ff scale
www.ModelAviation.com March 2012 Model Aviation 109
rc aerobatics
Garage Makeover
With the best intentions of putting a finish on my Black Magic this winter, I got
hung up in late October. What the heck am I saying?
My building season began with helping my daughter build an airplane from a
short kit. After I got her going, I realized that if she is using the primary building
table, I needed somewhere else to work. No problem. I scabbed together a new
workbench—on casters, no less.
While cleaning up after the workbench build, I came to the conclusion that,
before the spray equipment came out, the whole workshop needed a makeover.
Cobwebs gave my garage workshop the feel of an old wine cellar.
Improvements began with new paint on the walls,
which lead to new storage ideas. Are you following so far?
One evening my lovely wife stated, “You spend so much
time out here in the garage—it should be living space.” Oh
my gosh, I love her. Green light for a man cave!
As of this early December writing, despite a few sparks
created by driving 3-inch screws through the house
wiring, progress is being made. Stay tuned for updates.
Back in the Box
I am delighted to present this month’s
Sportswoman of the Month: Jean
Greear. Chuck Hartmann originally
nominated Jean.
Later I found out that, in addition to
flying Pattern with her husband Mike,
Jean has a special flying buddy named
Tony Frackowiak.
If there was a Pattern Hall of Fame,
Tony would surely be in it. If there
was a Pattern Rookie of the Year,
Jean would surely be in contention.
Following is a brief biography of Tony’s
accomplishments and his interview of
his flying buddy, Jean.
“My father got me started building
flying models when I was 6 years old,
with Comet and Guillow’s rubberpowered
models. I then flew 1/
2A U/C
(U-Control) [CL] models in the park
next to my home.
“I moved up to .35-size U/C models
until 1971, when I built my first real
RC model. It was a Goldberg Falcon
56 controlled by a World Engines Blue
Max Mk II. The radio was a semi-kit,
which meant you had to do all the
mechanical assembly and the wiring.
“I entered my first Pattern contest in
1975, flying a Lanier Jester powered by
a K&B .61. I flew Sportsman in 1976,
placing third at the Nats. I moved to
Advanced in 1977, again placing third
at the Nats. I moved to what was then
Expert for the remainder of 1977, then
moved to Masters—what would now be
F3A—in 1978, placing eighth at the Nats.
“I made my First US World Team in
1983, competing that year in Pensacola,
Time to finish: For those who hibernate in their workshops during
long winters, March is the time to bear down and finish the winter
projects. Many a past building season found me sitting in front of
the TV instead of finishing the previous summer’s dream airplane project.
Spring is right around the corner, everybody—ARF, kit, or scratch—
make your dreams a reality! All it takes is committing to spending half
an hour in the workshop every day. Taking a day off is all right, but
the main idea is to get some kind of doable workshop routine in your
everyday life.
The end of building season
by Mike Riggs
[email protected]
PLUS:
> Garage makeover
> Sportswoman of
the Month
> Tony Frackowiac
In his workshop
makeover,
the author
incorporated
vinyl gutters as
storage bins for
dowels, carbon,
and sticks.
Getting to the field on his Harley Fat Boy is half
the fun for Allen Frank. The Wildcat is the author’s
favorite “scale” airplane.Florida. I just missed the finals that year,
but we won the Team Championship
for the US. I made five more US teams
after that, in 1985, 1987, 1989, 1993,
and in 1997.
“My last team trials was in 1999. I
was able to win the US Nationals in
F3A in 1987 and 1995. I’ve decided to
leave F3A to the younger, more driven
pilots, so now I’m currently flying in
the Masters class. I won the Nats in
Masters in 2009 and 2010 and placed
fourth in 2011.
“I enjoy flying Pattern models, but
over the years I’ve done just about
everything in aeromodeling. I started
with helicopters in 1972 with a
Du-Bro Whirlybird. I’ve been in and
out of helicopters over the years, but
now I fly them quite a bit.
“I’ve raced Quickies and the old
Formula I event. I’ve competed in
Scale contests and Sailplane events. I
have two CL models hanging on the
wall that I pull out from time to time.
