If you're worried about the risk -- fly small stuff. You can get a *lot* of fun out of a 100g P51 foam model and it poses no risk to anyone. In respect to orientation issues -- try FPV. I've even FPV'd one of those little 100g P51 foam fighters and it was great fun. If you do this then the hobby can remain yours until you're too old to remember which way is up.
I'm inclined to agree with my friend here. I've only flown UMX to this point. Lighter and yes it is easier to lose orientation because they're smaller. But if you have a buddy that's willing to be your spotter with field glasses, at those times where orientation begins to lapse, he can use the binoculars and guide you back, right?
My advice, get into 3D Printing! For 35 bucks of filament and some carbon tubes, I can print 2-3 planes. Electronics can easily be swapped out from frame to frame. Plus, I already hate doing line of sight flying, so FPV has been amazing on planes and quads. You old balsa wood salty guys are a dying breed on my home RC field, literally. Take care.
It's with a tear in my eye that I say this, "I have totally enjoyed all of your videos, especially the Flex stuff, and you will be extremely missed!" Thank you!
Greetings from Sydney Australia (Down Under). Don't feel you're on your own. We all get to a stage where our interests get to be a bit out of reach. I'm getting on and recently realised I'm getting too old for motorcycling. Fairly simple: an I safe for myself and others? As time goes on I know I'll get to the stage where I won't be able to go fishing (another passion) with simple things like tying a hook on or casting a bait. We will all get there someday. Think of it as a time to put your feet up - you've done the hard yards and be thankful you got the chance to follow your hobby right to the end. It's not what we lose, it's what we had that counts. All the best mate.
I'm also from Sydney and totally agree with you. The last 20 years I've delt with chronic illness and a lot of surgery, but it's all the good memories I have from before my illness that I really cling onto and cherish. 🇦🇺
No-nonsense from start to finish. I've enjoyed your videos on wood working and RC Airplanes because I like your approach. This video hits a little close to home. I'm feeling it's only a matter of time. Probably only a matter of time for many of us. Thanks for your contributions.
I’m happy you had 40yrs of having fun with this amazing hobby, happy to hear you will still go out to the field to enjoy friends and watch some flying.
God bless you sir. I’ve learnt so much from your videos and just want to thank you for sharing this great hobby with the world. Regards Seb from Australia
Thanks for the flying memories and the "How To" videos. I learned a lot from them. I started flying Rc planes and helis after I retired in 2016. Your videos help me a lot.
Sad to hear Tom! Have enjoyed your videos for the last ten years and find your content to be some of the most genuine on RUclips. Thank you so much for making me laugh, teaching me about the hobby, and giving a perspective of fireside chats with Grand Dad. I wish nothing but the best for you!!
At 72, I've pretty much left RC and have returned to where it all began as a 10 year old, rubber free flight, Flying Aces style, a real challenge but so rewarding and at my age now it just fits the bill!
Thank you for all the video's you have done to help all of us out. I'm regularly going back to your site to see what your up to and will continue to do this. From a less then average pilot Thank you again for all your help and fun video's. FYI maybe a buddy box ????
I've always loved your video's where you build and flew various ARF kits. Sad to hear it has come to an end but I support your choice to quit for the safety of others👍
I will truly miss your videos and the knowledge that you gave. The narration.and quick clips were really helpful without being dragged out. I wish you all the best! Damon Woodall Fuquay NC
Wow…. I wasn’t expecting 😢this! I have enjoyed your RC airplane videos so much. You have given great advice and many useful tips. Thank you so much for all you have contributed
Things go full circle. Ive been flying RC since 1975 (Kraft) and flew full scale F-4Ns and S (slats) in the Marine Corps, finished with the F/A-18C. I think its only a matter of time before we realise that we cant do it like we did SAFELY years before. Ive had horses most of my adult life. Horses have a way of telling you they can no longer be ridden and its time to become pasture ornaments. Flying and riding horses have many parallels. A wise man or woman knows when its time. This is a happy video-enjoy many more years ahead. You can (and will) contribute to the hobby. Youre a wealth of knowledge. Tailwinds......
You should give VR flight sim a try. If you crash, you hit reset. When you're immersed, you feel like you're really in the sky. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask me. I'd be happy to give any info.
I understand your concerns about safety but I think your control stick dexterity is crucial to maintaining your hand to eye co-ordination and helps stimulate brain function. Maybe you could continue flying in a virtual manner online or with a computer simulator. There are several good ones you can even plug your regular RC controller into and fly model aircraft in a computer sim environment.
100% enjoyed your videos. You really taught me lots when i was new in the hobby. And ill continue to go back to them. Thank you for your straight to the point,very enjoyable and well made videos. Take care of yourself.
A Brave and very selfless decision to make. Salute you sir from the UK and i sincerely hope you have many many more trips to the flying field to catch up with your flying buddies even though you wont be on the transmitter sticks yourself. Take care and keep safe. 👍
It takes a brave man to recognise his limitations, and to draw the curtain on something he has enjoyed doing for so many years. I wish you well in continuing in whatever capacity you can to enjoy the wonders of R/C flying.
After being in the hospital and rehap for a below the knee amputation, I got the news of cancer as well. I've flown for over 45 years as well and last fall sold all my big gassers. I've enjoyed all your videos and you bring out the best of this wonderful hobby. Good luck in your future. I just plan to fly a smaller electric bush plane until I too feel uncomfortable and will just watch others fly. Good luck again!!!
Hello Mr Thintz. Sorry you’re not going to fly RC anymore. I’ve really enjoyed your videos over the years and will surely miss them. The guys at the club will always grateful seeing turn up there. All the best for the future mate. Cheers from Perth Western Australia 🦘🇦🇺
Tom…keep building and assembling…you are needed for what you can remember! My wife has lived a few miles away for the last year and a half. Alzheimer’s too. I keep collecting projects. She and I both turn 80 this year. We keep reflecting on how interesting our lives have been. We are both pilots. I print photos of our experiences to remind us how fortunate we have been. And, thank you for the elements you provided for me to enjoy my fading level of aviation. Modeling at 7. Full scale at 15. Solo at 16. Private Pilot at 17. Ensign, JG, Lt. A6A B/N USN at 22-27. Commercial Soaring Pilot at 32. Crashed 51…Last flight in NZ 2006. Back to modeling again. Wife has Alzheimer’s.
