Profile: Brad Lang

Brad Lang U Jim Naught Brad flies 1992 Pitts S-2B Bumblebee aerobatic competition Photo Jim Koepnick / Bumblebees arent supposed able fly has flown Pattern models commercial airliners full-scale aerobatic aircraft Brad Lang aka Bumblebee after paint scheme full-scale Pins S-2B has covered quite bit aircraft spectrum 40-year-old Lang First Officer Delta Air Lines based southern California has qualified full-scale Advanced World Aerobatics Championships held Mnichovo Hradiste Czech Republic has flown Radio Control modelsprimarily Aerobaticsfor 20 years felt unusual trifecta aircraft accomplishment would interest readers Brad took time out busy practice schedule following interview Q What got started modeling Dad Donald W Lang Sr Tuskegee Airmen used go airport Newark watch full-scale aircraft fly way home day 1973 saw RC model being flown stopped watch So first exposure RC models seeing Jersey Jim Martin flying Pattern model Soon got first radioa Kraft single-stickand bought S-Ray Enya 19 still have Two years later graduated 60-powered Super Kaos Novice Pattern Q Did Dad fly models too full-scale experience Dad thought would easy fly models Photos author Grapht Design Carla Kunz October 1999 21 No matter type Brad has fascination airplanes has taken up model Slope Soaring tor relaxation found out difficult himworking two jobs time limited eventually left modeting up Q some early modeling influences point early knew needed some help joined Central Jersey RC Club Steve West really took time explain things knew Dave Brown premier Pattern flier met him first time Purdue flying Sig Komet Pattern contest Kokomo Indiana saw Dave Lewis doing 8-point rolls thought lot airmanship Dave Patton early Pattern heroes able fly such discipline precision pleasure watch Q What led Pattern competition like precisionthe precise maneuversand felt would most-challenging part modeling felt would flying aircraft rather other way around Pattern felt challenging myself flying beat others just myself Q still use single-stick transmitters unusual days Its learned fly what Im comfortable saw guys like Rhett Miller 1 970s Pattern champion win 22 Model Aviation s 1992 Pitts S-2B based Van Nuys CA Airport An area few miles north airport available aerobatics practice Preflighting Pattern aircraft Single-stick radio still preference An important part preparation before aerobatic flight involves mentally flying aircraft Early RC days Super Kaos Enya 60 Kraft seven-channel single-stick radio Q You fly models Pitts commercial aircraft aircraft types compare principles flight same physically understanding whats happening vehicle important regardless type big difference though youre ground flying model no C-forces affecting Thats big problem overcome train running speed skating other activities work way building up C-tolerance doing lesscomplicated maneuvers after Ive layoff takes about month build up theres mental component too Am feeling prepared mentally withstand Cs most-important most-difficult part Q Describe thefull-scaleflight scoring 40% Known sequence given pilots previous year 40% Freestyle difficulty maneuvers must add up minimum maximum number maneuvers can flown 20% Unknown sequence never seen before being flown Its like 3-D chess match five flights Known Freestyle three Unknowns Q How prepare Unknownor can Its little like improvisation music hope dont hit wrong note Q What makes best pilots stand out personality like pop right off line accelerate vertical quickly try make everything crispwith sharpness flying highly accurate will appeal judges see crispness makes style successful Q Does flying models help visualize successful full-scale maneuvers Yes Hammerhead Loop Rolls 450 angles flying Pattern Dallas worked spotter always cntiquing other full-scale use coach recently began using videotapeit helps verify what coach saying about flying October 1999 25 Q Whats future fur aerobatic try add own styleyour own career HOT WIRE CUTTING TABLE ultimate foam cuUing tool hobbyists model makers unique hot wire cutting table allows user create professional looking models other works art no time Cuts types rigid semi-rigid cushion foam materials tensioned ultra fine cutting wire glides smoothly thru foam like magic creating precise clean cuts never before obtainable adjustable heat probe can regulate wire temperature sult type foam using arm tilts accurate straight compound angle cutting Tough ultra fine cutting wire Adjustable heat control * Tilting bow arm * Smooth surface heavy duty table base * 12 volt step down transformer Insulated steel bow frame Completely assembled ready operate Introductory Price $ 9999Product Catalog $ 500 VISA MASTER CARD & DISCOVER ACCEPTED ADD $ 500 SHIPPING IN USA IL RESIDENT ADD WING MFG 306 E SIMMONS GALESBURG IL 61401CALL 309-342-3009FAX 309-342-3014 Visit us http// wwwwingmfgcom OURLITY E U $39500 Deluxe Kit Features piece Fiberglass Fuselage integral