Real life gets in the way

[Matt Colan]

With the new dates for the World Championships to be August 25th-September 1st, I would have to miss Freshman Orientation and the first week of classes at college in order to attend.  My parents were adamant about me not going and I had no argument about it except that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity.  I could see their reasoning because I won't even be at college for a day until classes were in their 2nd or 3rd full week; not a good way to start things off.

So with that, I will not be attending the Worlds next year because college and a new life will start and it would be extremely difficult to get myself acclimated to that new life.

[Larry Wong]

Matt:  Just want say that as a parent and grandfather .                  i think you are wiser than your years and you will do very well in life.  Congrats.  it reminds me of another modeler , his name is Dale Kurn   

Good Luck 

[Randy Powell]

That's too bad, Matt. But I have to say that's the right decision. With your skills, you'll get another chance.

[Bill Little]

That's too bad, Matt.  Especially since the college has expressed a desire to work with you for you to attend.  It truly is a "Once in a lifetime event" and you will learn a lot more than you will in Freshman Orientation and the first week of class..... no matter how good you are, or may think you are, there is no guarantee that you will ever qualify again.

But best wishes, Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year.

Bill

[Mike Keville]

Wise decision, young man.  While the trip to Bulgaria may have been a once-in-a-lifetime experience, you are about to embark on an educational foundation which will shape your entire life.  I only wish that I'd had YOUR wisdom when I was 18.  Go for the college experience.  If you maintain your desire and skill with CL Stunt you may someday get another chance to represent your country in a contest.  Meanwhile, congratulations on your decision.  It will serve you well.

[john e. holliday]

I have to agree that Matt has made a very wise decision.   Too bad they changed the dates.  But, an education is something they will never take away from you.   You will have more oportunities to represent the good ole USA in the future young man.   MERRY CHRISTMAS.   

[David M Johnson]

Matt,
My 18 year old daughter needs a smarter boyfriend.   Are you single?
LOL
Wise choice
David Johnson

[John Leidle]

   This is the right choice. But how about changing schools? My kids didnt deside untill the Spring on where to go?
  Grinning, John

[Matt Colan]

Matt,
My 18 year old daughter needs a smarter boyfriend.   Are you single?
LOL
Wise choice
David Johnson

I am as a matter of fact, haha.

   This is the right choice. But how about changing schools? My kids didnt deside untill the Spring on where to go?
  Grinning, John

Embry-Riddle is my #1 college and I was accepted there a couple weeks ago. My #2 college is Florida Imstitute of TEchnology, and I'm still waiting on word from them whether I got accepted or not.

[PJ Rowland]

" My #2 college is Florida Imstitute "

The college system has much to teach you.......... God bless our youth... 

Pitty you will have to miss out.. I remember I decided to skip the Worlds to go to school, to this day I still regret it.

 

[Steve Fitton]

I must say I support your decision Matt.  Starting off college behind the power curve would not be smart thing to do.  I'm just sorry that the FAI shafted you and God knows how many other potential competitors by moving the date.

[Matt Colan]

" My #2 college is Florida Imstitute "

The college system has much to teach you.......... God bless our youth... 

Pitty you will have to miss out.. I remember I decided to skip the Worlds to go to school, to this day I still regret it.

 

My iPod didn't correct the spelling

I'm going to miss it, but my parents were just not going to let me go with those dates.

[Matt Colan]

I must say I support your decision Matt.  Starting off college behind the power curve would not be smart thing to do.  I'm just sorry that the FAI shafted you and God knows how many other potential competitors by moving the date.

I too will be interested. Randy Smith said the same thing at the team trials when the dates were originally in September. Those dates weren't great but I was going to go.

[Howard Rush]

If you pick a different school, be sure it's ABET accredited, or you will spend four years acquiring credentials which will enable you to get a job flipping burgers.  You might look into the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.  It's close to home, the faculty is competent (you can't count on that at many schools), and some of them fly model airplanes.

[Clint Ormosen]

Matt, I believe that with your flying talent, this was not a "once in a lifetime" opportunity for you. Yes, it was probably the easiest time you'll have getting on the team. But I seriously doubt we've seen the last of Matt Colan on a world team.  

[Norm Faith Jr.]

