caught on revolutionizing the hobby.
“I got involved in every aspect of the hobby. I learned to fly CL at the age of four. I remember the Cox .049s and the joy they brought during my childhood. I could not wait to get the AMA magazine every month and read it cover to cover. I would race home from school to build in my dad’s shops during the week and go flying on weekends.
“I can remember the greatest road trips with my family. Dad helped me compete but most importantly have fun. I also, remember the CL field at Flushing Meadow Park and watching full-scale airliners fly over us. I never forgot the first time I sat in the left seat of an Airbus. I looked down briefly and that’s where it all started.
“Not only did I become a captain for a major airline but I also became a professor of aeronautics. I would have never thought I would be a college professor teaching what I liked most: flying. I have mentored many students and model aviation played a big role for many of them. These students always made the best aviators. The washout rates with collegiate flight programs are quite high, but the ones with model aviation in their background always seem to succeed.
“It sure helped me. I remember my first flight lesson in a Cessna 150. The instructor felt so confident in my skills that he had me land on my first flight. I eventually became an instructor and taught all levels of flight from beginner to airline transport pilot. I have flown around the world and have accumulated more than 17,000 hours in aircraft and 3,000 hours of flight instruction. The hobby gave me a life as it provided the foundations within the aviation industry.
“In the third grade, I remember my teacher saying, ‘Quit staring out the window, because when you grow up, no one will pay you to sit there and just look out the window.’ Guess I showed her.
“My dad thinks we should do everything possible to make aeromodeling more accessible to others and be good ambassadors to the hobby we represent. You never know who you will be talking to and when someone will be bitten by the bug. We have to make sure we nurture and cultivate a familyfriendly hobby so our future generations will also have the same memories my family has and will cherish forever.”
John has passed along his love of modeling to his sons, Andrew and Jonathan Sabini, ages 9 and 10. These boys have flown at Joe Nall for the last five years. Andrew flies his 120-inch B-17, and Jonathan flies a 3-D 44% Giles 202.
The flying skills of these young men take a back seat to no one. John’s story concerning three generations is about family and how model aviation literally became his life. AMA is rich in this type of story!
FROM THE COPILOT’S SEAT
continues on page 138
From the Copilot’s Seat
Gary Fitch
I had the sad duty of attending a memorial service for George and Kathy Weed who tragically lost their lives in an automobile accident while returning from Florida. I was joined by Eric Williams, District II vice president, and Reid Condon, associate vice president.
George was a lifelong modeler and friend to all. He always had a smile for everyone and regularly went out of his way to help other modelers. Our condolences to George and Kathy’s family and many friends.
Until next month, help secure our future and take a youngster flying.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