I have great respect for this mindset, it reminds me of my own grandpa, who has been gone for over 2 decades at this point. He was leaving a car wash in his car one day, going around the corner of the building after getting outside, and accidently hit the gas instead of the break, in his confusion he stepped harder and got his car hung up on a retaining wall. Luckily, no one was hurt, even him. He called my mom (his daughter) and gave her his car that very day after it was lifted off the wall. I was just entering high school at the the time and didn't understand the sacrifice he made to keep everyone else safe, but I remembered it, and as I grew older, I realized what he did took a strength of character that very few people have. Listening to you talk about this reminded me of him and made me smile, so thank you for that. I know the decision to stop doing something that you've loved for longer than I've been alive wasn't easy, but doing so does prove your love for the sport beyond just enjoying flying planes.
Tom, you're the best! I love and often rewatch your excellent videos. I also will never forget you writing about Alzheimer's years ago and how it was effecting you. Thank you for all you give us! I'm glad you'll still do wing bags.
Seriously I have no clue who you are, or much about your flying history. Despite both of those things, I have huge sympathy and respect. The hobby clearly just lost a good ‘en. 🫡
Tom, I just stumbled across your video - I really appreciate the little montage you’ve put together. I know that a few minutes doesn’t due justice to the 40 years you’ve spent in the hobby, never the less I enjoyed the insight and humour that you injected. More importantly, I really respect your decision to keep everyone around you safe. As I get older, I’m starting to understand the phrase, “All things must pass.” I see it happening with my own interests and abilities, with the decline of certain customs and traditions that I grew up with, with technology, etc, etc, etc. ALL things must pass. Maybe your time as pilot in command has ended, but I sense that your time as mentor and supporter will continue for years to come. Thanks for sharing.
I am sorry that you had to sell your RC aircraft collection and I can only imagine how much of a difficult decision it was for you. Since you love the RC hobby so much, did you consider pursuing a different avenue of the hobby? For example, RC crawlers can offer a different experience at a slower pace but can still be challenging and highly enjoyable.
I am SO SORRY to hear that you’re stopping your flying- but it’s a great thing that you’re handling this a thousand times better than I think I would. All the best to you!!
I found your videos last year when I just got into this great hobby. I really enjoyed every video you made. Very informative and a great style of making videos. I enjoyed the little jokes every now and then! I appreciate everything you offered to the hobby! Thank you! Go Packers!! Take care!
This came up in my feed. I think you're smart to retire, but if you ever wanted to fly again, could you use one of those buddy radios so that if you have an alzheimer's flare-up while flying, your buddy can take over and save you? It would allow you to fly safely.
I too have retired from flying after many years, but I seemed to be crashing a lot and bringing my planes and helicopters home in bits😞I’m nearly 70 now and my eyesight is bad and reactions a bit slower and what with the politics and restrictions and loss of freedom I decided it’s time to leave the hobby, sold my whole fleet for next to nothing but was hard to keep looking at it all knowing I would never fly again, but life goes on but time passes so fast.
I know this may be too little too late, but have you considered the FPV option? Plenty of fun little drones for indoors, or maybe an FPV foamie. this could help with the orientation issues! It's alot of fun at least to try once!
A big salute to you, sir. I belong to a club with many members in their 80s and 90s. It’s been really difficult to see them one by one reaching the end of their flying careers. A suggestion: try continuing to fly small UMX planes on a buddy box. Although anticlimactic, it would keep you in the air and involved. My best to you, sir!
Buy Real Flight !!!!! That way you can Crash the HELL OUTTA OF EVERYTHING and nobody gets hurt !!!!! I truly hope things get better for you,Thanks for ALL the helpful videos that you shared with us all !!!!!!!!! 😋💕
Hey Fella, I'm waiting to go the same way, saw it my Dad and about 6 months ago I realised that I have early symptoms and have gone down the thought process road that you have. I just got a 67", believe it or not my biggest model in the last 30 years, concentrated on small throw about fun stuff since then. Not told anyone but it is my 'Swan Song', bigger and slower so I can keep on top of her but I have sworn to myself that she goes to a new owner as soon as I start having issues whilst flying, at some point in the very near future I am going to ask my closest FB's to keep an eye on me in case I miss 'issues'. My plan is a foam E-Glider with a return to home/ motor cut model to keep going as long as I safely can because like you, I believe that keeping the grey cells active as long as I can will keep me going a bit longer but safety is more important to me. God Bless 'yer. Paul
You're an inspiration to many of us. Thanks for sharing your experience and I hope you can continue enjoying the hobby in whatever way is good for you. All the best Buddy.
Much respect to you. I've watched your videos for years and learned so much. I thumbs down cause it's too hard to like this one. But I get it. Keep making content. The world is your classroom for us!
I don’t know who you are Sir, but please don’t quit fully. Keep a plane or two, perhaps slower ones, but don’t stop. Your experience and inspiration is too valuable.
RC’s got me into hang gliding. The hardest thing for me was giving up flying when I was getting too heavy. Not so heavy anymore but aging and have some pretty bad arthritis. I took up astronomy afterwords. Now the wife is irritated that I’m up all night. 😝
Getting old)er) is a hard pill to swallow but we are all getting there at the same speed.... good on you for making the decision as I think I will be that guy that they have to pull the radio out of my hands... I cant imagine hanging up the sticks so to speak but kudos to you for accepting the time in lifes journey..... stay safe and thank you for your vids...... greetings from down under
I've just found your channel from your ALMOST table saw injury! I love teh content and I'm glad youre are well, with all your fingers, making stuff!!! Cheers from Argentina!
