Author Topic: Serious stunt guys who no longer fly? (Read 8110 times)

PJ Rowland · « **on:** December 03, 2011, 06:02:29 AM »

Other than :

Ted Fancher - Les McDonald, Windy, and Al Rabe ( the ones that jump to mind as posters here )

Who are some of the other Serious Stunt fliers whom graced the Rostrum and Walker cup finals - but no longer compete?

Perhaps like the above names they are still " active in the sport " but no longer compete.

William DeMauro · « **Reply #1 on:** December 03, 2011, 06:44:23 AM »

Jimmy Casale comes to mind.

peabody · « **Reply #2 on:** December 03, 2011, 08:08:21 AM »

Bill
Jimmy sold everything and walked away....
a whole bunch of his airplanes are still around....some of their owners even claim BOM!

PJ Rowland · « **Reply #3 on:** December 03, 2011, 11:45:31 AM »

Yes Jimmy Casale does come to mind - reading his bio is very impressive.

Makes you wonder why they decided enough is enough.

peabody · « **Reply #4 on:** December 03, 2011, 12:29:56 PM »

PJ....there is a thread: http://stunthanger.com/smf/index.php?topic=22570.0
that covers it pretty well...
I knew him the last year or two that he flew....tenatious is a word that comes to mind.
have fun!

Terrence Durrill · « **Reply #5 on:** December 03, 2011, 01:26:20 PM »

I think the this hobby/sport is sort of like a teeter totter. As you get more serious and more intense about competition, the fun aspect becomes less and at the highest levels of competition, we are talking about serious work here. Some at these fliers at the higher levels of competition will tell you, "oh no, what we are doing is fun." They will be the ones who hang around and win the big contests and big trophies, not to mention the worship of most all of us in the sport. At this level, burnout becomes a real problem. For most of us though, we do this for fun, relaxed fun and you really don't find that at the higher levels of competion. For most of us, as the intensity of competition goes down, the fun level goes back up, just like, yes, a teeter totter. For most of us, it is about fun after all!

Les McDonald · « **Reply #6 on:** December 03, 2011, 01:27:23 PM »

BOB GIESEKE, BOB GIALDINI and JIM SILHAVY!!
(Yes, I am shouting)

Randy Powell · « **Reply #7 on:** December 03, 2011, 01:30:34 PM »

It's one of the reasons I try to keep it in perspective. I like building and flying. I plan to keep it that way. I had my time of obsessional competition. Don't really want to do that again.

Trostle · « **Reply #8 on:** December 03, 2011, 03:05:31 PM »

Dick Mathis. He has come back to modeling after being absent for a number of years He is now a serious competitor in F1C (FAI power FF) and has been on several recent US teams to the World Championships.

Besides being a prolific designer in FF and CL years ago, he flew stunt and was competitive at the Nationals level. Had high flight score at a Dallas Nats and was second to Bart Klapinski in 67, qualified in top 10 in 68.

He told me several years ago that he plans to get back into CL stunt but is spending his time with the FF stuff right now.

Keith

peabody · « **Reply #9 on:** December 03, 2011, 03:33:16 PM »

Dave Gierke

Steve Helmick · « **Reply #10 on:** December 03, 2011, 08:34:49 PM »

Quote from: Trostle on December 03, 2011, 03:05:31 PM

Dick Mathis. He has come back to modeling after being absent for a number of years He is now a serious competitor in F2C (FAI power FF) and has been on several recent US teams to the World Championships.

Besides being a prolific designer in FF and CL years ago, he flew and was competitive at the Nationals level. Had high flight score at a Dallas Nats and was second to Bart Klapinski in 67, qualified in top 10 in 68.

He told me several years ago that he plans to get back into CL stunt but is spending his time with the FF stuff right now.

Keith

Keith...You are wrong! The F1 events are Free Flight, the F2 events are CL, and the F3 events are R/C. FYI.

Larry Fernandez · « **Reply #11 on:** December 03, 2011, 09:24:47 PM »

Quote from: peabody on December 03, 2011, 08:08:21 AM

Bill
Jimmy sold everything and walked away....
a whole bunch of his airplanes are still around....some of their owners even claim BOM!