I also have some Old-Timer, rubberpowered
FF models that I’ve built.
“The hobby has been very good to
me. In fact, it has been more than a
hobby for a long time. I worked for
World Engines from 1978 to 1983.
Because of my experience in the
hobby, I was employed as a UAV
[unmanned aerial vehicle] instructor
from 1987 to 1996. I trained Army,Navy, and Marine students how to fly
the Pioneer UAV.
“I moved to Lancaster, California,
in 1996 to work at the NASA Dryden
Flight Research Center designing,
building, and flying a wide variety of
research models.
“Over the years, I have had
connections with many of the major
RC manufacturers. I am now fortunate
to be a representative for Horizon
Hobbies, Neu Motors, and Brenner
Sharpe’s Contra-Drive.
“The change in the hobby from what
it was when I started, to its current state,
has been remarkable. I only look forward
to what will come in the future!”
Tony Interviews Jean Greear
“I’d like to introduce you to Jean
Greear. Jean, along with her husband,
Mike, are very active in Pattern flying
in NSRCA [National Society of Radio
Controlled Aerobatics] District
7. They began Pattern flying
at the end of 2006 and have
become mainstays at the Southern
California contests.
“At every meet where they can, Jean
and Mike bring their camper and hold
a Saturday night barbecue. They have
also become involved in scorekeeping.
Either they themselves do the job, or
they provide the equipment and use
their camper as the headquarters. They
both recently got their CD licenses
from the AMA and ran their first
contest in October 2011. Jean and
Mike improve the camaraderie at every
event they attend and have been a real
asset to this district.
“Jean and Mike first came out to the
field to learn how to fly in 2005. They
were enthusiastic and I was able to
teach both of them how to fly quickly.
It wasn’t long before they were building
models to start flying Pattern. It has been
very enjoyable for me to be able to help
them with their efforts.
“Jean won the Sportsman D7
Championships in 2010 and again in
2011. She will be making the jump to
Intermediate in 2012. I got together
with Jean at our home field, the
Antelope Valley Tailwinds in Lancaster,
California, to ask her a few questions.”
TF: When did you first start flying RC?
JG: I began in the late ’70s, flying gliders
with Mike and his father. I built my first
model then, a Goldberg Gentle Lady.
We got out of the hobby in 1984 when
raising a family, building a house, and
going to four-wheel-drive rallies took up
our time.
TF: What got you back into flying RC?
JG: I was line dancing with a friend
of mine, Terry Hemmis, when she
mentioned that she had started flying RC
models. We went out and watched a bit
and that got us both back into the hobby.
TF: What got you interested in Pattern
flying?
Sportswoman of the Month, Jean Greear, shows off her well-earned hardware.
Jean Greear shows her Pattern smile.JG: We went and watched a Pattern
contest at Prado in 2005. That got Mike
interested and he began to practice and
compete in 2006. I started entering
Pattern events in 2009.
TF: What is it about Pattern fl ying that
sparked your interest?
JG: Pattern is all about becoming a
better fl ier and I enjoy the challenge. I
also enjoy the camaraderie both while
practicing and attending the contests.
TF: You’ll be moving up to the Intermediate
class in 2012. Are you looking forward to it?
JG: Yes! It will be more work and
I’ll need to practice more, but I look
forward to the challenge.
TF: Can I ask what you do for a living?
JG: I am a school teacher who works
with problem children in the sixth,
seventh, and eighth grades.
TF: Now I see why you get along with us
Pattern fl iers!
rc aerobatics
Conclusion
Since I began fl ying Pattern two years
ago, I have witnessed and been a part of
many friendships such as Tony’s with
Jean and Mike. Flying Pattern is common
thread for bonds that last a lifetime. We
depend on each other so much as callers,
judges, and coaches that we cannot help
but become good friends.
I only get to see my Pattern friends
at contests. Frequently I fi nd myself
enjoying their company so much that I
forget to include casual spectators in our
conversations. After all, anybody who
is in this hobby likes to talk airplanes,
Pattern or otherwise!
Flight complete.