Matt, this may be information that has already been released...Who is going to replace you? BTW: As hard as a decision it must of been to make; you made the right one. You mention Embry Riddle...Your Major?
Technology, Technology, Technology...The world is hurting for Technicians, all types, shapes and forms.
Norm

[Larry Renger]

No, no, no...... " One word.  Plastics."  Oh, and watch out for Ms. Robinson!  Or not.

[Dennis Adamisin]

That is a tough break - but you made the correct choice. 

[BillLee]

Matt, this may be information that has already been released...Who is going to replace you? BTW: As hard as a decision it must of been to make; you made the right one. You mention Embry Riddle...Your Major?
Technology, Technology, Technology...The world is hurting for Technicians, all types, shapes and forms.
Norm

Norm, there is no Jr. alternate for the F2B team. Matt was the only Jr. entrant at the team trials.

Bill

[Bill Heher]

Matt,  When the weather down here turns "Beach-worthy" next spring, and your classmates are skipping class to go surfing / fishing / whatever - remember what you gave up to attend college that 1st couple weeks.

I was an  " Older Than Average" student when I went to school to get my Airframe and Powe rplant license, and start my career in Aviation Maintenance Technology. I used to get upset that many of the students would bail on Friday by noon to head back home,a day early for holidays, etc;  and I would still be in class with a few other die hards. In fact some of us were carrying additional classes, and working in work/study programs.

One day the instructor took a moment to look at the sparse attendance, and then told us- " You are the ones who will not only get jobs, but have a career. You show the qualities employees search for, not what shows up on a resume. An education will get you the job, what's inside you is what will make you succeed".

The funny thing is - of thecouple  dozen or so "Friday afternoon Club" members out of over 100 students, we received about 50% of the local scholarships and awards- the ones that the school staff had significant voice in.

So .... Stay in class, take time to get to know your instructors ( great references on an application!), and remember that you made a difficult decision that most of your classmates had nothing to compare to.

Merry Christmas Matt- and to your entire family. Consider you giving up a trip to the Worlds an early Christmas present for you folks next year!

P.S.  I hope I get a chance to meet you in person- Daytona is only a couple hrs from Orlando- we will have to get together and fly- I could use a Coach!

[bob branch]

Matt

Good move! To be a college freshman and miss orientation and the first 2 or 3 weeks of class? You would be toast.

I have been on that stage in another sport. Its important to remember that this is a hobby (unless you decide to take over Brodaks). Don't let it become an obsession. It as all activities done that way will disappoint you and you will eventually leave it and spend years trying to learn how to recover, if you ever can. This is not a message American's want to hear. But talk to people in various sports who have been there... it's unfortunately a very common result.

bob branch

[Bill Little]

Matt

Good move! To be a college freshman and miss orientation and the first 2 or 3 weeks of class? You would be toast.

I have been on that stage in another sport. Its important to remember that this is a hobby (unless you decide to take over Brodaks). Don't let it become an obsession. It as all activities done that way will disappoint you and you will eventually leave it and spend years trying to learn how to recover, if you ever can. This is not a message American's want to hear. But talk to people in various sports who have been there... it's unfortunately a very common result.

bob branch

Hi Bob,

That's the reason I don't watch football or baseball on TV............

Bill

[pat king]

Matt,
A very tough decision, but you made the right one. Your education is something to build the rest of your life upon. Keep flying and improving your talents. If it is meant to be you will have another chance in the future.

Pat

[Matt Colan]

Matt, this may be information that has already been released...Who is going to replace you? BTW: As hard as a decision it must of been to make; you made the right one. You mention Embry Riddle...Your Major?
Technology, Technology, Technology...The world is hurting for Technicians, all types, shapes and forms.
Norm

Hi Norm,

Nobody is replacing me, but Ryan told me he's going as defending world champion.

My major at Embry-Riddle is Aeronautical Science.  I wanted to be an engineer, but part of the tour at FIT was a 30 minute flight with a flight instructor.  When I landed, I knew what I wanted to do and that was to fly the airplanes rather than designing them. i love flight too much not to do it as a career.

[Matt Colan]

Matt,  When the weather down here turns "Beach-worthy" next spring, and your classmates are skipping class to go surfing / fishing / whatever - remember what you gave up to attend college that 1st couple weeks.