Mr. Peabody,
If this is a fact and you know their names then why the hell dont you tell us who they are.
Iv'e heard so many gripes and complaints about BOM not being enforced, and you refuse to step up and do anything about it.
I believe that you are either full of crap or a coward for not helping in this matter.
If I knew of such a thing, I would rat them out in a minute. But thats just me.

Larry, Buttafucco Stunt Team

Trostle · « **Reply #12 on:** December 03, 2011, 10:16:35 PM »

Quote from: Steve Helmick on December 03, 2011, 08:34:49 PM

Keith...You are wrong! The F1 events are Free Flight, the F2 events are CL, and the F3 events are R/C. FYI.

You are right. I was thinking one thing and typed something else. I fixed it.

Keith

Norm Faith Jr. · « **Reply #13 on:** December 04, 2011, 12:32:41 AM »

Quote from: Larry Fernandez on December 03, 2011, 09:24:47 PM

Mr. Peabody,
If this is a fact and you know their names then why the hell dont you tell us who they are.
Iv'e heard so many gripes and complaints about BOM not being enforced, and you refuse to step up and do anything about it.
I believe that you are either full of crap or a coward for not helping in this matter.
If I knew of such a thing, I would rat them out in a minute. But thats just me.

Larry, Buttafucco Stunt Team

Ouch!

peabody · « **Reply #14 on:** December 04, 2011, 03:55:09 AM »

Larry....it doesn't matter their names....they are "locals" that will never fly at the Nats. The BOM was dropped in the NE because CD's (and competitors) didn't want to cause arguments.......

If you don't want to read the truth, don't read what I type.

You jumped all over me about BOM before, asking essentially the same thing about wings and other components being built by others.....wanting me to name names....then none other than Bob Hunt allowed as how he has built the wings of SEVERAL who flew on top five day....I know of AT LEAST two other builders that have done so as well....

Think reality.....

John Stiles · « **Reply #15 on:** December 04, 2011, 05:16:50 AM »

Quote from: PJ Rowland on December 03, 2011, 06:02:29 AM

Re: Serious stunt guys who no longer fly?

Maybe you should have left off the "Serious" .......

Fred Cronenwett · « **Reply #16 on:** December 04, 2011, 06:18:18 AM »

I don't fly stunt but while I lived in the LA area I had the pleasure meeting and talking with Bob Palmer several times. Quite the genteman and he attended a contest in his name. I have still have the autographed copy of the Aug 1998 issue of model aviation with his Thunderbird and Skyscraper on the cover.

Bob Palmer tops my list

Fred Cronenwett

dave siegler · « **Reply #17 on:** December 04, 2011, 07:22:10 AM »

I was working on a misbehaving f2d airplane, and some guy starts talking about how even in his prime he could not fly them. I was kind of annoyed and thinking is just some guy who has never flown anything. The he said he got his first one at the worlds and I do a double take.

At that point I was introduced to Mr Bob Gialdini. I was kind of embarrassed, as this guy I looked up to was talking about an airplane I was flying and he had a hard time with. Mr Gialdini is a wonderful, quiet thoughtfully person. He maintains a club membership, and shows up at local events he is in good health but does not fly anymore. I don't think it is from not wanting to fly. When his is at the field, I spend as much time listening to his storeis as I can.

john e. holliday · « **Reply #18 on:** December 04, 2011, 08:04:44 AM »

While at VSC I posed the same question to Mr Al Rabe as to why he didn't compete again. Oh he loves the designing, building and flying. But, if I get this right, he stated he had done it all and just loves the fun aspect of it now. But, I really think that the competition just got to some of them and they were not having fun anymore.

Larry Fernandez · « **Reply #19 on:** December 04, 2011, 10:53:57 AM »

Quote from: peabody on December 04, 2011, 03:55:09 AM

Larry....it doesn't matter their names....they are "locals" that will never fly at the Nats. The BOM was dropped in the NE because CD's (and competitors) didn't want to cause arguments.......