Edition: Model Aviation - 2012/03
Page Numbers: 109,110,111,112
Edition: Model Aviation - 2012/03
Page Numbers: 109,110,111,112
ff scale
www.ModelAviation.com March 2012 Model Aviation 109
rc aerobatics
Garage Makeover
With the best intentions of putting a finish on my Black Magic this winter, I got
hung up in late October. What the heck am I saying?
My building season began with helping my daughter build an airplane from a
short kit. After I got her going, I realized that if she is using the primary building
table, I needed somewhere else to work. No problem. I scabbed together a new
workbench—on casters, no less.
While cleaning up after the workbench build, I came to the conclusion that,
before the spray equipment came out, the whole workshop needed a makeover.
Cobwebs gave my garage workshop the feel of an old wine cellar.
Improvements began with new paint on the walls,
which lead to new storage ideas. Are you following so far?
One evening my lovely wife stated, “You spend so much
time out here in the garage—it should be living space.” Oh
my gosh, I love her. Green light for a man cave!
As of this early December writing, despite a few sparks
created by driving 3-inch screws through the house
wiring, progress is being made. Stay tuned for updates.
Back in the Box
I am delighted to present this month’s
Sportswoman of the Month: Jean
Greear. Chuck Hartmann originally
nominated Jean.
Later I found out that, in addition to
flying Pattern with her husband Mike,
Jean has a special flying buddy named
Tony Frackowiak.
If there was a Pattern Hall of Fame,
Tony would surely be in it. If there
was a Pattern Rookie of the Year,
Jean would surely be in contention.
Following is a brief biography of Tony’s
accomplishments and his interview of
his flying buddy, Jean.
“My father got me started building
flying models when I was 6 years old,
with Comet and Guillow’s rubberpowered
models. I then flew 1/
2A U/C
(U-Control) [CL] models in the park
next to my home.
“I moved up to .35-size U/C models
until 1971, when I built my first real
RC model. It was a Goldberg Falcon
56 controlled by a World Engines Blue
Max Mk II. The radio was a semi-kit,
which meant you had to do all the
mechanical assembly and the wiring.
“I entered my first Pattern contest in
1975, flying a Lanier Jester powered by
a K&B .61. I flew Sportsman in 1976,
placing third at the Nats. I moved to
Advanced in 1977, again placing third
at the Nats. I moved to what was then
Expert for the remainder of 1977, then
moved to Masters—what would now be
F3A—in 1978, placing eighth at the Nats.
“I made my First US World Team in
1983, competing that year in Pensacola,
Time to finish: For those who hibernate in their workshops during
long winters, March is the time to bear down and finish the winter
projects. Many a past building season found me sitting in front of
the TV instead of finishing the previous summer’s dream airplane project.
Spring is right around the corner, everybody—ARF, kit, or scratch—
make your dreams a reality! All it takes is committing to spending half
an hour in the workshop every day. Taking a day off is all right, but
the main idea is to get some kind of doable workshop routine in your
everyday life.
The end of building season
by Mike Riggs
[email protected]
PLUS:
> Garage makeover
> Sportswoman of
the Month
> Tony Frackowiac
In his workshop
makeover,
the author
incorporated
vinyl gutters as
storage bins for
dowels, carbon,
and sticks.
Getting to the field on his Harley Fat Boy is half
the fun for Allen Frank. The Wildcat is the author’s
favorite “scale” airplane.Florida. I just missed the finals that year,
but we won the Team Championship
for the US. I made five more US teams
after that, in 1985, 1987, 1989, 1993,
and in 1997.
“My last team trials was in 1999. I
was able to win the US Nationals in
F3A in 1987 and 1995. I’ve decided to
leave F3A to the younger, more driven
pilots, so now I’m currently flying in
the Masters class. I won the Nats in
Masters in 2009 and 2010 and placed
fourth in 2011.
“I enjoy flying Pattern models, but
over the years I’ve done just about
everything in aeromodeling. I started
with helicopters in 1972 with a
Du-Bro Whirlybird. I’ve been in and
out of helicopters over the years, but
now I fly them quite a bit.
“I’ve raced Quickies and the old
Formula I event. I’ve competed in
Scale contests and Sailplane events. I
have two CL models hanging on the
wall that I pull out from time to time.