Man, i hope things go as good as things can go for your situation. I finally got into the hobby in 2016 thanks to Horizon Hobby with E-flite and Spectrum, growing up in a lower working class family in the 80s, ki might as well been asking for a Lamborghini Diablo, i ended up selling 16 of my 20 planes in 2019 for health and relocating problems but recently got back into it. I loved my E-flite valiant, I've only ever had foamies, because I've never had a simulator and i was never a great pilot. Cuban 8s, rolls, loops, some inverted and very short sloppy knife edges but what i lack in piloting skills i make up in having an absolute blast every time I fly. I literally just made a small repair to my E-flite umx A-10 when i decided to watch some RUclips. Speaking of crashing I managed to crash and completely total out 2 planes with SAFE, so im kinda proud of my crashing skills. Well, keepin kicking sir, and i wish you the best
I'm sorry to hear you are out of the hobby. You are very kind and responsible for making that decision, though. You are welcome to strap on an extra set of my goggles and board my aircraft any time.
You don't look to be a risk. Everyone wrecks, TRUST ME. LOL Like @xjet said.. smaller and slower. Night Vapor is always good in the front yard. Love ya! God bless
big mistake, fly smaller lighter and slower planes, don't fly around crowds, like you said flying has helped you, as soon as you give up you will start deteriorating faster, you need to keep fighting................
Sorry your body doesn't work like it used to... My grandpa had the same issues later on in his life and he was a scratch builder. Watched him lose so many great-looking planes. Space walker 2's... Extra's... He loved to build. I saw the original 1-800-Collect biplane scale model being built by Miles Reed out of Alliance Ohio. He made the Modeler Magazine which was really big in the 90's... I hated the smell of my grandpa's plotter... he had everything he needed to engineer anything... Miss him every day. Godspeed Old Timer...
Ya I'm a retired senior. I've given up flying hang gliders Ultralights, paragliders, nitro planes, and riding motorbikes. I'm now flying Mini drones ($50 or less) with prop guards, auto launch and landing, and altitude hold, they do much of the flying for you.
I'd encourage you to keep flying, just change what you fly. Try the sub-250g park flyers, a small camera drone, and take advantage of modern technology like flight controllers with flight envelope restrictions, etc... or try free-flight rubber powered models. Lots to enjoy still!
RUclips suggested this video and I'm glad to hear that you still plan to hang out with friends at the flying field! I'm sure you will still have fun going to events to hang out and Joe Nall is always a fun and welcoming place to be.
Sorry to hear you have to retire from flying rc airplanes. I have watched alot of your videos and still do. I'm always still learning. Maybe you can act as an instructor and/or mentor to newcomers to your club, especially construction, gear choices, to name a couple. You would be great in doing this. Perhaps even help out with a local Air Cadet Squadron. The kids would learn lots from you. I know, I would have. Happy retirement. Your knowledge and expertise will be missed. Regards, Kalvin N (newbie to rc flying)
Gyro/flight controller in pusher glider foamie? Lower performance, but pretty safe, plus you can adjust the level of safety etc...1hr+ flights... very relaxing... (esp if reclined in a seat! Beer optional). But certainly I agree with xjet, add fpv. Totally respect yr decision, but hopefully he can find a way to keep flying!!! Also, the smaller planes fly smooth too with stabilization, plus stick release for auto level, etc etc. I am sure someone in know can help with the tech 😉. Best wishes!
Greeting from an expatriate Englishman from the middle of France. I'm seventy-six and apart from a pair of knees which are worn out I'm pretty fit. Just lucky I guess. Have you ever considered continuing to fly vintage models? I get as much pleasure out of flying the Big Guff, which you may see in my avatar, as I do out of flying any of my pattern ships.
My sympathies for you. I come from a family where my grandparents on both sides and then my mother and father went from Dementia so I expect it'll get me too. I had to stop riding a street bike and quit going to the track with my racecar because I could tell I was losing situational awareness BUT I'm still doing OK with RC planes. Hopefully I'll get to keep it up for a longer time. My respect that you called it and I hope I can do the same when my time comes. Note that those small foam jobs are sure a lot of fun, cheap too. I've got a little P-40 that I could practically fly in my living room... Perhaps you could keep flying with one of those?
I have thoroughly enjoyed your videos and I will continue to rewatch my favorites. I know this was a tough decision and I wish you nothing but the best.
Awesome video and disposition! I’m sorry for what you’re going through but you’re doing an amazing job of handling it! You should get yourself a little Turbo Timber and keep flying. It would be hard pressed to significantly hurt someone if you tried and they’re pretty cheap. Good luck and God bless!
Hellow my friend, i'm from brazil, follow your channel since 2015, when i started in RC, you tgave to me a lot knowled to assemble and build my planes, i'm very sorry about your condition, god blees you.
Time is marching on for all of us mate. Sorry to hear that you've called it, but as you say, better this way if you're going to be nervous about creating a disaster. However, as others have said, there are alternative pathways, including very lightweight "foamies" etc. How about dual control occasionally? Anyway - thank you for your many years of wisdom, entertainment and look after yourself! Cheers and warm regards from Sydney, Australia - Dave
Best wishes, and I feel for you. I am nearly there, myself. Still waiting for the new lenses after cataract surgery. If I still can’t see the wing to level it, I will be done, too.
I’ve been flying RC planes since the 1980s, but just recently got an RC sail boat. Mine is a DF95. Give it a try! No worries about reaction time or orientation, but lots to learn about set up and sailing efficiently. It’s great fun for us with less than perfect eyes and reflexes.
The hardest part is hearing you and realizing our own clock is ticking. I built a couple Train- Air 40's covered like a clowns patuttie. Older former flyer who came to the field to only watch loved flying them on a buddy box. Took me a couple of years to get the nerve to ask him to try it again. He enjoyed it. It's a option!
