Ken Donelly

I started flying Control line in the fifties. My first model was a Hearns Hobbies Hot Rod with a Taipan Red Head diesel 1.5cc. A lovely little model. Over about a 4 year period I flew various other models of the time all powered by Taipans. Every Sunday it was off to Surrey Park in Box Hill to watch the big boys fly. Keith Hearn featured strongly in the Comps in those days and I just couldn’t get enough of it.

Then I discovered young ladies. I was absolutely convinced that I was the only one with a vast knowledge of females. After all I did have 3 sisters, and bath time had previously provided the opportunity to observe something appeared to be missing. This didn’t seem to worry my sisters too much, in fact one told me it was, after all, very similar to mine but just a flatter sort of arrangement. Anyway everything in my life to that time ground to a halt in an earnest haste to be involved in anything to do with girls.

Fast forward to 2001. I am just coming up to the end of a career as an Airline pilot. During the previous 25 years I have lived in various countries and operated throughout Asia, Europe and the Pacific flying B737, B727, L1011, A320 and A340 aircraft.

In Melbourne with my wife and 2 sons ( both of whom are totally involved in the search for female company. Surprise Surprise! ) I happen to be passing by KMAC field. 20 seconds after driving in I smell it again. Methanol - Aahh!  Within months I am a member at KMAC and have become a RETREAD.

Now retired from International Airline flying I spend much time happily absorbed in learning the pattern and enjoying the company of some of the nicest guys I have ever known. Fair skies, light winds and being at the field with these guys at KMAC or CLAG, it just doesn’t get any better.

Next time you are at the field, just look for the guy with a big smile trying to bull**** as hard as the best of them and that will be me.

As Maxwell Smart would say “AND LOVING IT” !!!

Return to