I also have some Old-Timer, rubberpowered
FF models that I’ve built.
“The hobby has been very good to
me. In fact, it has been more than a
hobby for a long time. I worked for
World Engines from 1978 to 1983.
Because of my experience in the
hobby, I was employed as a UAV
[unmanned aerial vehicle] instructor
from 1987 to 1996. I trained Army,Navy, and Marine students how to fly
the Pioneer UAV.
“I moved to Lancaster, California,
in 1996 to work at the NASA Dryden
Flight Research Center designing,
building, and flying a wide variety of
research models.
“Over the years, I have had
connections with many of the major
RC manufacturers. I am now fortunate
to be a representative for Horizon
Hobbies, Neu Motors, and Brenner
Sharpe’s Contra-Drive.
“The change in the hobby from what
it was when I started, to its current state,
has been remarkable. I only look forward
to what will come in the future!”
Tony Interviews Jean Greear
“I’d like to introduce you to Jean
Greear. Jean, along with her husband,
Mike, are very active in Pattern flying
in NSRCA [National Society of Radio
Controlled Aerobatics] District
7. They began Pattern flying
at the end of 2006 and have
become mainstays at the Southern
California contests.
“At every meet where they can, Jean
and Mike bring their camper and hold
a Saturday night barbecue. They have
also become involved in scorekeeping.
Either they themselves do the job, or
they provide the equipment and use
their camper as the headquarters. They
both recently got their CD licenses
from the AMA and ran their first
contest in October 2011. Jean and
Mike improve the camaraderie at every
event they attend and have been a real
asset to this district.
“Jean and Mike first came out to the
field to learn how to fly in 2005. They
were enthusiastic and I was able to
teach both of them how to fly quickly.
It wasn’t long before they were building
models to start flying Pattern. It has been
very enjoyable for me to be able to help
them with their efforts.
“Jean won the Sportsman D7
Championships in 2010 and again in
2011. She will be making the jump to
Intermediate in 2012. I got together
with Jean at our home field, the
Antelope Valley Tailwinds in Lancaster,
California, to ask her a few questions.”
TF: When did you first start flying RC?
JG: I began in the late ’70s, flying gliders
with Mike and his father. I built my first
model then, a Goldberg Gentle Lady.
We got out of the hobby in 1984 when
raising a family, building a house, and
going to four-wheel-drive rallies took up
our time.
TF: What got you back into flying RC?
JG: I was line dancing with a friend
of mine, Terry Hemmis, when she
mentioned that she had started flying RC
models. We went out and watched a bit
and that got us both back into the hobby.
TF: What got you interested in Pattern
flying?
Sportswoman of the Month, Jean Greear, shows off her well-earned hardware.
Jean Greear shows her Pattern smile.JG: We went and watched a Pattern
contest at Prado in 2005. That got Mike
interested and he began to practice and
compete in 2006. I started entering
Pattern events in 2009.
TF: What is it about Pattern fl ying that
sparked your interest?
JG: Pattern is all about becoming a
better fl ier and I enjoy the challenge. I
also enjoy the camaraderie both while
practicing and attending the contests.
TF: You’ll be moving up to the Intermediate
class in 2012. Are you looking forward to it?
JG: Yes! It will be more work and
I’ll need to practice more, but I look
forward to the challenge.
TF: Can I ask what you do for a living?
JG: I am a school teacher who works
with problem children in the sixth,
seventh, and eighth grades.
TF: Now I see why you get along with us
Pattern fl iers!
rc aerobatics
Conclusion
Since I began fl ying Pattern two years
ago, I have witnessed and been a part of
many friendships such as Tony’s with
Jean and Mike. Flying Pattern is common
thread for bonds that last a lifetime. We
depend on each other so much as callers,
judges, and coaches that we cannot help
but become good friends.
I only get to see my Pattern friends
at contests. Frequently I fi nd myself
enjoying their company so much that I
forget to include casual spectators in our
conversations. After all, anybody who
is in this hobby likes to talk airplanes,
Pattern or otherwise!
Flight complete.