Vertical Fin Scale Panel Lines Large Interform Recess Molded Fiberglass Access Hatch Fiberglass Inlet Split Type Exhaust Ducts Wing Gear Pods Canopy Frame Pre-cut Cockpit Floor Refueling Probe Antennas etc Formers Bulkheads Precut Sanded Ready Install Balsa Presheeted Foam Core Wings Stabilizers LE Installed Landing Gear Blocks Installed Wings Wheel Well Aileron Servo Openings Routed Wings Vacuum Formed Clear Canopy YELLOW AIRCRAFT INTER NAT HO N AL F-laSR-fl F-16C 1F4EF14STARFIREIII Excellence EngIneering ISend $4 00 wit hin USA $10 00 IQuality Manufacturing world Product Info Pack 203 Mass Ave Lexington MA 02420 Tel 781 674-9898 Fax 781 674-2288 Prico sublect change prior notice shipping handling extra First want successful Advanced Brads first year team Id like challenge making Unlimited team Q How long will continue fly competition As long can keep freshness look guys like Clint McHenry won full-scale Nationals Ed Hurt whos oldest Pattern fliers around yet still has vitality Hying fascinating meall forms flying Theres something beautiful about simply uniquebeing aircraft above ground Q You have seconday interest warbirds What appeal like T-6s Mustangs because Tuskegee Airmen see sidebar checked out T-6 Texas Id like own part-own someday theres nothing quite dynamic big radial aircraft can used good educational tools too Q How important flying activity father have shared helped give sense direction added relationship another way cement bond between parent child Q Any advice current future pilots Have picture mind think can Use visual imagerymake picture mind want number Unlimited pilots use maneuvers perfected Hanno Prettner [former Pattern World Champion] others Modelers can learn lot attending fullscale eventsit can give new ideas * information United States Aerobatic Teams check United States Aerohatic Foundation Web site www usaf-aerobaticsorg 4-4Uxl/2 socket caps sell S435/100 alloy steel S665/100 stainless Si 50/50 aluminum fair prices sensible quantities fas teners need model building call write fax free catalog Micro Fasteners800-892-6917 110 Hillcrest Road908-806-4050 Flemington NJ 08822fax 908-188-2607 emsil microf@ltlsstnetInternet hftp//microfettenersxom 26 Model Aviation ect blending quality value model popular ducted fan jets short split type inlet rounded intake lip optimize airflow efficiency also allows fuel tank placed optimally fuselage deluxe kit features higher degree pre-fabrication kits costing hundreds dollars more

Brad Lang U Jim Naught Brad flies 1992 Pitts S-2B Bumblebee aerobatic competition Photo Jim Koepnick / Bumblebees arent supposed able fly has flown Pattern models commercial airliners full-scale aerobatic aircraft Brad Lang aka Bumblebee after paint scheme full-scale Pins S-2B has covered quite bit aircraft spectrum 40-year-old Lang First Officer Delta Air Lines based southern California has qualified full-scale Advanced World Aerobatics Championships held Mnichovo Hradiste Czech Republic has flown Radio Control modelsprimarily Aerobaticsfor 20 years felt unusual trifecta aircraft accomplishment would interest readers Brad took time out busy practice schedule following interview Q What got started modeling Dad Donald W Lang Sr Tuskegee Airmen used go airport Newark watch full-scale aircraft fly way home day 1973 saw RC model being flown stopped watch So first exposure RC models seeing Jersey Jim Martin flying Pattern model Soon got first radioa Kraft single-stickand bought S-Ray Enya 19 still have Two years later graduated 60-powered Super Kaos Novice Pattern Q Did Dad fly models too full-scale experience Dad thought would easy fly models Photos author Grapht Design Carla Kunz October 1999 21 No matter type Brad has fascination airplanes has taken up model Slope Soaring tor relaxation found out difficult himworking two jobs time limited eventually left modeting up Q some early modeling influences point early knew needed some help joined Central Jersey RC Club Steve West really took time explain things knew Dave Brown premier Pattern flier met him first time Purdue flying Sig Komet Pattern contest Kokomo Indiana saw Dave Lewis doing 8-point rolls thought lot airmanship Dave Patton early Pattern heroes able fly such discipline precision pleasure watch Q What led Pattern competition like precisionthe precise maneuversand felt would most-challenging part modeling felt would flying aircraft rather other way around Pattern felt challenging myself flying beat others just myself Q still use single-stick transmitters unusual days Its learned fly what Im comfortable saw guys like Rhett Miller 1 970s Pattern champion win 22 Model Aviation s 1992 Pitts S-2B based Van Nuys CA Airport An area few miles north airport available aerobatics practice Preflighting Pattern aircraft Single-stick radio still preference An important part preparation before aerobatic flight involves mentally flying aircraft Early RC days Super Kaos Enya 60 Kraft