Radio flyer: Reservist takes his hobby to the sky

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Steve Germann
  • 512th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  The skies are perfectly clear; the wind is blowing in the right direction; and, all is a go for main engine start up. Staff Sgt. James Mullin, 46th Aerial Port Squadron, checks the makeshift runway to make sure it's safe for takeoff. With a nod of approval, Sergeant Mullin powers up his propeller, steers his aircraft onto the air strip and within seconds is up in the air enjoying the freedom of the blue yonder.

In one magnificent display of aerial acrobatics, Sergeant Mullin maneuvers his aircraft through several loops and finally a low-level fly by. Alerting onlookers of a swift approach, Sergeant Mullin returns the aircraft to the landing strip and powers down his propeller. It's another fine Saturday afternoon in flight.

Sergeant Mullin, a transportation specialist, has a unique hobby. While others may spend their weekends honing golf skills, working on automobiles or fixing up the garden, Sergeant Mullin spends his at a park designated for Radio Controlled Aircraft just outside of Newark, Del.

Sergeant Mullin became fascinated with RC planes six years ago after a co-worker sparked his interest.

"After I talked to him about the hobby, he sold me his plane for $225 with the radio control," said Sergeant Mullin.

Although much smaller than what he currently maintains, Sergeant Mullin spent an entire summer learning how to fly the beginner plane he had bought from his friend.
Sergeant Mullin is part of a club called the Delaware RC whose members include instructors who offered him lessons. Basic lessons include everything from taxiing the plane, flaps control, flight maneuvers to a proper landing.

Of course, Sergeant Mullin's lessons weren't perfectly flawless.

"I've had a couple of crashes," said the humbled pilot. "And every plane has an expiration date, some sooner than others."

Six years later, Sergeant Mullin can now be found on a Saturday afternoon doing everything with his plane from inverted flying, stalls to a snap-roll trick, where the controls on the radio are maxed out and the plane quickly flips over.

The future of radio controlled flying is certain for the sergeant.

"I'd like to step up to a gas powered plane with a bigger wingspan," he said.

Some of the RC pilots that Sergeant Mullin has flown with have planes that boast up to 15 feet wingspans. He said they can resemble everything from fighter jets to World War II replica bombers.

Until that time comes, Sergeant Mullin continues to enjoy his weekends in flight; just him, his aircraft and the skies above.