Edition: Model Aviation - 2012/03
Page Numbers: 109,110,111,112
ff scale
www.ModelAviation.com March 2012 Model Aviation 109
rc aerobatics
Garage Makeover
With the best intentions of putting a finish on my Black Magic this winter, I got
hung up in late October. What the heck am I saying?
My building season began with helping my daughter build an airplane from a
short kit. After I got her going, I realized that if she is using the primary building
table, I needed somewhere else to work. No problem. I scabbed together a new
workbench—on casters, no less.
While cleaning up after the workbench build, I came to the conclusion that,
before the spray equipment came out, the whole workshop needed a makeover.
Cobwebs gave my garage workshop the feel of an old wine cellar.
Improvements began with new paint on the walls,
which lead to new storage ideas. Are you following so far?
One evening my lovely wife stated, “You spend so much
time out here in the garage—it should be living space.” Oh
my gosh, I love her. Green light for a man cave!
As of this early December writing, despite a few sparks
created by driving 3-inch screws through the house
wiring, progress is being made. Stay tuned for updates.
Back in the Box
I am delighted to present this month’s
Sportswoman of the Month: Jean
Greear. Chuck Hartmann originally
nominated Jean.
Later I found out that, in addition to
flying Pattern with her husband Mike,
Jean has a special flying buddy named
Tony Frackowiak.
If there was a Pattern Hall of Fame,
Tony would surely be in it. If there
was a Pattern Rookie of the Year,
Jean would surely be in contention.
Following is a brief biography of Tony’s
accomplishments and his interview of
his flying buddy, Jean.
“My father got me started building
flying models when I was 6 years old,
with Comet and Guillow’s rubberpowered
models. I then flew 1/
2A U/C
(U-Control) [CL] models in the park
next to my home.
“I moved up to .35-size U/C models
until 1971, when I built my first real
RC model. It was a Goldberg Falcon
56 controlled by a World Engines Blue
Max Mk II. The radio was a semi-kit,
which meant you had to do all the
mechanical assembly and the wiring.
“I entered my first Pattern contest in
1975, flying a Lanier Jester powered by
a K&B .61. I flew Sportsman in 1976,
placing third at the Nats. I moved to
Advanced in 1977, again placing third
at the Nats. I moved to what was then
Expert for the remainder of 1977, then
moved to Masters—what would now be
F3A—in 1978, placing eighth at the Nats.
“I made my First US World Team in
1983, competing that year in Pensacola,
Time to finish: For those who hibernate in their workshops during
long winters, March is the time to bear down and finish the winter
projects. Many a past building season found me sitting in front of
the TV instead of finishing the previous summer’s dream airplane project.
Spring is right around the corner, everybody—ARF, kit, or scratch—
make your dreams a reality! All it takes is committing to spending half
an hour in the workshop every day. Taking a day off is all right, but
the main idea is to get some kind of doable workshop routine in your
everyday life.
The end of building season
by Mike Riggs
[email protected]
PLUS:
> Garage makeover
> Sportswoman of
the Month
> Tony Frackowiac
In his workshop
makeover,
the author
incorporated
vinyl gutters as
storage bins for
dowels, carbon,
and sticks.
Getting to the field on his Harley Fat Boy is half
the fun for Allen Frank. The Wildcat is the author’s
favorite “scale” airplane.Florida. I just missed the finals that year,
but we won the Team Championship
for the US. I made five more US teams
after that, in 1985, 1987, 1989, 1993,
and in 1997.
“My last team trials was in 1999. I
was able to win the US Nationals in
F3A in 1987 and 1995. I’ve decided to
leave F3A to the younger, more driven
pilots, so now I’m currently flying in
the Masters class. I won the Nats in
Masters in 2009 and 2010 and placed
fourth in 2011.
“I enjoy flying Pattern models, but
over the years I’ve done just about
everything in aeromodeling. I started
with helicopters in 1972 with a
Du-Bro Whirlybird. I’ve been in and
out of helicopters over the years, but
now I fly them quite a bit.
“I’ve raced Quickies and the old
Formula I event. I’ve competed in
Scale contests and Sailplane events. I
have two CL models hanging on the
wall that I pull out from time to time.
