I am the AMA 2014/06
Landon Pfile — Youth member and active modeler
#### How did you get involved with model aviation? JS: How did you get involved with model aviation? LP: We took a trip to Walla Walla, Washington, and they had an amazing RC airport there. My family and I were walking through an agricultural museum and we noticed an RC plane in the air. My dad said, "Hey, son! Look at the RC plane in the air!" I was excited when I saw it because I didn't know they were real and it was the first time I had seen one.
#### How has model aviation impacted your life and/or career? JS: How has model aviation impacted your life and/or career? LP: Model aviation has changed my life. It has given me the goal of one day becoming a pilot by working and learning as much as I can about airplanes. I want to attend either the Naval or Air Force Academy.
It has changed the way I look at my environment around me. When I see an open field (and no wind) I imagine flying over it in the cockpit of an airplane. It is one of my favorite hobbies. I check the wind every time I look out the window.
Often I am disappointed because I live in such a windy city, but I soon forget when it is calm enough to hit the skies with my Apprentice S. It is difficult to explain the mixed feeling I have when I fly my plane — it is both peaceful and exciting.
#### What disciplines of modeling do you currently participate in? JS: What disciplines of modeling do you currently participate in? LP: I'm flying electric model airplanes. I have only flown electric models so far, but I want to work my way into gas models. I fly the Apprentice S and can perform many aerobatic tricks.
I am learning from others who are more advanced than I and mastering new techniques. I really want to attend an RC competition sometime.
#### What are your other hobbies? JS: What are your other hobbies? LP: I like camping, fishing, playing football, and running. I also enjoy traveling.
- Camping
- Fishing
- Playing football
- Running
- Traveling
#### Who or what has influenced you most? JS: Who or what has influenced you most? LP: My parents and grandparents have influenced me the most. They've taught me I can become anything I want through hard work, sacrifice, and dedication.
My religion has taught me to be a good example, be honest, work hard, lead others in kindness, and that family is most important.
#### What advice would you give someone who is interested in getting started in the hobby? JS: What advice would you give someone who is interested in getting started in the hobby? LP: I would recommend they ask a lot of questions, research all you can on the Internet, have a good attitude, be patient, find a local expert who loves to fly RC planes, and always fly in a large area with low probability of crashing into something.
I am teaching my little brother to fly his Super Cub and I keep telling him, "Learn all you can by reading, going online, and asking a lot of questions." We have tons of fun flying our planes together.
- Ask a lot of questions.
- Research online.
- Have a good attitude and be patient.
- Find a local expert who loves to fly RC planes.
- Always fly in a large area with low risk of crashing into something.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
