Written & Submitted by WK (06/1996); Transcribed & Edited by SS (12/2002), Reformatted by JS (10/2009)
Career
- Started flying full-scale aircraft in 1949; received his private single engine land license
- EAA member
- Has been a member of the Antique Airplane Association and the National Waco Club
- Has owned numerous airplanes and served as manager of his local airport from 1952 through 1957
- Worked for 25 years for the U.S. Navy as an electronic technician in the calibration lab
- By June 1996, had built about 60 Radio Control model airplanes
- Served as AMA District VI assistant vice president
- Served as a contest director through the AMA
- A member of IMAA and president of his local Radio Control club
Honors
- 1987: AMA Superior Service Award
My modeling started in 1938 at the age of 13 building those 10- and 25-cent Comet and Megow Free Flight kits then later on the gas-powered Free Flight kits. The engines I used were O&R .23, 29, Veco Torpedo, Rogers 25 and ½-A OK Cub. I also flew rubber-powered Free Flight. My first Radio Controlled model was a Super Bridger Free Flight converted to pulse-rudder control using the E.D. radio system made in 1952. I have some pictures of these models. Mostly about this time, my modeling was U-Control models, though.
In 1949, I took up flying full-scale aircraft at the local airport. After a few years of full-scale, I received my private single engine land license and a logged a total of 800 to 1,000 flight hours. I hold EAA membership number 812 and at one time was a member of the Antique Airplane Association and the National Waco Club.
Over the years, I was the owner of a Piper E-2 Cub, a 1930 Waco RNF bi-plane, a Piper J-5 Cruiser and a Taylorcraft 40-horsepower 1939 model. I started the CAP at the local airport and was the airport manager from 1952 through 1957.
About 1958 I went into electronics and received my ham radio license. I did some radio and TV repair work then started to work for the U.S. Navy as an electronic technician in the calibration lab. I kept that job for the next 25 years.
In 1975, I became interested in Radio Control modeling and flying. As of this date (June 5, 1996), I have built about 60 Radio Control models. [A list of Radio Control models he has built is available in his file in the National Model Aviation Museum Archives.]
I’m active in the AMA as assistant vice president of District VI and a contest director. I am also a member of IMAA and president of our local Radio Control flying club.
At age 71, I’m more interested in model aviation today than in past years. I guess because I just have more time for building and flying and just love this hobby. (signed) Kenny Kern June 4, 1996
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