JAY SMITH: How did you become involved with model aviation?
DICK PERRY: I’ve been interested in airplanes since I was quite young—my mother said that one of my first words was "airplane." My father was a mechanical engineer and a skilled craftsman who turned our basement into a workshop and recreation room, and he transformed our attic into my bedroom.
He built toy airplanes for me and taught me to use his tools. When I expressed an interest in flying models, he bought me one of the early Cox ready-to-fly airplanes, which I promptly destroyed!
We purchased a Scientific 1/2A kit for the salvaged Cox engine, plus a book on Control Line (CL) model flying, and we learned the hobby. I designed and built my first CL model when I was 11 years old, and I’ve designed my own models since. My first job working for someone else was at the age of 15 in the local candy store and delicatessen, which had a hobby shop in one corner. I waited on customers in the hobby shop, soaking up modeling knowledge from the customers and from Sonny Schimpff, the owner.
JS: How has model aviation impacted your life and/or career?
DP: I enjoyed learning to fly CL models. My experiences motivated me to pursue an aviation-oriented career in engineering. I applied to colleges with good aeronautical engineering curricula and to the U.S. Air Force Academy.
My 28 years of active duty provided fantastic opportunities in flying and leadership roles as a pilot, as well as interesting assignments in intelligence, aviation safety, and staff work as an engineer. My Air Force experience allowed me to move to Sandia National Laboratories, where I managed aviation programs working with the FAA, National Transportation Safety Board, and the National Forest Service.
I became an instructor pilot on bombers and training aircraft in the Air Force, and I continue to instruct civilian pilots in general aviation aircraft. I’ve flown model aircraft through all three careers and have had a chance to get to know fellow modelers across the country.
JS: What disciplines of modeling do you currently participate in?
DP: I primarily fly the CL Navy Carrier events. It gives me a chance to use my engineering skills in designing competition models. Navy Carrier flight appeals to me the most. The whole flight—high speed and low speed—is challenging. Researching full-scale naval aircraft for use as subjects to model is great fun, and the historical aspect of naval aviation adds an additional level of involvement. The greatest thing about Navy Carrier competitors is the camaraderie that exists within our community and the willingness of all of us to help other competitors be successful.
JS: What other hobbies do you have?
DP: I enjoy the shooting sports and have competed in air gun events in the New Mexico Senior Games. I’ve competed in archery in both state and national events.
I own a 1953 Cessna 170B and enjoy working on it to keep it in flying condition. I derive great joy in using it to introduce young people to general aviation flying through the EAA Young Eagles program.
JS:Who or what has influenced you the most?
DP: My parents had the most profound influence on me, encouraging me to work hard at whatever endeavor I was undertaking, giving me responsibility, and setting a good example in sports competition, education, engineering, and volunteer work. I had outstanding teachers in high school who made science interesting and who gave me opportunities to develop my drafting skills, including developing drawings for students in industrial arts to produce equipment for the school’s athletic department.
JS: Having written for Model Aviation magazine for 50 years, what are you most proud of?
DP:I’m thankful for the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience with a broad audience and to encourage modelers to take up CL Navy Carrier events. My exposure in Model Aviationgave me credibility within the modeling community and with AMA leadership. I assumed a leadership role in Navy Carrier, forming and chairing the Navy Carrier Advisory Committee to the AMA CL Contest Board and the CL Navy Carrier Contest Board when it diversified into separate event contest boards. Most of all, I’m happy for the chance to become friends with so many wonderfully skilled and interesting people in the modeling community.
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