I am in the Dallas area which is a "Garden of Eden" for builders and flyers with folks like Don Hutchinson, David Ek, Al Rabe, Tom Neibuhr, Bill Bischoff, Tom Farmer, and Bill Wilson, and these guys are always ready to help me with techniques or "how to's." The problem is that most of them are 50-60 miles from where I live, and for the last year work, "minor" hand surgeries, and kids and grand kids from out of town, leave little or no time to fly or build. I do however, have the internet and telephone! Stunt Hangar, videos, and magazines are a priceless source of learning and help to satisfy my addiction to this great hobby! Sparky, Shug, and Bob Hunt have been a real blessing to me for their tutorials, instruction, articles, and phone conversations.
Sparky's videos on YouTube have ILLUSTRATED things as basic as sanding, covering, and fitting. I can actually watch a craftsman demonstrate in real time, the basic elements that are essential to building light, straight, strong, and beautiful airplanes.
Bob's June and July articles in the AMA magazine have taught me a real technique for flying a track through the air and he gave me a half hour of his time on the phone to talk about carbon veil, motorcycles, guitars, and life. I could name MANY others of you but the list would be too lengthy and part of this post is to encourage those of you whom may have considered making a video, writing an article, or posting a build, to please do so. At this point in my learning curve/life my real gift is that of reflecting the challenges of being a student and gratitude for good teachers.
Shug's video is a great reference for my sons-in-law and grandson's entry into this hobby. I cannot be in Colorado, Florida, or Michigan to teach them but they can watch Shug teach them about the things they need, what they look like, and how to use them.
You guys are the energy that will keep CL alive for the future.
Thank you Gentlemen and keep up the great work,
Steve Thornton