I was an  " Older Than Average" student when I went to school to get my Airframe and Powe rplant license, and start my career in Aviation Maintenance Technology. I used to get upset that many of the students would bail on Friday by noon to head back home,a day early for holidays, etc;  and I would still be in class with a few other die hards. In fact some of us were carrying additional classes, and working in work/study programs.

One day the instructor took a moment to look at the sparse attendance, and then told us- " You are the ones who will not only get jobs, but have a career. You show the qualities employees search for, not what shows up on a resume. An education will get you the job, what's inside you is what will make you succeed".

The funny thing is - of thecouple  dozen or so "Friday afternoon Club" members out of over 100 students, we received about 50% of the local scholarships and awards- the ones that the school staff had significant voice in.

So .... Stay in class, take time to get to know your instructors ( great references on an application!), and remember that you made a difficult decision that most of your classmates had nothing to compare to.

Merry Christmas Matt- and to your entire family. Consider you giving up a trip to the Worlds an early Christmas present for you folks next year!

P.S.  I hope I get a chance to meet you in person- Daytona is only a couple hrs from Orlando- we will have to get together and fly- I could use a Coach!

Hi Bill,

I plan on bringing my Thundergazer with me because Embry-Riddle has a model airplane club there. Who knows how much flying I would get done, if any but I will have it with me if the opportunity arises.

The only reason I may skip out on a class is that I'm looking to go home for break and the last flight I can get out in is during one class.

[PerttiMe]

i love flight too much not to do it as a career.

Test pilots need to understand the engineering too....

[Norm Faith Jr.]

Hi Norm,

Nobody is replacing me, but Ryan told me he's going as defending world champion.

My major at Embry-Riddle is Aeronautical Science.  I wanted to be an engineer, but part of the tour at FIT was a 30 minute flight with a flight instructor.  When I landed, I knew what I wanted to do and that was to fly the airplanes rather than designing them. i love flight too much not to do it as a career.

There is nothing wrong with that decision. I started out doing the same thing; in a way. I was doing the pilot training (Major) and aviation maintenance technology at the same time; I wound up a professional technician and a "fly for pleasure / business pilot." When you get ready to do "your long cross country," load the identifier "CDH" in the GPS and come visit us. I'll give you a "free tour" of the South Arkansas University Tech Aviation School.
We might be able to convince Joe Bowman to give you a ride in the MU-2. 
Norm
     

[David M Johnson]

My Dad went from cropdusters in the late 40s and early fifties to Constellations with TWA as a flight engineer/Pilot from there to Flight est and flight crew training in the mid 60s and 70s. He had both A&P certificate and Comercial flight training License. He has forgotten more about design, maintenance, and flying than I'll ever know. My point is its not a bad thing to be able to understand both sides of flight and aircraft.  He got his start building models as a kid and even though they were mostly free flight they were models none the less.
David Johnson
 

[Howard Rush]

Test pilots need to understand the engineering too....

Test pilots are usually engineers.  I don't know about now, but Boeing's requirement for a test pilot was a master's in engineering and graduate of a military test pilot school. It's the best engineering gig and possibly the most interesting piloting gig.

[Steve Fitton]

Hi Bill,

I plan on bringing my Thundergazer with me because Embry-Riddle has a model airplane club there. Who knows how much flying I would get done, if any but I will have it with me if the opportunity arises.

You bring a plane down there and you can come to the King Orange each year!

[dave siegler]

The first week of school is a big deal now.  That seems to be a recent thing. 

I have one Sophomore and another one starting in the fall, both want to be engineers.  The first week was critical for him fitting in.

The schools make a big deal about meeting people, getting comfortable with your environment.  Don't miss it.

From what I read, it is a great time to want to be a pro pilot.  There will be lots of retirements in the next few years.  But the same thing can be said for engineering. 

If you love engineering and love to fly, you need to work something out with your counselor.  There ought to be a way to do both.

[Will Hinton]

Matt, good choice, and these guys have given you some wonderful advice based on the wisdom of experience.  I agree with the thoughts concerning coupling the engineering with the flying!  That will give you many choices you might not otherwise have.
Stick with your dream, with hard work, it will come true for you.
Blessings,
Will