If you don't want to read the truth, don't read what I type.

You jumped all over me about BOM before, asking essentially the same thing about wings and other components being built by others.....wanting me to name names....then none other than Bob Hunt allowed as how he has built the wings of SEVERAL who flew on top five day....I know of AT LEAST two other builders that have done so as well....

Think reality.....

BOM was dropped in the Northeast because fliers were cheating and nobody wanted to cause arguments??? Excellent logic. You should have dropped the cheaters and kept the honored tradition of BOM.
If you followed your logic, child molestation would be legal in Pennsylvania because nobody wanted to start any arguments a Penn State.

Also, using Mr, Hunts wing is not a violation of the BOM.

Larry, Buttafucco Stunt Team

Bill Little · « **Reply #20 on:** December 04, 2011, 11:45:00 AM »

Quote from: Larry Fernandez on December 04, 2011, 10:53:57 AM

BOM was dropped in the Northeast because fliers were cheating and nobody wanted to cause arguments??? Excellent logic. You should have dropped the cheaters and kept the honored tradition of BOM.

(snip)

Larry, Buttafucco Stunt Team

Hi Larry,

In the SE the story is much the same. Dropped BOM and AP "to get more contestants". Well that hasn't totally worked out as good as some expected I guess. I was hacked off since I DO BOM and want to get AP just as has been done in the event for decades, but..............

A great friend of mine "helps" paint and finish some of the guys planes, it doesn't matter now since we don't use BOM.

In the original PAMPA rules/guidelines anyone can enter with a bought, loaned, stolen model just no AP. That has become archaic around here I guess. And a Concours category just ain't the same thing. Personally I feel we are reducing the amount of "modelers" that are in the hobby, and with out the "modeling" aspect, CLPA becomes like a new toy at Christmas............ too easy to lose interest after a spell.

Big Bear

FLOYD CARTER · « **Reply #21 on:** December 04, 2011, 12:34:20 PM »

What makes you think that Ted, Windy and Al no longer compete?

Floyd

Bill Little · « **Reply #22 on:** December 04, 2011, 12:43:02 PM »

Quote from: FLOYD CARTER on December 04, 2011, 12:34:20 PM

What makes you think that Ted, Windy and Al no longer compete?

Floyd

Windy did fly at Brodak's this year, IIRC, but appears to be making CF parts, etc., for motorcycles now. My understanding is that he is "retired" from CLPA.

Al flew in a Dallas/Houston (??) contest a year or two ago. He told me he isn't flying contests because he would have to get as serious as he was when he was going to the WC's.

Not sure when Ted has flown a contest lately?

Big Bear

PJ Rowland · « **Reply #23 on:** December 04, 2011, 04:27:49 PM »

For those who are interested ;

Im writing quite a unique peice for Stunt News - There is interesting psychology behind what it takes to climb the peak of any mountain - and what happens mentally once you reach it. There is alot more to it - talking about Burnout, mental fatgiue, loss of interest, arguments, injury, any number of reasons why people get out of the event.

Plus those who remain - defying the odds'

Im in the process of interviewing several people who fall into all of the above, and will feature as a part of series in Stunt news called " When enough is enough "

If anyone is interested in sharing their thoughts : You can do so via email : pjrowland.family@gmail.com

Im interested in specifically in more information about : Jimmy Casale, Gene Schaffer, Bob Gialdini and Jim Silhavy

-------------------------

Floyd : What makes you think that Ted, Windy and Al no longer compete? - The fact they havent been to a Nats in a few years.

Im really only talking about Top level Stunt competition - competing for Top 5 / Walker cup.
Im sure some of these guys do still fly locally, and thats part of it...

Any information no matter how trivial will help.

PJ Rowland · « **Reply #24 on:** December 04, 2011, 04:28:34 PM »

NO BOM ARGUMENTS

Randy Powell · « **Reply #25 on:** December 04, 2011, 06:21:59 PM »

Ted flies in the Regionals every year, but I don't know that he has built a full boogie stunter in awhile.

