Fitz Walker: Model Aviation contributor

Bonus Video

Jay Smith: How did you get involved with model aviation?

Fitz Walker: I started when I was approximately age 9 or 10 years old, first with Control Line models through the help of my then stepfather. I later progressed to building balsa-and-tissue Free Flight air-planes (which flew terribly but I didn’t care), and eventually to RC in my late teens when I was old enough to buy my own equipment.

JS: How has model aviation impacted your life and/or career?

FW: It probably kept me out of trouble as a kid. I was too busy building airplanes in the basement to engage in nefarious activities with friends. Seriously though, I naturally had an interest in science and technology, and model aviation helped focus those aptitudes into an interest in aviation-related topics and a career as an engineer in the aerospace industry.

At one point, I even ran my own mail order RC helicopter business. I highly doubt that I’d be the same person or have the great kind of friends I have if it were not for model aviation. It’s the best hobby I’ve ever had.

JS: What disciplines of modeling do you currently participate in?

FW: A lot of them. I fly mainly sport and scale fixed-wing RC models of most types, but I also fly gliders and helicopters. I’m also fairly active with RC boats and occasionally cars. In fact, I just picked up a Tamiya RC Tank to restore.

I also enjoy building plastic models when I can. I probably have modeling attention deficit disorder.

JS: What other hobbies do you have?

FW: I like to joke that hobbies are my hobbies. I’m active in the Maker community, where I enjoy 3D printing and building things such as an electric motorcycle and a fully animatronic K-9 robot dog replica from the old Dr. Who TV show.

Another passion of mine is retro computing with my own personal collection of 8-bit computers from the 1980s. I’m also a licensed, full-scale glider pilot. Did I mention I dabble in N-scale trains, too?

JS: Who or what has influenced you the most?

FW: I’ve been fortunate to have some pretty influential parents in my life. My father could seemingly fix anything, so I learned a lot about repairing and building things from him. My mother always encouraged me to pursue my interests, no matter how eclectic and nerdy they could get sometime. They influenced me as well as Mr. Spock (seriously).

JS: How has being involved with a YouTube channel and podcast impacted your hobby?

FW: I had no intention of having a YouTube channel until I was asked to make a how-to video for a model. People liked my production style and it grew from there. It has given me an opportunity to fly a variety of models that I otherwise would have not been able to fly. To my surprise, I’m occasionally recognized when I go to RC events.

The RC podcast experience has been overwhelmingly positive. I’ve been able to meet industry insiders, historic personalities, and make new friends. It has improved my appreciation for the hobby by talking to, about, and with some truly remarkable people.