Peter White

Began aero modelling in 1956 with a Hearns Hobbies Sabre Trainer and Taipan 2.5 diesel, using a take-off stooge as there was no-one else around who would launch for me. Younger sister didn't like the oil, noise or smell.

Moved on to a Whirlwind, a Frisky, 2 Demons (one a Doug Grinham cast-off), a Ruffy, a Thunderbird and a Nobler.

"Retired" at eighteen, as many of us did, but became a retread about 10 years later. Took up competition at Moorabbin in 1971 and didn't miss too many comps, including Nationals from Geelong 72/73 to Goulburn 79/80. Picked up some State Champs as well, and 3 Nat's Seconds, a Third, and some also-rans along the way. During this period I came up with the Atlantis, Manito and Zodiac designs, all of which served me well.

Pictured right: The Manito/ST46 - Stuntmasters Trophy 1997

Gave it away again (sort of) after the Goulburn Nats but still attended a few comps until jumping back in after spectating at the Ballarat Nats in 1995.

In 1998, Paul Richardson and myself, after some discussions and a couple of flying sessions, set the bush telegraph in action and located a number of flyers in the Latrobe Valley and East Gippsland who came together for some social flying and a barbeque. This group soon officially became the Control Line Aeromodellers of Gippsland while retaining the social features. I'm proud and honoured to have been a part of this enthusiastic friendly group which has attracted a good number of flyers from the "Big Smoke" to its ranks.

Pictured above: Peter and Graham Keene at a Warragul day
enjoying a little bread and sausage with their Tomato Sauce.

Moved to Perth W.A. in 2002, taking memories of good times and good friends from my days of flying at Moorabbin in the 70's and 80's, and at Knox and the Latrobe Valley in the 90's through to late 2002.

I have a long list of models that just have to be built and I hope to be able to wear out a good number of motors before my flying days are finished.

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