I also have some Old-Timer, rubberpowered
FF models that I’ve built.
“The hobby has been very good to
me. In fact, it has been more than a
hobby for a long time. I worked for
World Engines from 1978 to 1983.
Because of my experience in the
hobby, I was employed as a UAV
[unmanned aerial vehicle] instructor
from 1987 to 1996. I trained Army,Navy, and Marine students how to fly
the Pioneer UAV.
“I moved to Lancaster, California,
in 1996 to work at the NASA Dryden
Flight Research Center designing,
building, and flying a wide variety of
research models.
“Over the years, I have had
connections with many of the major
RC manufacturers. I am now fortunate
to be a representative for Horizon
Hobbies, Neu Motors, and Brenner
Sharpe’s Contra-Drive.
“The change in the hobby from what
it was when I started, to its current state,
has been remarkable. I only look forward
to what will come in the future!”
Tony Interviews Jean Greear
“I’d like to introduce you to Jean
Greear. Jean, along with her husband,
Mike, are very active in Pattern flying
in NSRCA [National Society of Radio
Controlled Aerobatics] District
7. They began Pattern flying
at the end of 2006 and have
become mainstays at the Southern
California contests.
“At every meet where they can, Jean
and Mike bring their camper and hold
a Saturday night barbecue. They have
also become involved in scorekeeping.
Either they themselves do the job, or
they provide the equipment and use
their camper as the headquarters. They
both recently got their CD licenses
from the AMA and ran their first
contest in October 2011. Jean and
Mike improve the camaraderie at every
event they attend and have been a real
asset to this district.
“Jean and Mike first came out to the
field to learn how to fly in 2005. They
were enthusiastic and I was able to
teach both of them how to fly quickly.
It wasn’t long before they were building
models to start flying Pattern. It has been
very enjoyable for me to be able to help
them with their efforts.
“Jean won the Sportsman D7
Championships in 2010 and again in
2011. She will be making the jump to
Intermediate in 2012. I got together
with Jean at our home field, the
Antelope Valley Tailwinds in Lancaster,
California, to ask her a few questions.”
TF: When did you first start flying RC?
JG: I began in the late ’70s, flying gliders
with Mike and his father. I built my first
model then, a Goldberg Gentle Lady.
We got out of the hobby in 1984 when
raising a family, building a house, and
going to four-wheel-drive rallies took up
our time.
TF: What got you back into flying RC?
JG: I was line dancing with a friend
of mine, Terry Hemmis, when she
mentioned that she had started flying RC
models. We went out and watched a bit
and that got us both back into the hobby.
TF: What got you interested in Pattern
flying?
Sportswoman of the Month, Jean Greear, shows off her well-earned hardware.
Jean Greear shows her Pattern smile.JG: We went and watched a Pattern
contest at Prado in 2005. That got Mike
interested and he began to practice and
compete in 2006. I started entering
Pattern events in 2009.
TF: What is it about Pattern fl ying that
sparked your interest?
JG: Pattern is all about becoming a
better fl ier and I enjoy the challenge. I
also enjoy the camaraderie both while
practicing and attending the contests.
TF: You’ll be moving up to the Intermediate
class in 2012. Are you looking forward to it?
JG: Yes! It will be more work and
I’ll need to practice more, but I look
forward to the challenge.
TF: Can I ask what you do for a living?
JG: I am a school teacher who works
with problem children in the sixth,
seventh, and eighth grades.
TF: Now I see why you get along with us
Pattern fl iers!
rc aerobatics
Conclusion
Since I began fl ying Pattern two years
ago, I have witnessed and been a part of
many friendships such as Tony’s with
Jean and Mike. Flying Pattern is common
thread for bonds that last a lifetime. We
depend on each other so much as callers,
judges, and coaches that we cannot help
but become good friends.
I only get to see my Pattern friends
at contests. Frequently I fi nd myself
enjoying their company so much that I
forget to include casual spectators in our
conversations. After all, anybody who
is in this hobby likes to talk airplanes,
Pattern or otherwise!
Flight complete.
