Steve Aldridge

IN REFERENCE TO [Bob Underwood's column] in January 1998 Model Aviation, I have some comments which I feel address the changing state of aeromodeling in the US. First, my background. I started modeling at the tender young age of 11. At that time, Control Line and Free Flight flying were the main activities. RC [Radio Control] was relatively new and very expensive. Competition was the apparent reason to be involved in the hobby. (Of course, not everyone did compete.) The AMA fostered competition. The military, especially the Navy, encouraged the entire activity of aeromodeling. Their reason was clear; they were cultivating a source of manpower for military aviation.