John Stiles · « **Reply #26 on:** December 05, 2011, 07:35:52 AM »

Quote from: PJ Rowland on December 04, 2011, 04:28:34 PM

NO BOM ARGUMENTS

I thought they outlawed the use of weapons of mass destruction.....

.....

SteveMoon · « **Reply #27 on:** December 05, 2011, 08:47:38 AM »

Bob Gieseke still gets out to Hobby Park in Dallas quite regularly, and
on occasion he'll put in a couple of flights. But, his back has been giving him
Real trouble for several years now, and that is what limits his flying.
He still has as much desire as ever to compete, but his back just won't
agree with his head. I still value Bob's opinion on all things Stunt as Gospel.
If he tells me to change something in my pattern I do my best to do so
on the very next flight, no arguments.

Later, Steve

PJ Rowland · « **Reply #28 on:** December 05, 2011, 03:36:43 PM »

hi Steve -

Yes - for the article I choose not to include Bob - It was never a loss of passion; it was physical limitations : I had a few long conversations with him at the Nats - this was his main reason - thats completely understandable, father time taps us all on the shoulder at some stage.

My article has taken a different direction; if you want to email me - I can send you a list of questions Id love Bob to answer ;perhaps you can pass them on, or get in contact with him locally on my behalf.

All in all - the response I've received has been overwhelming - there have been one or two whom declined to be interviewed.

Kim Mortimore · « **Reply #29 on:** December 06, 2011, 09:46:52 AM »

Quote from: Larry Fernandez on December 04, 2011, 10:53:57 AM

BOM was dropped in the Northeast because fliers were cheating and nobody wanted to cause arguments??? Excellent logic. You should have dropped the cheaters and kept the honored tradition of BOM.
If you followed your logic, child molestation would be legal in Pennsylvania because nobody wanted to start any arguments a Penn State.

Also, using Mr, Hunts wing is not a violation of the BOM.

Larry, Buttafucco Stunt Team

Hey Larry,
Isn't Mr. Peabody the one you and Jeff sentenced to a brief prison term in a port-o-potty at the Nats years ago?

Brett Buck · « **Reply #30 on:** December 06, 2011, 10:12:57 AM »

Quote from: Kim Mortimore on December 06, 2011, 09:46:52 AM

Isn't Mr. Peabody the one you and Jeff sentenced to a brief prison term in a port-o-potty at the Nats years ago?

No, that was Bob Dixon, as I recall. The only flaw with that plan is they let him out.

Brett

Derek Barry · « **Reply #31 on:** December 06, 2011, 11:53:25 AM »

Quote from: Brett Buck on December 06, 2011, 10:12:57 AM

No, that was Bob Dixon, as I recall. The only flaw with that plan is they let him out.

Brett

Ouch!

Larry Fernandez · « **Reply #32 on:** December 06, 2011, 12:29:36 PM »

Quote from: Kim Mortimore on December 06, 2011, 09:46:52 AM

Hey Larry,
Isn't Mr. Peabody the one you and Jeff sentenced to a brief prison term in a port-o-potty at the Nats years ago?

As Brett pointed out, it was in fact Bob Dixon that was locked in the Port-a-potty. But one thing that I want to make clear, is that I had nothing to do with that caper. Jeff did that on his own with no help from me.
Looking back on it though I wish he would have lock Mr. Peabody in there instead, I never liked that guy.

Larry, Buttafucco Stunt Team

Steve Fitton · « **Reply #33 on:** December 06, 2011, 12:58:30 PM »

Ouch! Bob seems pretty harmless, what was the motive for locking him in the porta potty?!

Ted Fancher · « **Reply #34 on:** December 06, 2011, 01:27:03 PM »

Quote from: Steve Fitton on December 06, 2011, 12:58:30 PM

Ouch! Bob seems pretty harmless, what was the motive for locking him in the porta potty?!

"Because it was there!" The ultimate source of all grand triumphs.

Brett Buck · « **Reply #35 on:** December 06, 2011, 01:52:09 PM »

Quote from: Steve Fitton on December 06, 2011, 12:58:30 PM

Ouch! Bob seems pretty harmless, what was the motive for locking him in the porta potty?!