Edition: Model Aviation - 2012/03
Page Numbers: 109,110,111,112
ff scale
www.ModelAviation.com March 2012 Model Aviation 109
rc aerobatics
Garage Makeover
With the best intentions of putting a finish on my Black Magic this winter, I got
hung up in late October. What the heck am I saying?
My building season began with helping my daughter build an airplane from a
short kit. After I got her going, I realized that if she is using the primary building
table, I needed somewhere else to work. No problem. I scabbed together a new
workbench—on casters, no less.
While cleaning up after the workbench build, I came to the conclusion that,
before the spray equipment came out, the whole workshop needed a makeover.
Cobwebs gave my garage workshop the feel of an old wine cellar.
Improvements began with new paint on the walls,
which lead to new storage ideas. Are you following so far?
One evening my lovely wife stated, “You spend so much
time out here in the garage—it should be living space.” Oh
my gosh, I love her. Green light for a man cave!
As of this early December writing, despite a few sparks
created by driving 3-inch screws through the house
wiring, progress is being made. Stay tuned for updates.
Back in the Box
I am delighted to present this month’s
Sportswoman of the Month: Jean
Greear. Chuck Hartmann originally
nominated Jean.
Later I found out that, in addition to
flying Pattern with her husband Mike,
Jean has a special flying buddy named
Tony Frackowiak.
If there was a Pattern Hall of Fame,
Tony would surely be in it. If there
was a Pattern Rookie of the Year,
Jean would surely be in contention.
Following is a brief biography of Tony’s
accomplishments and his interview of
his flying buddy, Jean.
“My father got me started building
flying models when I was 6 years old,
with Comet and Guillow’s rubberpowered
models. I then flew 1/
2A U/C
(U-Control) [CL] models in the park
next to my home.
“I moved up to .35-size U/C models
until 1971, when I built my first real
RC model. It was a Goldberg Falcon
56 controlled by a World Engines Blue
Max Mk II. The radio was a semi-kit,
which meant you had to do all the
mechanical assembly and the wiring.
“I entered my first Pattern contest in
1975, flying a Lanier Jester powered by
a K&B .61. I flew Sportsman in 1976,
placing third at the Nats. I moved to
Advanced in 1977, again placing third
at the Nats. I moved to what was then
Expert for the remainder of 1977, then
moved to Masters—what would now be
F3A—in 1978, placing eighth at the Nats.
“I made my First US World Team in
1983, competing that year in Pensacola,
Time to finish: For those who hibernate in their workshops during
long winters, March is the time to bear down and finish the winter
projects. Many a past building season found me sitting in front of
the TV instead of finishing the previous summer’s dream airplane project.
Spring is right around the corner, everybody—ARF, kit, or scratch—
make your dreams a reality! All it takes is committing to spending half
an hour in the workshop every day. Taking a day off is all right, but
the main idea is to get some kind of doable workshop routine in your
everyday life.
The end of building season
by Mike Riggs
[email protected]
PLUS:
> Garage makeover
> Sportswoman of
the Month
> Tony Frackowiac
In his workshop
makeover,
the author
incorporated
vinyl gutters as
storage bins for
dowels, carbon,
and sticks.
Getting to the field on his Harley Fat Boy is half
the fun for Allen Frank. The Wildcat is the author’s
favorite “scale” airplane.Florida. I just missed the finals that year,
but we won the Team Championship
for the US. I made five more US teams
after that, in 1985, 1987, 1989, 1993,
and in 1997.
“My last team trials was in 1999. I
was able to win the US Nationals in
F3A in 1987 and 1995. I’ve decided to
leave F3A to the younger, more driven
pilots, so now I’m currently flying in
the Masters class. I won the Nats in
Masters in 2009 and 2010 and placed
fourth in 2011.
“I enjoy flying Pattern models, but
over the years I’ve done just about
everything in aeromodeling. I started
with helicopters in 1972 with a
Du-Bro Whirlybird. I’ve been in and
out of helicopters over the years, but
now I fly them quite a bit.
“I’ve raced Quickies and the old
Formula I event. I’ve competed in
Scale contests and Sailplane events. I
have two CL models hanging on the
wall that I pull out from time to time.