"Just to give you some context, I used to be a Vice President, a Newsletter editor for five years, and a member of the club for 20 years. I also participated in The Tournament of Champions in Vegas a couple of times. However, as plans got bigger and the costs increased, it became less enjoyable. It seemed like if you didn't have a larger plane with a bigger engine and the latest gadgets, you were left out. The atmosphere became very cliquey, and it stopped being fun. Eventually, I got tired of the drama and decided to move on."
You sure you don't want to try UMX models? Those could hardly hurt if you deliberately hit yourself with one. Within reason of course. But the risk and max possible damage is very slim with them. Plus they're cheap and easy to fix
I am 82 years old and I just got into the hobby about 3 years ago and I have gone bonkers doing this stuff. I have gobs of planes waiting to be built and I also got into using piston-type engines. Both 4-stroke radial gas and glow engines too. Luckily, I do not have any indication of any Alziemers crap and hope that continues. I feel sorry for you having to hang up your transmitter. But......I can fully understand where you are coming from.
You're concerns are very honorable and real. Perhaps you can fly smaller planes, and/or get a person on a buddy cord with you. The hobby certainly helps keep your mind working, which is probably the best think you can do for youself. I think it's been said --- I've been watching you since you reviewed an all-in-one planer/jointer. I never bought one. But I continued watching as I also have interest in many of the same things as you. RV planes included, which I used to fly before I learned to fly the real things. Now I can't afford either. I've enjoyed your take on things in general, and hope you can find a way to continue producing content. I feel like you're an old friend and would hate to hear you stopped making videos altogether. That day will surely come, as it will for all of us. But I hope it is not any time soon. My God richly bless you my friend.
Thanks for all you have done! I hope you continue to fly small stuff- 3D foamies from places like twisted hobbys and Flex innovations, who has a new lineup of flat foamies, would be perfect. You can't really do a lot of damage with one of those if things go wrong. What about picking an aeroscout for yourself? That is a super fun model that is nice and docile below half throttle, and very capable at higher throttle settings! I respect your attitude of making sure you keep others safe, and I know you can continue to fly some aircraft while maintaining that goal! Over my time in the RC sport, I have learned so much from your channel!
You hit my button as I hope I will have many years of RC flying still in me... but dread the day I will have to decide to do the same.... Thank you so much for your videos... Wish you all the best.. Perhaps a slow flyer thats quite big which would make close in flying possible ?
I gave up full-size gliding a couple of years ago (wanted to quite while I was ahead and with an unblemished record). I returned to model flying, which I am loving. I also started flying fullsize gliders in VR using software called Condor 2. I get all the sensation I need to fly just like I flew the real ones, I can fly at locations across the world, try flying cross country tasks way too risky for me in the real world, I can do it in any real world weather where I would not have been able to fly (and enjoy perfect virtual world weather), it costs peanuts once you've bought the gear and it takes up no space or makes any mess. And I am no risk to anyone else and it keeps my brain, reflexes and judgement skills exercised as part of warding off the effects of old age. I can even fly joint tasks with others if I want, so it can be sociable (though I enjoy just flying alone). I mention all this in case you want to try a new challenge that is also a pretty amazing experience. Good luck with future plans 👍
Sorry you have to give it up, but I understand. I just gave up my fire department gig due to a bum ticker. Enjoy watching others plow 'em in. Good luck!
You're not alone and I respect the decision you've made and the reasons for doing so. The President of our club no longer flies do to age related issues, but still shows up, in addition to monthly club membership meetings, for when we fly as a club. I started into this hobby about 5 years ago at age 75 and recognize my diminished reflexes and visual acuity. I'm now choosing models that I can fly low and slow. I've got plenty of acreage right outside my house but there are a couple of houses, besides my own, near enough to be concerned about so I'll only send up a UMX plane when I'm flying at home. Ps. I have managed to hit my house a number of times but only the UMX plane has suffered damage not the house.
Have you considered flying with another person and using a 'Buddy box', so in the odd chance that you make a mistake there is someone there to catch it? At least you could still keep flying safely. Or even a computer sim, I know its not the same as being covered in nitro and castor oil but it'll still give you some stick time...and crashing is free. 🙂🇦🇺
A very brave and wise decision which I empathise with completely. My 40 year flying career still had a couple of years to run, but my worldwide assignments took me away from a 7 year old boy who needed his daddy. Probably the hardest decision that I ever made, but like your own, the right one.
If you're worried about the risk -- fly small stuff. You can get a *lot* of fun out of a 100g P51 foam model and it poses no risk to anyone. In respect to orientation issues -- try FPV. I've even FPV'd one of those little 100g P51 foam fighters and it was great fun. If you do this then the hobby can remain yours until you're too old to remember which way is up.
Great advice :D!
I'm inclined to agree with my friend here. I've only flown UMX to this point. Lighter and yes it is easier to lose orientation because they're smaller. But if you have a buddy that's willing to be your spotter with field glasses, at those times where orientation begins to lapse, he can use the binoculars and guide you back, right?
Exactly
Wise words Bruce!
My advice, get into 3D Printing! For 35 bucks of filament and some carbon tubes, I can print 2-3 planes. Electronics can easily be swapped out from frame to frame. Plus, I already hate doing line of sight flying, so FPV has been amazing on planes and quads. You old balsa wood salty guys are a dying breed on my home RC field, literally. Take care.
It's with a tear in my eye that I say this, "I have totally enjoyed all of your videos, especially the Flex stuff, and you will be extremely missed!" Thank you!
Greetings from Sydney Australia (Down Under). Don't feel you're on your own. We all get to a stage where our interests get to be a bit out of reach. I'm getting on and recently realised I'm getting too old for motorcycling. Fairly simple: an I safe for myself and others? As time goes on I know I'll get to the stage where I won't be able to go fishing (another passion) with simple things like tying a hook on or casting a bait. We will all get there someday. Think of it as a time to put your feet up - you've done the hard yards and be thankful you got the chance to follow your hobby right to the end. It's not what we lose, it's what we had that counts. All the best mate.
I'm also from Sydney and totally agree with you.
