Miracle in South Austin
Unfortunately, progress being what it is, the Aeromodelers lost their field to highway construction and were forced into a small, rather uphill field. On January 8, 1993 the Hill Country club was informed that the field they were leasing would be sold, and they would have to evacuate. A request to lease month-to-month was denied. A search was initiated to find a new location. Neither club could afford to buy land. Things looked pretty bleak; the only other club with a good location was north of town, and they could hardly absorb 100 new members.
What Handicap?
During the formal opening of the Hill Country (TX) Aeromodeler's new flying field, two men approached Monte Dove, the club's chief instructor pilot. One of the men handed Monte a note: "We are interested in joining your club. Do you fly control line here?" Monte started to explain that this was an RC flying club only, and was well into his explanation when he was handed another note: "We both can neither speak or hear. Will you explain by return note?" Momentarily perplexed, Monte reached for the pad, and penciled his reply. He told them that there were no plans for a CL circle at this time; he then asked if they might be interested in learning to fly RC. As this unusual dialog continued, Monte discovered that both were longtime modelers, and yes, they were interested. The club had some trainers with buddy-box transmitters on hand that day, and demonstration flights were offered to spectators. Both men were offered demonstration flights, flew an RC aircraft for the first time, and were hooked at once.
