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.

@ficosk8

28 күн бұрын

Great advice :D!

@Corrigan65_

26 күн бұрын

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?

@edwill62

19 күн бұрын

Exactly

@ChainsawFPV

17 күн бұрын

Wise words Bruce!

@Monty_FPV

6 күн бұрын

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 takes a special person to come to your conclusion, I hope you have many days of enjoyment watching RC aircraft flown by your friends.

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.

@darrellcook8253

26 күн бұрын

Everything is eventual. It happens to all of us.

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!

BOATS ! ! its time for RC boats now, nice lumbery yachts heck even sail boats are beautiful

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!

@Corrigan65_

19 күн бұрын

Get your ass back here my friend, we need you back

@MatthewHolevinski

16 күн бұрын

@@Corrigan65_ damn I barely know what RC stands for and I felt that.

Wisdom is knowing when it's time to give up, Thank you for sharing this with us all.

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.

@johno9507

21 күн бұрын

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. 🇦🇺

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

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.

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!

Congratulations on 40 years! You can always be a Dj or announcer in your retirement 😊. You’ve got a great voice. 🎉

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

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.

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.

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 KZread. 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

It was with extreme sadness i came across this posting. I have watched several of your incredibly informative and thoughtful videos and always gotten a lot of invaluable knowledge out of them. It's always extremely sad to hear of someone having to give up the things they love due to father time calling time on us, but i truly hope you can carry on in some way with low risk foam models. Wishing you all the best from the UK.

KZread 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.

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 :)

A very tough decision, but kudos to you! Your reasoning is incredibly sound and very much respected, I think there are many others that could learn from this!!

I'm very sorry for your diagnosis. My mom is in the same boat, as well as several old friends of our family. Maybe you could switch to RC cars or even boats. They are super fun and the stakes are much lower. Whatever you do, remember you're not alone and many people love you. Best of luck, sir. ❤

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.

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.

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 KZread. 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!!

There is always the buddy box! I am sure that your club members would be happy to help you do that!

I have no idea why this channel and video suddenly got recommended to me out of the blue. Looks like you really enjoyed your hobby, looks like you made some amazing friends and it looks like you know when to call it quits. Best wishes!!

What a champion you are! You have definitely made your dent on the Universe...

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!

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 👍

Nice video. Every flyer has an expiration date. Good that you have friends to enjoy the hobby with. In the end, that is the most important part. I've got a few years left, then I will do the same.

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.

Respect…. I’m having a rough time seeing them anymore. Gotta keep em in close.

Sorry to hear of your diagnosis. Glad you were able to enjoy the hobby as long as you could and smart enough to know when to call it quits. Hope you have many days of hangar talk. 🍻

Every beginning has its end. Have fun during the journey is all you can do.

I've watched so many of your videos, your a great guy. I wish you all the best and hope you get out to the field with all the other club members!!!

I am so sorry to hear the bad news on your conditi. Have learned so much of your videos. I am going to be 70 years old and may. Right now I'm still doing pretty good. I know it's going to be a time where I have to stop and I'll be ready to stop like you. Said safety first do not wanna hurt the club either. Thanks for all your kindness and your videos. Yes, go out field, hang out with the guys. Again thank you very much

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 🦘🇦🇺

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. 🫡

Flying is a blessing for us all. The love of it shall live forever in all hearts. God's speed amigo.

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. 👍

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......

Sorry to hear about ya, but glad you got 40 years out this hobby, wish ya all the best🤙🤙🤙

I'm the same way,, but with boats,,, My friend, fair winds and blue skies!

I'm glad you are still staying in the hobby in some capacity. It was a good run!!

Inspiring video. Total respect for your decision and I hope the future is as bright as you deserve. Keep telling your story.

My respect goes to this pilot.

Good to hear your story and all the fun that you’ve had throughout the decades. I’m glad to hear you say you’ll still go out to the field to meet with your friends. Your knowledge of RC flying can be passed on many many many times over. I’m in a similar situation to you and have considered over the winter have considered walking away, but I think I’ll fly this year. I anticipated this happening and have gotten involved in flight simulator on my computer, which is turning out to be a lot of fun, especially being able to fly live with other people around the world. best wishes and hope you can continue being involved in flying for many years to come

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.

Hats off sir, you had a great career.