At the time, it was an Anderson prank, and the motive was COMEDY, Buttafuocco-style. My opinion formed later and there's no need to rehash it here.

Brett

John Lindberg · « **Reply #36 on:** December 06, 2011, 02:18:56 PM »

How about us old guys that still fly, but one need not take too seriously, at least as far as a really high score goes?

Gary Anderson · « **Reply #37 on:** December 06, 2011, 07:57:40 PM »

Hi guys,
The one I miss is Mr. Gid Adkisson. Some probably don't know him but I believe Ted, Brett, Bob and many more remember Gid. I flew with Gid almost every week when he was flying. Gid went to the Nats and placed, first time there. It was great just to watch him fly.

Gary

PerttiMe · « **Reply #38 on:** December 07, 2011, 01:46:55 AM »

Quote from: Trostle on December 03, 2011, 03:05:31 PM

Dick Mathis ... He is now a serious competitor in F1C (FAI power FF)

Those things scare me

Definitely need to get your trims and timer functions right...

PJ Rowland · « **Reply #39 on:** December 07, 2011, 04:31:02 AM »

Thankyou to everyone who emailed me with information - I'm still waiting on a few more interviews to make their way back to me, and I thank those who have already done so.

Should have something ready for print by Jan / Feb Stunt news.

Ward Van Duzer · « **Reply #40 on:** December 07, 2011, 09:36:28 AM »

Don't understand why you're not including The Great Gieseke based on health issues. My understanding in personal conversation with Gialdini was his knees quit. How about Palmers accident? Any others?

Ward-O

Robert Zambelli · « **Reply #41 on:** December 07, 2011, 12:06:14 PM »

Is Gerry Phelps still active? As I recall, he is/was one heck of a pilot.

Bob Z.

PJ Rowland · « **Reply #42 on:** December 07, 2011, 11:42:07 PM »

Im not including Bob - becasue for all intensive purposes we know the reason he cannot fly as Physical now more than any other pyschological reason.

The point is to look at reasons why people stay or go - those whom have succeeded and what continues to drive them today. For example what drove Les Mcdonald to not slow down after one World champs win.. Instead going onto capture 3 !

Im looking into the motives behind those.

I have also said If anyone close to Bob wants to pass on my questions for the article they can contact me - last time I spoke with Mr Gieseke his PC skills were.... limited..

peabody · « **Reply #43 on:** December 09, 2011, 04:07:48 AM »

How about Todd Lee?
Haven't seen nor heard for a while?

Steve Fitton · « **Reply #44 on:** December 09, 2011, 07:36:27 AM »

Quote from: peabody on December 09, 2011, 04:07:48 AM

How about Todd Lee?
Haven't seen nor heard for a while?

Todd was flying (in Classic at least) at Huntersville last October. I think he is busy being a commercial pilot but is still interested in stunt.

peabody · « **Reply #45 on:** December 09, 2011, 08:09:11 AM »

Cool....he's a great guy.....
Plus, airline pilots aren't that rare, but BLIMP pilots......

Clancy Arnold · « **Reply #46 on:** December 09, 2011, 08:21:08 AM »

The name of Jack Sheeks is not on the list of PAMPA Stunt winners but Jack has won at the NATS in CL Precision Scale and Old Time Stunt.

Medical problems now prevent Jack from flying Control Line.
Clancy

John Tate · « **Reply #47 on:** December 09, 2011, 11:48:33 AM »

I was supposed to fly with Todd Lee a couple of Sundays ago while he was here in Virginia but it was too windy. So Todd is still flying control line when he is not flying real airplanes.

John

john e. holliday · « **Reply #48 on:** December 10, 2011, 07:51:07 AM »

Remember Todd is a young man and trying to raise a family and complete a career. How many of us had to drop out or slow down because of that also?

jim ivey · « **Reply #49 on:** December 10, 2011, 03:47:25 PM »

Heyyyy... remember eddie may, from durham nc? he was great. 1st in jr stunt at 55 nars.