The last 20 years I've delt with chronic illness and a lot of surgery, but it's all the good memories I have from before my illness that I really cling onto and cherish. 🇦🇺
No-nonsense from start to finish. I've enjoyed your videos on wood working and RC Airplanes because I like your approach. This video hits a little close to home. I'm feeling it's only a matter of time. Probably only a matter of time for many of us. Thanks for your contributions.
Everything is eventual. It happens to all of us.
I’m happy you had 40yrs of having fun with this amazing hobby, happy to hear you will still go out to the field to enjoy friends and watch some flying.
Wisdom is knowing when it's time to give up, Thank you for sharing this with us all.
God bless you sir. I’ve learnt so much from your videos and just want to thank you for sharing this great hobby with the world. Regards Seb from Australia
Thanks for the flying memories and the "How To" videos. I learned a lot from them. I started flying Rc planes and helis after I retired in 2016. Your videos help me a lot.
Sad to hear Tom! Have enjoyed your videos for the last ten years and find your content to be some of the most genuine on RUclips. Thank you so much for making me laugh, teaching me about the hobby, and giving a perspective of fireside chats with Grand Dad. I wish nothing but the best for you!!
Thank you for being such a decent human being and it was really nice of you to share a bit of your life with us. All the best.
At 72, I've pretty much left RC and have returned to where it all began as a 10 year old, rubber free flight, Flying Aces style, a real challenge but so rewarding and at my age now it just fits the bill!
Get your ass back here my friend, we need you back
@@Corrigan65_ damn I barely know what RC stands for and I felt that.
Thank you for all the video's you have done to help all of us out. I'm regularly going back to your site to see what your up to and will continue to do this. From a less then average pilot Thank you again for all your help and fun video's. FYI maybe a buddy box ????
I've always loved your video's where you build and flew various ARF kits. Sad to hear it has come to an end but I support your choice to quit for the safety of others👍
I will truly miss your videos and the knowledge that you gave. The narration.and quick clips were really helpful without being dragged out. I wish you all the best! Damon Woodall Fuquay NC
Wow…. I wasn’t expecting 😢this! I have enjoyed your RC airplane videos so much. You have given great advice and many useful tips. Thank you so much for all you have contributed
I am in my 60s, this made me think about the end of my flying days and stirred up some empathy for you. Best wishes, we will miss you and your videos.
That was a fun video, great comments!
I’m wondering, can’t you keep flying some park flyers, the slower stuff?
It takes a special person to come to your conclusion, I hope you have many days of enjoyment watching RC aircraft flown by your friends.
Things go full circle. Ive been flying RC since 1975 (Kraft) and flew full scale F-4Ns and S (slats) in the Marine Corps, finished with the F/A-18C. I think its only a matter of time before we realise that we cant do it like we did SAFELY years before. Ive had horses most of my adult life. Horses have a way of telling you they can no longer be ridden and its time to become pasture ornaments. Flying and riding horses have many parallels. A wise man or woman knows when its time. This is a happy video-enjoy many more years ahead. You can (and will) contribute to the hobby. Youre a wealth of knowledge. Tailwinds......
Thanks for all you've contributed to our great hobby. You've always been a stellar ambassador. God bless.
Amen Brother. ❤
I've watched your how to videos over the years and learned a fair amount of things from you. Thank you for all you've done for the hobby.
You should give VR flight sim a try. If you crash, you hit reset. When you're immersed, you feel like you're really in the sky. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask me. I'd be happy to give any info.
Congratulations on 40 years! You can always be a Dj or announcer in your retirement 😊. You’ve got a great voice. 🎉
I understand your concerns about safety but I think your control stick dexterity is crucial to maintaining your hand to eye co-ordination and helps stimulate brain function.
Maybe you could continue flying in a virtual manner online or with a computer simulator.
There are several good ones you can even plug your regular RC controller into and fly model aircraft in a computer sim environment.
100% enjoyed your videos. You really taught me lots when i was new in the hobby. And ill continue to go back to them. Thank you for your straight to the point,very enjoyable and well made videos. Take care of yourself.
A Brave and very selfless decision to make. Salute you sir from the UK and i sincerely hope you have many many more trips to the flying field to catch up with your flying buddies even though you wont be on the transmitter sticks yourself. Take care and keep safe. 👍
It takes a brave man to recognise his limitations, and to draw the curtain on something he has enjoyed doing for so many years. I wish you well in continuing in whatever capacity you can to enjoy the wonders of R/C flying.
After being in the hospital and rehap for a below the knee amputation, I got the news of cancer as well. I've flown for over 45 years as well and last fall sold all my big gassers. I've enjoyed all your videos and you bring out the best of this wonderful hobby. Good luck in your future. I just plan to fly a smaller electric bush plane until I too feel uncomfortable and will just watch others fly. Good luck again!!!
This random internet pilot offers his heartfelt condolences. Really sorry to hear of your situation. I hope your fortune changes.
Found you a few years ago. Thoroughly enjoyed your videos. Thanks for the time you spent creating content for us rubes.
Theres always buddy boxing.
Hello Mr Thintz. Sorry you’re not going to fly RC anymore. I’ve really enjoyed your videos over the years and will surely miss them. The guys at the club will always grateful seeing turn up there. All the best for the future mate. Cheers from Perth Western Australia 🦘🇦🇺
Good on you, and thank you very much for bringing us along with these videos se we can learn from your 40 years of experience.
Tom…keep building and assembling…you are needed for what you can remember! My wife has lived a few miles away for the last year and a half. Alzheimer’s too. I keep collecting projects. She and I both turn 80 this year. We keep reflecting on how interesting our lives have been. We are both pilots. I print photos of our experiences to remind us how fortunate we have been. And, thank you for the elements you provided for me to enjoy my fading level of aviation. Modeling at 7. Full scale at 15. Solo at 16. Private Pilot at 17. Ensign, JG, Lt. A6A B/N USN at 22-27. Commercial Soaring Pilot at 32. Crashed 51…Last flight in NZ 2006. Back to modeling again. Wife has Alzheimer’s.
