Greyson Pritchett
Young Pattern competitor and model builder
by Jay Smith
Jay Smith: How did you get involved with model aviation? Greyson Pritchett: My father, AMA Education Director Bill Pritchett, taught me how to fly around age four and I just couldn't stop. Every time my dad went out to fly, I made him take me because I wanted to learn. We started in the gym with a Vapor for one winter and the next summer we went outside with a foam Super Cub and an Apprentice.
The next summer I got a .40-size electric stick and started to fly some tricks with that. I started flying helicopters when I was six, and since then I really enjoy that too. Of course, I feel lucky to have started very young and to have lots of airplanes around, as well as helis and multirotors to fly.
Jay Smith: How has model aviation impacted your life and/or career? Greyson Pritchett: Flying has allowed me to learn about being a gentleman and to meet a lot of people that I wouldn't have met otherwise. Even though many of them are my dad's friends, they are all really nice and very helpful.
I really enjoy meeting other kids; so many of them are really good fliers. It's fun to see them doing things online and then get together in person, and watch everyone get even better.
Jay Smith: What disciplines of modeling do you currently participate in? Greyson Pritchett: I like to fly 3-D and helicopters for fun but I spend most of my time flying Pattern. I've been lucky to succeed and to have really nice guys around me who can fly really well. That's been a big help. This will be my third summer flying in contests and I look forward to seeing everyone again.
Jay Smith: What are your other hobbies? Greyson Pritchett: My other hobbies are basketball — I really want to get better at that too. I play on my school team and two Y-Ball (YMCA basketball) teams. I also like to build airplanes. This winter I put together three foamies, my Raptor 550 helicopter and an Invertix. I really like working with tools and learning how things go together.
Jay Smith: Who (or what) has influenced you most? Greyson Pritchett: My dad, Andrew Jesky, Mark Atwood and Archie Stafford have had huge impacts on improving my flying and making it fun.
Jay Smith: What advice would you give other Youth members looking to get involved in competition? Greyson Pritchett: Learn the basics first, take your time, and make yourself confident in what you're doing. Don't be afraid to ask questions or ask for help.
I also think it's important to try new things. If you're scared, you're not prepared — just go for it. Don't get an airplane or helicopter for competition that you don't feel comfortable flying or don't like flying.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