I also have some Old-Timer, rubberpowered
FF models that I’ve built.
“The hobby has been very good to
me. In fact, it has been more than a
hobby for a long time. I worked for
World Engines from 1978 to 1983.
Because of my experience in the
hobby, I was employed as a UAV
[unmanned aerial vehicle] instructor
from 1987 to 1996. I trained Army,Navy, and Marine students how to fly
the Pioneer UAV.
“I moved to Lancaster, California,
in 1996 to work at the NASA Dryden
Flight Research Center designing,
building, and flying a wide variety of
research models.
“Over the years, I have had
connections with many of the major
RC manufacturers. I am now fortunate
to be a representative for Horizon
Hobbies, Neu Motors, and Brenner
Sharpe’s Contra-Drive.
“The change in the hobby from what
it was when I started, to its current state,
has been remarkable. I only look forward
to what will come in the future!”
Tony Interviews Jean Greear
“I’d like to introduce you to Jean
Greear. Jean, along with her husband,
Mike, are very active in Pattern flying
in NSRCA [National Society of Radio
Controlled Aerobatics] District
7. They began Pattern flying
at the end of 2006 and have
become mainstays at the Southern
California contests.
“At every meet where they can, Jean
and Mike bring their camper and hold
a Saturday night barbecue. They have
also become involved in scorekeeping.
Either they themselves do the job, or
they provide the equipment and use
their camper as the headquarters. They
both recently got their CD licenses
from the AMA and ran their first
contest in October 2011. Jean and
Mike improve the camaraderie at every
event they attend and have been a real
asset to this district.
“Jean and Mike first came out to the
field to learn how to fly in 2005. They
were enthusiastic and I was able to
teach both of them how to fly quickly.
It wasn’t long before they were building
models to start flying Pattern. It has been
very enjoyable for me to be able to help
them with their efforts.
“Jean won the Sportsman D7
Championships in 2010 and again in
2011. She will be making the jump to
Intermediate in 2012. I got together
with Jean at our home field, the
Antelope Valley Tailwinds in Lancaster,
California, to ask her a few questions.”
TF: When did you first start flying RC?
JG: I began in the late ’70s, flying gliders
with Mike and his father. I built my first
model then, a Goldberg Gentle Lady.
We got out of the hobby in 1984 when
raising a family, building a house, and
going to four-wheel-drive rallies took up
our time.
TF: What got you back into flying RC?
JG: I was line dancing with a friend
of mine, Terry Hemmis, when she
mentioned that she had started flying RC
models. We went out and watched a bit
and that got us both back into the hobby.
TF: What got you interested in Pattern
flying?
Sportswoman of the Month, Jean Greear, shows off her well-earned hardware.
Jean Greear shows her Pattern smile.JG: We went and watched a Pattern
contest at Prado in 2005. That got Mike
interested and he began to practice and
compete in 2006. I started entering
Pattern events in 2009.
TF: What is it about Pattern fl ying that
sparked your interest?
JG: Pattern is all about becoming a
better fl ier and I enjoy the challenge. I
also enjoy the camaraderie both while
practicing and attending the contests.
TF: You’ll be moving up to the Intermediate
class in 2012. Are you looking forward to it?
JG: Yes! It will be more work and
I’ll need to practice more, but I look
forward to the challenge.
TF: Can I ask what you do for a living?
JG: I am a school teacher who works
with problem children in the sixth,
seventh, and eighth grades.
TF: Now I see why you get along with us
Pattern fl iers!
rc aerobatics
Conclusion
Since I began fl ying Pattern two years
ago, I have witnessed and been a part of
many friendships such as Tony’s with
Jean and Mike. Flying Pattern is common
thread for bonds that last a lifetime. We
depend on each other so much as callers,
judges, and coaches that we cannot help
but become good friends.
I only get to see my Pattern friends
at contests. Frequently I fi nd myself
enjoying their company so much that I
forget to include casual spectators in our
conversations. After all, anybody who
is in this hobby likes to talk airplanes,
Pattern or otherwise!
Flight complete.