seven-channel single-stick radio Q You fly models Pitts commercial aircraft aircraft types compare principles flight same physically understanding whats happening vehicle important regardless type big difference though youre ground flying model no C-forces affecting Thats big problem overcome train running speed skating other activities work way building up C-tolerance doing lesscomplicated maneuvers after Ive layoff takes about month build up theres mental component too Am feeling prepared mentally withstand Cs most-important most-difficult part Q Describe thefull-scaleflight scoring 40% Known sequence given pilots previous year 40% Freestyle difficulty maneuvers must add up minimum maximum number maneuvers can flown 20% Unknown sequence never seen before being flown Its like 3-D chess match five flights Known Freestyle three Unknowns Q How prepare Unknownor can Its little like improvisation music hope dont hit wrong note Q What makes best pilots stand out personality like pop right off line accelerate vertical quickly try make everything crispwith sharpness flying highly accurate will appeal judges see crispness makes style successful Q Does flying models help visualize successful full-scale maneuvers Yes Hammerhead Loop Rolls 450 angles flying Pattern Dallas worked spotter always cntiquing other full-scale use coach recently began using videotapeit helps verify what coach saying about flying October 1999 25 Q Whats future fur aerobatic try add own styleyour own career HOT WIRE CUTTING TABLE ultimate foam cuUing tool hobbyists model makers unique hot wire cutting table allows user create professional looking models other works art no time Cuts types rigid semi-rigid cushion foam materials tensioned ultra fine cutting wire glides smoothly thru foam like magic creating precise clean cuts never before obtainable adjustable heat probe can regulate wire temperature sult type foam using arm tilts accurate straight compound angle cutting Tough ultra fine cutting wire Adjustable heat control * Tilting bow arm * Smooth surface heavy duty table base * 12 volt step down transformer Insulated steel bow frame Completely assembled ready operate Introductory Price $ 9999Product Catalog $ 500 VISA MASTER CARD & DISCOVER ACCEPTED ADD $ 500 SHIPPING IN USA IL RESIDENT ADD WING MFG 306 E SIMMONS GALESBURG IL 61401CALL 309-342-3009FAX 309-342-3014 Visit us http// wwwwingmfgcom OURLITY E U $39500 Deluxe Kit Features piece Fiberglass Fuselage integral Vertical Fin Scale Panel Lines Large Interform Recess Molded Fiberglass Access Hatch Fiberglass Inlet Split Type Exhaust Ducts Wing Gear Pods Canopy Frame Pre-cut Cockpit Floor Refueling Probe Antennas etc Formers Bulkheads Precut Sanded Ready Install Balsa Presheeted Foam Core Wings Stabilizers LE Installed Landing Gear Blocks Installed Wings Wheel Well Aileron Servo Openings Routed Wings Vacuum Formed Clear Canopy YELLOW AIRCRAFT INTER NAT HO N AL F-laSR-fl F-16C 1F4EF14STARFIREIII Excellence EngIneering ISend $4 00 wit hin USA $10 00 IQuality Manufacturing world Product Info Pack 203 Mass Ave Lexington MA 02420 Tel 781 674-9898 Fax 781 674-2288 Prico sublect change prior notice shipping handling extra First want successful Advanced Brads first year team Id like challenge making Unlimited team Q How long will continue fly competition As long can keep freshness look guys like Clint McHenry won full-scale Nationals Ed Hurt whos oldest Pattern fliers around yet still has vitality Hying fascinating meall forms flying Theres something beautiful about simply uniquebeing aircraft above ground Q You have seconday interest warbirds What appeal like T-6s Mustangs because Tuskegee Airmen see sidebar checked out T-6 Texas Id like own part-own someday theres nothing quite dynamic big radial aircraft can used good educational tools too Q How important flying activity father have shared helped give sense direction added relationship another way cement bond between parent child Q Any advice current future pilots Have picture mind think can Use visual imagerymake picture mind want number Unlimited pilots use maneuvers perfected Hanno Prettner [former Pattern World Champion] others Modelers can learn lot attending fullscale eventsit can give new ideas * information United States Aerobatic Teams check United States Aerohatic Foundation Web site www usaf-aerobaticsorg 4-4Uxl/2 socket caps sell S435/100 alloy steel S665/100 stainless Si 50/50 aluminum fair prices sensible quantities fas teners need model building call write fax free catalog Micro Fasteners800-892-6917 110 Hillcrest Road908-806-4050 Flemington NJ 08822fax 908-188-2607 emsil microf@ltlsstnetInternet hftp//microfettenersxom 26 Model Aviation ect blending quality value model popular ducted fan jets short split type inlet rounded intake lip optimize airflow efficiency also allows fuel tank placed optimally fuselage deluxe kit features higher degree pre-fabrication kits costing hundreds dollars more