I have great respect for this mindset, it reminds me of my own grandpa, who has been gone for over 2 decades at this point. He was leaving a car wash in his car one day, going around the corner of the building after getting outside, and accidently hit the gas instead of the break, in his confusion he stepped harder and got his car hung up on a retaining wall. Luckily, no one was hurt, even him. He called my mom (his daughter) and gave her his car that very day after it was lifted off the wall. I was just entering high school at the the time and didn't understand the sacrifice he made to keep everyone else safe, but I remembered it, and as I grew older, I realized what he did took a strength of character that very few people have. Listening to you talk about this reminded me of him and made me smile, so thank you for that.
I know the decision to stop doing something that you've loved for longer than I've been alive wasn't easy, but doing so does prove your love for the sport beyond just enjoying flying planes.
I'm glad you are still staying in the hobby in some capacity. It was a good run!!
Flying is a blessing for us all. The love of it shall live forever in all hearts. God's speed amigo.
Tom, you're the best! I love and often rewatch your excellent videos. I also will never forget you writing about Alzheimer's years ago and how it was effecting you. Thank you for all you give us! I'm glad you'll still do wing bags.
Seriously I have no clue who you are, or much about your flying history. Despite both of those things, I have huge sympathy and respect. The hobby clearly just lost a good ‘en. 🫡
Tom, I just stumbled across your video - I really appreciate the little montage you’ve put together. I know
that a few minutes doesn’t due justice to the 40 years you’ve spent in the hobby, never the less I enjoyed the insight and humour that you injected. More importantly, I really respect your decision to keep everyone around you safe. As I get older, I’m starting to understand the phrase, “All things must pass.” I see it happening with my own interests and abilities, with the decline of certain customs and traditions that I grew up with, with technology, etc, etc, etc. ALL things must pass. Maybe your time as pilot in command has ended, but I sense that your time as mentor and supporter will continue for years to come. Thanks for sharing.
Very well put. I wish I could have written a comment as eloquent as @jojobobo321 but I'll just say I agree with everything he said. All the best Sir.
I am sorry that you had to sell your RC aircraft collection and I can only imagine how much of a difficult decision it was for you. Since you love the RC hobby so much, did you consider pursuing a different avenue of the hobby? For example, RC crawlers can offer a different experience at a slower pace but can still be challenging and highly enjoyable.
I am SO SORRY to hear that you’re stopping your flying- but it’s a great thing that you’re handling this a thousand times better than I think I would. All the best to you!!
I found your videos last year when I just got into this great hobby. I really enjoyed every video you made. Very informative and a great style of making videos. I enjoyed the little jokes every now and then! I appreciate everything you offered to the hobby! Thank you! Go Packers!! Take care!
This came up in my feed. I think you're smart to retire, but if you ever wanted to fly again, could you use one of those buddy radios so that if you have an alzheimer's flare-up while flying, your buddy can take over and save you? It would allow you to fly safely.
You have been a credit to the hobby. I am 81, still flying, not as accomplished as you. You have helped many of us with your videos.
I too have retired from flying after many years, but I seemed to be crashing a lot and bringing my planes and helicopters home in bits😞I’m nearly 70 now and my eyesight is bad and reactions a bit slower and what with the politics and restrictions and loss of freedom I decided it’s time to leave the hobby, sold my whole fleet for next to nothing but was hard to keep looking at it all knowing I would never fly again, but life goes on but time passes so fast.
I know this may be too little too late, but have you considered the FPV option? Plenty of fun little drones for indoors, or maybe an FPV foamie. this could help with the orientation issues! It's alot of fun at least to try once!
Hey, man, there's still FF.
My FIL quit flying his Cherokee (people-sized) at 85 for the same reason. Super responsible. Just like a pilot.
Clubs need a good heckler group as much as they do pilots. You are just changing jobs. :^)
A big salute to you, sir. I belong to a club with many members in their 80s and 90s. It’s been really difficult to see them one by one reaching the end of their flying careers.
A suggestion: try continuing to fly small UMX planes on a buddy box. Although anticlimactic, it would keep you in the air and involved.
My best to you, sir!
Buy Real Flight !!!!! That way you can Crash the HELL OUTTA OF EVERYTHING and nobody gets hurt !!!!! I truly hope things get better for you,Thanks for ALL the helpful videos that you shared with us all !!!!!!!!! 😋💕
I also have been flying for close to 40 years. If I have to quit RC flying, I will take up musical instrument.
Hey Fella, I'm waiting to go the same way, saw it my Dad and about 6 months ago I realised that I have early symptoms and have gone down the thought process road that you have. I just got a 67", believe it or not my biggest model in the last 30 years, concentrated on small throw about fun stuff since then. Not told anyone but it is my 'Swan Song', bigger and slower so I can keep on top of her but I have sworn to myself that she goes to a new owner as soon as I start having issues whilst flying, at some point in the very near future I am going to ask my closest FB's to keep an eye on me in case I miss 'issues'. My plan is a foam E-Glider with a return to home/ motor cut model to keep going as long as I safely can because like you, I believe that keeping the grey cells active as long as I can will keep me going a bit longer but safety is more important to me.
God Bless 'yer.
Paul
You're an inspiration to many of us. Thanks for sharing your experience and I hope you can continue enjoying the hobby in whatever way is good for you. All the best Buddy.
Take up free flight :-) I've flown RC for 40 years and have since rediscovered the pleasures of flying good old rubber band powered models.
Much respect to you. I've watched your videos for years and learned so much. I thumbs down cause it's too hard to like this one. But I get it. Keep making content. The world is your classroom for us!
Living a long way from any FAA certified RC field and surrounded by no-fly zones, I retired my flying career, too. It was a good gig while it lasted.
BOATS ! !
its time for RC boats now, nice lumbery yachts heck even sail boats are beautiful
I don’t know who you are Sir, but please don’t quit fully. Keep a plane or two, perhaps slower ones, but don’t stop. Your experience and inspiration is too valuable.
