Written by JS (09/2012); Added to HP files by JS (08/2013)
I Am the AMA Joe Smith, Sponsored Pilot Jay: How did you get involved in model aviation?
Joe: My uncle is a test pilot in the Air Force, and my Dad used to fly RC. When I was 14, we were at an antique gas engine show and an RC club was having an event. I watched as a 40% airplane hovered over the runway. Nick Maxwell was the pilot.
I said, “Dad, I want to do that.” When we got home we dug out his old airplanes, and I started to learn how to fly.
Dad’s old planes would not hover, so I started searching the Internet for 3-D-type planes. I got a simulator for Christmas and a 42-inch AJ Stick from 3D Hobby Shop. I then began watching Andrew Jesky’s videos. I learned some of AJ’s maneuvers on the simulator and headed to the field.
Dad took me to a Huckfest, and we were both amazed at the number of pilots and spectators watching huge planes do some really amazing stuff. I was hooked. Dad saw that I was quickly progressing, so we got an 89-inch Slick and headed to a Huckfest.
Jay: How has model aviation impacted your life and/or career?
Joe: Flying RC planes has opened a lot of doors for me. I’ve participated in the EAA Young Eagles Air Academy program at Oshkosh and attended the camps they have. I was the president of the local Aviation Explorer Group and vice president of the local RC club for a year. I have also won scholarships to earn my private pilot’s certificate. I will be attending Purdue University studying aeronautical engineering.
The Crown Prince of Dubai has also invited me to come fly a demo at a world championship parachuting contest in November.
Jay: In what disciplines of modeling do you currently participate?
Joe: I find it very cool that there are so many aspects. I currently participate in 3-D, IMAC [International Miniature Aerobatic Club], and also 3-D helicopters. I would like to get into Pattern. 3-D has always been my favorite, because the possibility of different maneuvers is endless.
Jay: What are your other hobbies?
Joe: I don’t really have any other hobbies. I used to play trumpet, guitar, and drums, but I don’t have enough time to keep up with all of them. Building and maintaining planes and practicing keeps me very busy, but it’s what I love to do.
Jay: Who or what has influenced you most?
Joe: Nick Maxwell and Andrew Jesky have both been inspiring. Nick’s flying got me started in this hobby, and Andrew’s constant support has gotten me where I am today.
Nick is helping me learn to set up and fly helicopters, which has been a great experience. I can’t thank these guys enough for taking the time to answer my questions and support me. I also need to thank my sponsors for their support over the past few years, especially Ben Fisher from 3D Hobby Shop. I also want to thank my friends and family for their support. Jay: What advice do you have for someone looking to become a sponsored pilot? Joe: The desire to get sponsored is something that I have seen hurt many new pilots. The most important thing is being a quality pilot, and if sponsors want to jump onboard with that path, then I am more than happy to represent quality products.
I decided at the start that I was never going to be a sponsored pilot, so I never focused on being one. I was in the hobby for the fun of it, and I practiced a ton because I loved to do it. I made sure I worked my way through sport maneuvers before I tried 3-D, and that approach helped. Many young pilots focus on getting sponsors instead of having fun and practicing the basics. Being helpful and kind to people is more important to a sponsor than how well a person can fly. The goal is just to have fun, though; anything more than that is a bonus.
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