By Bob Belluomini
I was first introduced to model aviation when a new family moved in across the street at the age of 10. I was intrigued by the Free Flight (FF) and Control Line (CL) models hanging from the ceiling of the detached garage. My first model was a Comet FF glider that flew up, up, and away on its first flight!
Dallas, the new neighbor, had a huge backyard, big enough for 1/2A CL flying. A Consolidated Models WOWee flying wing was the airplane of choice. The hook was set!
I became a member of the Greater Pittsburgh ARCS in Burgettstown, Pennsylvania, in 1968, and, to this day, I credit my success to my mentor Duie Matenkosky and the members of the ARCS. My dad was worried that flying RC would be a flash in the pan for me! Well, Dad, it’s been 58 years and I still love the hobby as much as ever.
I moved during my high school years to the Greater Cincinnati area, and I became a member of the Greater Cincinnati Radio Control Club, which had me rubbing elbows with Dave Brown, Don Lowe, Mark Radcliffe, and many other RC Pattern pilots. At lunch time during the summer, I would go over to Cincinnati-Blue Ash Airport in Blue Ash, Ohio, and watch Dave practice the schedule because it was close to World Engines, which is where he worked.
I helped organize the AMA RC Helicopter Special Interest Group, International Radio Controlled Helicopter Association (IRCHA). The first event was held at Buckeye Executive Airport in Hebron, Ohio.
As a member and officer of the Rosewood RC Flyers in Elizabeth, Indiana, I was the Contest Director (CD) of the largest EDF jet event, the EDF Jet Jam, with annual attendance of 100-plus pilots, including some international attendees.
I was also the CD of the Bill Beach Jet Classic turbine event. Bill built our fantastic facility, which is located on the Ohio River approximately 20 miles down the river from Louisville, Kentucky.
Turbine jets were Bill’s passion. After Bill’s passing, we named the field in his honor, Bill Beach Airfield, home of the Rosewood RC Flyers.
I currently live in Northern Kentucky with my wife, Mary Kay, who is very supportive of my hobby. We have three adult boys and six grandchildren aged 4-13. I’m hoping one of the four boys takes to flying one day like I did.
Note from Mark Feist, DIII associate vice president: Bob is an expert in helicopters, EDF jets, turbine jets, and almost any radio systems and gyros on the market! He is considered by many, many modelers to be the go-to person for product and technical questions and advice!