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!

Your a stand up guy! God bless you!

lovely video. will make sure to check out some old ones! all the best from london, uk

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 ????

So long my friend, I’ve enjoyed and learned from all your videos.

Thanks for all you've contributed to our great hobby. You've always been a stellar ambassador. God bless.

@payitfwdrcl6171

Ай бұрын

Amen Brother. ❤

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.

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!

Great video and I think your self assessment is very wise

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!!!

@tripslip38

Ай бұрын

This random internet pilot offers his heartfelt condolences. Really sorry to hear of your situation. I hope your fortune changes.

Clubs need a good heckler group as much as they do pilots. You are just changing jobs. :^)

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

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.

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'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👍

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

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.

Sorry to hear that you had to retire from flying but you made a very sensible decision, it's tough know when to quit. Hope you still enjoy hanging out with your buddies at the club

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. 😝

Thank you for sharing and wish you well!

Good call sir, even though it must have been difficult to step back from something you love . Préservation of the clubs future speaks volumes about the good person you are . Sorry to hear about your condition, god bless

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.

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!

I have been flying RC for 35 years now. I got started when I went to a flying field as a young man and from a distance was watching the planes fly wishing I could do the same. A retired school teacher who just finished up approached me and asked if I wanted to learn. He invited me back to his shop that same afternoon and started helping me build a balsa trainer. After I completed the build with his help he taught me how to fly it. This was the beginning of a 35 year so far hobby for me. The retired school teacher has since passed but I will always be grateful to the many years of enjoyment he has brought me. At age 57 I hope to still have many more years of flying ahead of me thanks to my friend Bob.

Thank you for all of your contributions to an amazing hobby.

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.

Sorry to hear that we enjoyed your videos. hope you do pop down the field now and then to see your friends enjoy your life. You only only have one

I have learned a lot with you. Love watching your videos. Be safe. We love you. ❤❤

Time to try FPV powered gliders. Beautiful views, you can chase your friends and get some great video.

Your channel was such a godsend in finding topics that helped me be successful with all things RC aircraft and I’m very thankful for that. Also just watching you fly always brought a smile to my face. I wish you all the best.

I hope you keep those fond memories as long as you can. Wishing you the best !!!

All the best to you! Sure have enjoyed your videos. My Timber 110 wing and fuselage bags are awesome. Thank you for all you’ve done for the hobby.

appreciate the honesty , good luck going forward and i hope the best memories stay with you the longest .

Full respect here Thank you for your contribution to the passion

I've always enjoyed your content and 'how to' tutorials. You have assisted me immensely. Thank you, and good luck on your journey. All the best from New Zealand.

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.

thank you for all your videos

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!

That is a heartfelt message full of clear honesty.I have up most respect for you and your decision. May each day bring you joy even if now watching from the bylines. Thank you for making this video.

Thanks for all your videos. I do miss your ARF builds

Simultaneously sorry to understand you had to retire from the hobby and happy that you enjoyed it for as long as you did.

You and this channel have helped me tremendously over the years. I thank you. I understand your decision but am still saddened. It's a fear of mine as I start getting older. Best of luck and good health to you.

God bless and thanks for helping so many of us that you have never met.😊

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.

Wonderful video. Thank you for sharing your story with the world. As an Aviator and lover of RC flying, this hits home. Enjoy your retirement. I am certain your impact on friends, family and RC enthusiasts will be felt for many decades to come.

I have seen several people over the years stop flying due to health reasons. I think you and others have the biggest courage to stop before actually doing something that you regret the rest of your life. Continue to visit your club and just to keep your mind going, do a project plane and sell to others. I have met some guys who just build planes and don't fly anymore.

🙏🙏 I admire your courage to make a huge decision like this! I know it’s not an easy one to make ! I wish you well and will miss your KZread videos, as I have been following you for a few years now! Fair winds to you!

God bless you young man! Your videos are great and I have enjoyed watching them for many years. My prayers are with you as you join the next stage of life. You have blessed so many of us with your knowledge and experience and great videos. May God bless and keep you in his arms always! Thank you for your knowledge and for all the experience you shared with us and may you experience many more years flying on the side watching out for all of us!

God bless you, sir. No doubt there are more people who learned from you and appreciated your skills and passion for RC Flying than you’ll ever know.