I´m 44 and my father got me started with model planes when I was 7 (I
still have my first control line plane). I flew control line stunt and
then R/C and still fly models when I can. When I was 8 or 9 I took my
first glider ride and it was fun but what really set the hook was a
flight in an IS 28 with a friend who was a serious competition pilot
when I was 15.. We were up for an hour and we climbed and did some
wingovers and he let me fly.. That did it..
I couldn´t afford to start lessons at that time so I would go to the
club and help out and I crewed for this friend in four Nationals. When
I was 20 I was in school and had a lousy job but it was just enough
and I was able to get my glider licence and start flying. I was only
able to fly a couple of years before the ups and down of the economy
in my country made it almost impossible to keep flying and for several
years I only flew sporadically. In 1999 I finally got things lined up
and started flying again in earnest and fortunately have been at it
ever since.
If there are thermals all I want to do is go XC but I also instruct
and fly the towplanes. I always had a keen interest in experimental
planes and I´m involved in the construction of an aerobatic plane with
a 400 HP Corvette engine.
I sometimes wonder what ´´normal´´ people do.. I can´t think of
anything except planes and flying..

Regards,

Juan Carlos