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.
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?
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'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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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
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
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 UA-cam. 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!!
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!
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.
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!
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......
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 ????
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!!
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
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
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. ❤
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 UA-cam. 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
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. 🍻
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!!
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👍
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
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.
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. 🫡
UA-cam 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.
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!
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.
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!
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 🦘🇦🇺
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.
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!!!
Tom, I just stumbled across your video - I really appreciate the little montage you’ve put together. I know that a few minutes doesn’t due justice to the 40 years you’ve spent in the hobby, never the less I enjoyed the insight and humour that you injected. More importantly, I really respect your decision to keep everyone around you safe. As I get older, I’m starting to understand the phrase, “All things must pass.” I see it happening with my own interests and abilities, with the decline of certain customs and traditions that I grew up with, with technology, etc, etc, etc. ALL things must pass. Maybe your time as pilot in command has ended, but I sense that your time as mentor and supporter will continue for years to come. Thanks for sharing.
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!
Just want to say a big thanks for the invaluable information you have shared on your channel over the years. I myself at that point can see myself still building, but not flying. Maybe this is a good way for you to stay involved in the hobby. Back when I was still just a child I remember we had a older family friend that wasn't so great with flying, but was an amazing builder, I still have one of his scratch builds to this day to remember him by. Either way, thank you for being such a positive influence on the hobby!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
🙏🙏 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 UA-cam videos, as I have been following you for a few years now! Fair winds to you!
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!
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
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.
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
As some one who basically came out the womb obsessed with aeronautics and RC aviation my first reaction to your title was “here we go again, another weekend warrior complaining about regulation or the hobby industry or something” but as I listened to your story I recognised the passion and sincerity of another true model aviator who has to call it quits despite his love for the hobby, never met you and will never fly with you but I wish you the best I’m glad you enjoyed the hobby.
Tom, you're the best! I love and often rewatch your excellent videos. I also will never forget you writing about Alzheimer's years ago and how it was effecting you. Thank you for all you give us! I'm glad you'll still do wing bags.
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’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.
You should give VR flight sim a try. If you crash, you hit reset. When you're immersed, you feel like you're really in the sky. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask me. I'd be happy to give any info.
This is Richie Rich RC you enjoyed your life flying around and doing what you enjoy most I've enjoyed all your videos and has taught me a lot God bless you
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.
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.
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.
While I have seen several of your videos over the years, one stands out. It dealt with using a table saw and the danger of kick back. Looked like you almost lost a finger in that video. Having lost a finger tip over 4 decades ago I know how dangerous woodworking can be. I also got scraped by a prop on one occasion. Your kick back demonstration did more than any written or verbal advice regarding this danger could do. I would not doubt you may be responsible for a lot of people who can still count with all of their digits. Best of luck to you. Sincerest thanks for your efforts and time to educate the public, while helping them to enjoy two wonderful hobbies. Cheers!
This video hits you where it hurts. The reality of anything. Enjoy things while you can, then go onto the next thing you can do. Do everything with a passion then turn the page. Maybe RC crawlers are next for you? No one ever got hurt from a wreck-less crawler... Good luck to you with whatever is next.
I'm turning 65 this week and I bought myself a couple of RC planes(small battery 700mm). I've always want to fly them but never seemed to make the time...I've taken a couple of short flights and realize I'm slower than I'd like to be on the sticks. I began flying drones 5 years ago when we bought our property to build a retirement home so I've got basics but it's not the same...the drones will hover and the planes do not. It's great fun in either case. I wish you all the best and thank you for sharing your experience...hopefully it gives us all guidance to know each of our own limits and to always care more about the safety of our community above our individual needs. Be well.
It's gotta be tough giving up flying. You've seen a lot happen in 40 years of RC flying. Glad you enjoyed and still enjoy the hobby even though it's from the other side of the pilots box. I wish you the best 👌
I am in complete agreement with your very hard and difficult decision. I wish you well for the future and hope your medical professionals can stave off your symptoms for as long as possible. Please don’t become distant from the hobby and maybe consider getting a buddy to use a buddy system so you can get a little stick time in supported safety. stay well as long as you’re able.
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.
Great advice :D!
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?
Exactly
Wise words Bruce!
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'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!
Wisdom is knowing when it's time to give up, Thank you for sharing this with us all.
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.
Everything is eventual. It happens to all of us.
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.
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.
Congratulations on 40 years! You can always be a Dj or announcer in your retirement 😊. You’ve got a great voice. 🎉
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.
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.
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 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
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
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.
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 UA-cam. 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!!
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!
Get your ass back here my friend, we need you back
@@Corrigan65_ damn I barely know what RC stands for and I felt that.
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.
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.
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.
BOATS ! !
its time for RC boats now, nice lumbery yachts heck even sail boats are beautiful
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!
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.
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......
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 ????
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!!
Flying is a blessing for us all. The love of it shall live forever in all hearts. God's speed amigo.
Thanks for all you've contributed to our great hobby. You've always been a stellar ambassador. God bless.
Amen Brother. ❤
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
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
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. ❤
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 UA-cam. 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
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!!!
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. 🍻
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!!
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👍
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
Greetings from Norway. Your videos have been such a big inspiration for me. I have learned a lot too. I wish you all the best. Enjoy life😊
Sorry to hear about ya, but glad you got 40 years out this hobby, wish ya all the best🤙🤙🤙
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.
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. 🫡
I'm glad you are still staying in the hobby in some capacity. It was a good run!!