RC’s got me into hang gliding. The hardest thing for me was giving up flying when I was getting too heavy. Not so heavy anymore but aging and have some pretty bad arthritis. I took up astronomy afterwords. Now the wife is irritated that I’m up all night. 😝
One word, RESPECT!
Healthy and Friendly Greetings from the Netherlands!
Rob
Getting old)er) is a hard pill to swallow but we are all getting there at the same speed.... good on you for making the decision as I think I will be that guy that they have to pull the radio out of my hands... I cant imagine hanging up the sticks so to speak but kudos to you for accepting the time in lifes journey..... stay safe and thank you for your vids...... greetings from down under
Time to try FPV powered gliders. Beautiful views, you can chase your friends and get some great video.
There is a local RC pilot here, here is 88 Yo and now flying small foam planes and small helis and drones. Still enjoying the hobby :)
I have a couple planes that are afraid of heights. They seem to find there way back to the ground rather quickly......
I've just found your channel from your ALMOST table saw injury! I love teh content and I'm glad youre are well, with all your fingers, making stuff!!! Cheers from Argentina!
Man, i hope things go as good as things can go for your situation. I finally got into the hobby in 2016 thanks to Horizon Hobby with E-flite and Spectrum, growing up in a lower working class family in the 80s, ki might as well been asking for a Lamborghini Diablo, i ended up selling 16 of my 20 planes in 2019 for health and relocating problems but recently got back into it. I loved my E-flite valiant, I've only ever had foamies, because I've never had a simulator and i was never a great pilot. Cuban 8s, rolls, loops, some inverted and very short sloppy knife edges but what i lack in piloting skills i make up in having an absolute blast every time I fly. I literally just made a small repair to my E-flite umx A-10 when i decided to watch some RUclips. Speaking of crashing I managed to crash and completely total out 2 planes with SAFE, so im kinda proud of my crashing skills. Well, keepin kicking sir, and i wish you the best
I'm sorry to hear you are out of the hobby. You are very kind and responsible for making that decision, though. You are welcome to strap on an extra set of my goggles and board my aircraft any time.
You don't look to be a risk. Everyone wrecks, TRUST ME. LOL Like @xjet said.. smaller and slower. Night Vapor is always good in the front yard. Love ya! God bless
big mistake, fly smaller lighter and slower planes, don't fly around crowds, like you said flying has helped you, as soon as you give up you will start deteriorating faster, you need to keep fighting................
Sorry your body doesn't work like it used to... My grandpa had the same issues later on in his life and he was a scratch builder. Watched him lose so many great-looking planes. Space walker 2's... Extra's... He loved to build. I saw the original 1-800-Collect biplane scale model being built by Miles Reed out of Alliance Ohio. He made the Modeler Magazine which was really big in the 90's... I hated the smell of my grandpa's plotter... he had everything he needed to engineer anything... Miss him every day. Godspeed Old Timer...
Ya I'm a retired senior. I've given up flying hang gliders Ultralights, paragliders, nitro planes, and riding motorbikes. I'm now flying Mini drones ($50 or less) with prop guards, auto launch and landing, and altitude hold, they do much of the flying for you.
I'd encourage you to keep flying, just change what you fly. Try the sub-250g park flyers, a small camera drone, and take advantage of modern technology like flight controllers with flight envelope restrictions, etc... or try free-flight rubber powered models. Lots to enjoy still!
RUclips suggested this video and I'm glad to hear that you still plan to hang out with friends at the flying field! I'm sure you will still have fun going to events to hang out and Joe Nall is always a fun and welcoming place to be.
Sorry to hear you have to retire from flying rc airplanes. I have watched alot of your videos and still do. I'm always still learning. Maybe you can act as an instructor and/or mentor to newcomers to your club, especially construction, gear choices, to name a couple. You would be great in doing this. Perhaps even help out with a local Air Cadet Squadron. The kids would learn lots from you. I know, I would have. Happy retirement. Your knowledge and expertise will be missed. Regards, Kalvin N (newbie to rc flying)
Gyro/flight controller in pusher glider foamie? Lower performance, but pretty safe, plus you can adjust the level of safety etc...1hr+ flights... very relaxing... (esp if reclined in a seat! Beer optional). But certainly I agree with xjet, add fpv.
Totally respect yr decision, but hopefully he can find a way to keep flying!!! Also, the smaller planes fly smooth too with stabilization, plus stick release for auto level, etc etc. I am sure someone in know can help with the tech 😉. Best wishes!
Greeting from an expatriate Englishman from the middle of France. I'm seventy-six and apart from a pair of knees which are worn out I'm pretty fit. Just lucky I guess. Have you ever considered continuing to fly vintage models? I get as much pleasure out of flying the Big Guff, which you may see in my avatar, as I do out of flying any of my pattern ships.
My sympathies for you.
I come from a family where my grandparents on both sides and then my mother and father went from Dementia so I expect it'll get me too. I had to stop riding a street bike and quit going to the track with my racecar because I could tell I was losing situational awareness BUT I'm still doing OK with RC planes. Hopefully I'll get to keep it up for a longer time. My respect that you called it and I hope I can do the same when my time comes.
Note that those small foam jobs are sure a lot of fun, cheap too. I've got a little P-40 that I could practically fly in my living room... Perhaps you could keep flying with one of those?
I have thoroughly enjoyed your videos and I will continue to rewatch my favorites. I know this was a tough decision and I wish you nothing but the best.
Awesome video and disposition! I’m sorry for what you’re going through but you’re doing an amazing job of handling it! You should get yourself a little Turbo Timber and keep flying. It would be hard pressed to significantly hurt someone if you tried and they’re pretty cheap. Good luck and God bless!
Hellow my friend, i'm from brazil, follow your channel since 2015, when i started in RC, you tgave to me a lot knowled to assemble and build my planes, i'm very sorry about your condition, god blees you.
