I am the AMA
Brad Lang — CAF Red Tail Squadron Leader
JS: How did you get involved with model aviation?
BL: I was fascinated with things that flew. I built Revell 1/72-scale plastic models in grade school. I read lots of RC modeling magazines and started flying the CL Cox PT-19 trainer.
One day our family was driving home from New York City and I saw a fast-moving model flying without lines. We pulled over to watch. The RC pilot was “Jersey” Jim Martin and he was flying his Banshee.
Jim stopped what he was doing to talk to us about his aircraft and flying pattern. Jim was humble, approachable, and credible. His flying was deliberate and precise. When we left that flying site I had one thing on my mind: I wanted to be a Pattern pilot. I was hooked.
JS: How has model aviation impacted your life and/or career?
BL: Model aviation helped me think about achieving goals that I thought were unattainable at first, but ultimately achievable with hard work and dedication. I had to use my brain to build an aircraft and once built, believe in my own ability to fly it successfully.
I learned about the science of flight which later made learning full-scale flight concepts easier. This was particularly helpful when I started competing in full-scale aerobatic competitions in the 1990s. There is always something to learn, and learning can be fun—and very challenging.
JS: What disciplines of modeling do you currently participate in?
BL: I haven’t flown a Pattern contest in years, but I enjoy the classic Pattern-type models. Currently I’m trying to keep a JHH F-4J Phantom in one piece. In general, I’m not an electric power enthusiast, but I have a Great Planes Ultimate biplane, which allows me to fly locally.
JS: What are your other hobbies?
BL:
- Jazz piano
- Cycling
JS: Who or what has influenced you the most?
BL: My parents. They always encouraged us never to quit and to have high standards. Also, by aiming high and expecting to win, you’ll push yourself to be successful in whatever you do.
My father and I joined the Central Jersey RC Club (CJRCC). Chris Christiansen and Steve West were very helpful, as were other CJRCC members. As my interest in Pattern flying grew, I started flying in contests with others my age.
There was a young man around my age named Donnie Abati flying a Mach 1. He was talented and also interested in Precision Aerobatic flying. We attended a few Pattern contests together. I learned a lot from watching others fly.
JS: How did you get involved with the Red Tail Squadron?
BL: At the US National Aerobatic Championships a friend told me about a Commemorative Air Force (CAF) P-51C restoration that was taking place in South St. Paul, Minnesota. This aircraft was going to be dedicated to educating the public about the Tuskegee Airmen.
My friend had met my father, Donald W. Lang Sr., who was a Tuskegee Airman, and he thought I’d be interested in becoming involved with the group restoring it: the CAF South Minnesota Wing.
In the past year we’ve developed an outstanding ground-support exhibit, the RISE ABOVE traveling exhibit. The exhibit features a 30-minute movie on a panoramic movie screen with an inspirational message about rising above personal challenges.
The exhibit is on the road 35 to 40 weeks of the year, reaching into local communities and connecting with the CAF P-51C Mustang at airshows. It has been well received throughout the country.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