UA-cam 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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
What a champion you are!
You have definitely made your dent on the Universe...
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 🦘🇦🇺
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.
Thank you for all of your contributions to an amazing hobby.
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!!!
This random internet pilot offers his heartfelt condolences. Really sorry to hear of your situation. I hope your fortune changes.
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 👍
Tom, I just stumbled across your video - I really appreciate the little montage you’ve put together. I know
that a few minutes doesn’t due justice to the 40 years you’ve spent in the hobby, never the less I enjoyed the insight and humour that you injected. More importantly, I really respect your decision to keep everyone around you safe. As I get older, I’m starting to understand the phrase, “All things must pass.” I see it happening with my own interests and abilities, with the decline of certain customs and traditions that I grew up with, with technology, etc, etc, etc. ALL things must pass. Maybe your time as pilot in command has ended, but I sense that your time as mentor and supporter will continue for years to come. Thanks for sharing.
Very well put. I wish I could have written a comment as eloquent as @jojobobo321 but I'll just say I agree with everything he said. All the best Sir.
Your a stand up guy! God bless you!
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.
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!
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.
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 :)
Just want to say a big thanks for the invaluable information you have shared on your channel over the years.
I myself at that point can see myself still building, but not flying. Maybe this is a good way for you to stay involved in the hobby. Back when I was still just a child I remember we had a older family friend that wasn't so great with flying, but was an amazing builder, I still have one of his scratch builds to this day to remember him by.
Either way, thank you for being such a positive influence on the hobby!
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.
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.
Found you a few years ago. Thoroughly enjoyed your videos. Thanks for the time you spent creating content for us rubes.
Hats off sir, you had a great career.
Every beginning has its end. Have fun during the journey is all you can do.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
I'm the same way,, but with boats,,, My friend, fair winds and blue skies!
🙏🙏 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 UA-cam videos, as I have been following you for a few years now! Fair winds to you!
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!
appreciate the honesty , good luck going forward and i hope the best memories stay with you the longest .
Inspiring video. Total respect for your decision and I hope the future is as bright as you deserve. Keep telling your story.
There is always the buddy box! I am sure that your club members would be happy to help you do that!
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
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.
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
So long my friend, I’ve enjoyed and learned from all your videos.
As some one who basically came out the womb obsessed with aeronautics and RC aviation my first reaction to your title was “here we go again, another weekend warrior complaining about regulation or the hobby industry or something” but as I listened to your story I recognised the passion and sincerity of another true model aviator who has to call it quits despite his love for the hobby, never met you and will never fly with you but I wish you the best I’m glad you enjoyed the hobby.
Tom, you're the best! I love and often rewatch your excellent videos. I also will never forget you writing about Alzheimer's years ago and how it was effecting you. Thank you for all you give us! I'm glad you'll still do wing bags.
God bless and thanks for helping so many of us that you have never met.😊
I have learned a lot with you. Love watching your videos. Be safe. We love you. ❤❤
My respect goes to this pilot.
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’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.
You should give VR flight sim a try. If you crash, you hit reset. When you're immersed, you feel like you're really in the sky. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask me. I'd be happy to give any info.
This is Richie Rich RC you enjoyed your life flying around and doing what you enjoy most I've enjoyed all your videos and has taught me a lot God bless you
I hope you keep those fond memories as long as you can. Wishing you the best !!!
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.
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.
lovely video. will make sure to check out some old ones! all the best from london, uk
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.
Respect…. I’m having a rough time seeing them anymore. Gotta keep em in close.
While I have seen several of your videos over the years, one stands out. It dealt with using a table saw and the danger of kick back. Looked like you almost lost a finger in that video. Having lost a finger tip over 4 decades ago I know how dangerous woodworking can be. I also got scraped by a prop on one occasion. Your kick back demonstration did more than any written or verbal advice regarding this danger could do. I would not doubt you may be responsible for a lot of people who can still count with all of their digits. Best of luck to you. Sincerest thanks for your efforts and time to educate the public, while helping them to enjoy two wonderful hobbies. Cheers!
This video hits you where it hurts. The reality of anything. Enjoy things while you can, then go onto the next thing you can do. Do everything with a passion then turn the page. Maybe RC crawlers are next for you? No one ever got hurt from a wreck-less crawler... Good luck to you with whatever is next.
I'm turning 65 this week and I bought myself a couple of RC planes(small battery 700mm). I've always want to fly them but never seemed to make the time...I've taken a couple of short flights and realize I'm slower than I'd like to be on the sticks. I began flying drones 5 years ago when we bought our property to build a retirement home so I've got basics but it's not the same...the drones will hover and the planes do not. It's great fun in either case. I wish you all the best and thank you for sharing your experience...hopefully it gives us all guidance to know each of our own limits and to always care more about the safety of our community above our individual needs. Be well.
It's gotta be tough giving up flying. You've seen a lot happen in 40 years of RC flying. Glad you enjoyed and still enjoy the hobby even though it's from the other side of the pilots box. I wish you the best 👌
Simultaneously sorry to understand you had to retire from the hobby and happy that you enjoyed it for as long as you did.
I am in complete agreement with your very hard and difficult decision. I wish you well for the future and hope your medical professionals can stave off your symptoms for as long as possible. Please don’t become distant from the hobby and maybe consider getting a buddy to use a buddy system so you can get a little stick time in supported safety. stay well as long as you’re able.
Full respect here
Thank you for your contribution to the passion