Time is marching on for all of us mate. Sorry to hear that you've called it, but as you say, better this way if you're going to be nervous about creating a disaster.
However, as others have said, there are alternative pathways, including very lightweight "foamies" etc. How about dual control occasionally? Anyway - thank you for your many years of wisdom, entertainment and look after yourself! Cheers and warm regards from Sydney, Australia - Dave
No matter how bad it gets, you'll ALWAYS remember blue skies and good control...God Bless You.
Best wishes, and I feel for you. I am nearly there, myself. Still waiting for the new lenses after cataract surgery. If I still can’t see the wing to level it, I will be done, too.
I’ve been flying RC planes since the 1980s, but just recently got an RC sail boat. Mine is a DF95. Give it a try! No worries about reaction time or orientation, but lots to learn about set up and sailing efficiently. It’s great fun for us with less than perfect eyes and reflexes.
The hardest part is hearing you and realizing our own clock is ticking. I built a couple Train- Air 40's covered like a clowns patuttie. Older former flyer who came to the field to only watch loved flying them on a buddy box. Took me a couple of years to get the nerve to ask him to try it again. He enjoyed it. It's a option!
"Just to give you some context, I used to be a Vice President, a Newsletter editor for five years, and a member of the club for 20 years. I also participated in The Tournament of Champions in Vegas a couple of times. However, as plans got bigger and the costs increased, it became less enjoyable. It seemed like if you didn't have a larger plane with a bigger engine and the latest gadgets, you were left out. The atmosphere became very cliquey, and it stopped being fun. Eventually, I got tired of the drama and decided to move on."
So sad. Please keep making content of some kind. Your videos have helped a lot since getting back into the hobby w years ago.
You sure you don't want to try UMX models? Those could hardly hurt if you deliberately hit yourself with one. Within reason of course. But the risk and max possible damage is very slim with them. Plus they're cheap and easy to fix
I am 82 years old and I just got into the hobby about 3 years ago and I have gone bonkers doing this stuff. I have gobs of planes waiting to be built and I also got into using piston-type engines. Both 4-stroke radial gas and glow engines too. Luckily, I do not have any indication of any Alziemers crap and hope that continues. I feel sorry for you having to hang up your transmitter. But......I can fully understand where you are coming from.
You're concerns are very honorable and real. Perhaps you can fly smaller planes, and/or get a person on a buddy cord with you. The hobby certainly helps keep your mind working, which is probably the best think you can do for youself.
I think it's been said --- I've been watching you since you reviewed an all-in-one planer/jointer. I never bought one. But I continued watching as I also have interest in many of the same things as you. RV planes included, which I used to fly before I learned to fly the real things. Now I can't afford either.
I've enjoyed your take on things in general, and hope you can find a way to continue producing content. I feel like you're an old friend and would hate to hear you stopped making videos altogether. That day will surely come, as it will for all of us. But I hope it is not any time soon.
My God richly bless you my friend.
Thanks for all you have done! I hope you continue to fly small stuff- 3D foamies from places like twisted hobbys and Flex innovations, who has a new lineup of flat foamies, would be perfect. You can't really do a lot of damage with one of those if things go wrong. What about picking an aeroscout for yourself? That is a super fun model that is nice and docile below half throttle, and very capable at higher throttle settings! I respect your attitude of making sure you keep others safe, and I know you can continue to fly some aircraft while maintaining that goal! Over my time in the RC sport, I have learned so much from your channel!
You hit my button as I hope I will have many years of RC flying still in me... but dread the day I will have to decide to do the same.... Thank you so much for your videos... Wish you all the best.. Perhaps a slow flyer thats quite big which would make close in flying possible ?
I gave up full-size gliding a couple of years ago (wanted to quite while I was ahead and with an unblemished record). I returned to model flying, which I am loving. I also started flying fullsize gliders in VR using software called Condor 2. I get all the sensation I need to fly just like I flew the real ones, I can fly at locations across the world, try flying cross country tasks way too risky for me in the real world, I can do it in any real world weather where I would not have been able to fly (and enjoy perfect virtual world weather), it costs peanuts once you've bought the gear and it takes up no space or makes any mess. And I am no risk to anyone else and it keeps my brain, reflexes and judgement skills exercised as part of warding off the effects of old age. I can even fly joint tasks with others if I want, so it can be sociable (though I enjoy just flying alone). I mention all this in case you want to try a new challenge that is also a pretty amazing experience. Good luck with future plans 👍
Maybe try FPV you may find it will the itch to fly and you wont lose orientation. Try something small like a whoop
Sorry you have to give it up, but I understand. I just gave up my fire department gig due to a bum ticker. Enjoy watching others plow 'em in. Good luck!
You're not alone and I respect the decision you've made and the reasons for doing so. The President of our club no longer flies do to age related issues, but still shows up, in addition to monthly club membership meetings, for when we fly as a club.
I started into this hobby about 5 years ago at age 75 and recognize my diminished reflexes and visual acuity. I'm now choosing models that I can fly low and slow. I've got plenty of acreage right outside my house but there are a couple of houses, besides my own, near enough to be concerned about so I'll only send up a UMX plane when I'm flying at home.
Ps. I have managed to hit my house a number of times but only the UMX plane has suffered damage not the house.
Tom I’ve enjoyed watching your content over the years, I hope you still stay active in the hobby in some aspect or take up another one you like 👍
Have you considered flying with another person and using a 'Buddy box', so in the odd chance that you make a mistake there is someone there to catch it?
At least you could still keep flying safely.
Or even a computer sim, I know its not the same as being covered in nitro and castor oil but it'll still give you some stick time...and crashing is free. 🙂🇦🇺
NO ! Keep the wind beneath your wings ! I do on my channel ~ Flying over the White Cliffs of Dover - England
A very brave and wise decision which I empathise with completely.
My 40 year flying career still had a couple of years to run, but my worldwide assignments took me away from a 7 year old boy who needed his daddy.
Probably the hardest decision that I ever made, but like your own, the right one.