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Member Spotlight: Randy Ryan |
I was born in April 1950, when the Golden Age of Aircraft was beginning to wind down. My father was (and is) a modeler and it took me instantly according to my late mother. I can’t remember not building model airplanes. I have flown all 3 disciplines, but Free Flight is my first love with CL Stunt bringing up a close second. I learned to fly CL on my father’s shoulders at the age of 5 with a Walker Firebaby and an Anderson Spitzy. Years later my Dad presented me with that engine and it’s prized in my collection. I flew my first Free Flight in competition at around 12 and experienced my first flyaway the next year, I was hooked. In between the Firebaby and the Free Flight, a Carl Goldberg Blazer, Dad taught me to fly rudder only RC at the age of about 8. Imagine the thrill of a boy so young at the controls of his Dad’s 6’ Paramount Commander, a converted cabin Free Flight model. Free Flight took control though I flew stunt up into the late 60’s then specialized as a Free Flight “purest” until about 2000. I was very competitive and even managed to with Wakefield at the 1990 Nats, my first Wakefield contest ever. I dropped Wake when CIAM dropped the BOM. Over the years I developed an interest in old model engines and began collecting and restoring them. One thing led to another and I started building engines of my own. I plan to power a model with one of them in the upcoming SAM Champs. I became a CD and have run some local record trials, small meets, then on to the 2001 FF Nats. I am now in preparation to manage the 2006 SAM Champs. I need to mention also that I am a recovering alcoholic, sober now for 15 years only by the grace of my God. The last 15 years of my life have been a revolution in my life. From beer to milk and from Hell to salvation, God has proven Himself faithful and I will follow Him no matter what. He gave me back my life, my wife, my mind, my hobby and my dignity. Randy Ryan
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