“OK, now give it some right aileron and bring it around over the field and YOU try it this time…” Jim would say. ”OK Don, now lets see your loop” Jim would whisper to me as he gazed up at my trainer, hands steady on the trainer transmitter and thumb pressed on the take control switch. Up and over the top of the loop then down to straight and level flight. “Good, good” he would say “that was nice and smooth. Now land her and we’ll take a rest”.
Jim Wahner was like that to all his student pilots. Knowledgeable about people and considerate of their emotions under those stressful times learning the hobby of R/C flying. He gave me consistent advice and full follow through with each training flight. I learned quickly about the basics and he would gently coax me into the advanced techniques of Immelmans,, split-S and roll maneuvers. He would throw a Cuban eight in for good measure from time-to-time.
Our friend and fellow pilot, Mr. Jim Wahner has been stricken with a massive stroke and does not have the capacity to be with us, joke with us and command to “stiffel yourself” to his closest compadres.
He was always there to help with all activities in our club when many would not or could not step forward. I think he was the best bar-b-quer I know. The man knew his way around a Webber with out a doubt. I, as many others can attest, our mid week Chicken Squadron meetings were graced with his ubiquitous effervescence and jovial humor only at its best. He is a consummate friend.
I remember our Christmas parties all to well as there was always some issue surrounding Jim’s flying prowess that had to be specially noted during the evening. He either did something very well, or he accomplished something else quite poorly. It usually centered on the demise of one of his favorite combat plane creations and was duly eulogized.
Jim enjoyed combat flying online with several fellow club members and I know they miss that competitive side of this otherwise gentile man.
I know when I speak for all those that know Jim Wahner, and love this man for what he has done for our club and individuals, that we wish him God Speed and hope he returns to the skies soon.
Jim Wahner was like that to all his student pilots. Knowledgeable about people and considerate of their emotions under those stressful times learning the hobby of R/C flying. He gave me consistent advice and full follow through with each training flight. I learned quickly about the basics and he would gently coax me into the advanced techniques of Immelmans,, split-S and roll maneuvers. He would throw a Cuban eight in for good measure from time-to-time.
Our friend and fellow pilot, Mr. Jim Wahner has been stricken with a massive stroke and does not have the capacity to be with us, joke with us and command to “stiffel yourself” to his closest compadres.
He was always there to help with all activities in our club when many would not or could not step forward. I think he was the best bar-b-quer I know. The man knew his way around a Webber with out a doubt. I, as many others can attest, our mid week Chicken Squadron meetings were graced with his ubiquitous effervescence and jovial humor only at its best. He is a consummate friend.
I remember our Christmas parties all to well as there was always some issue surrounding Jim’s flying prowess that had to be specially noted during the evening. He either did something very well, or he accomplished something else quite poorly. It usually centered on the demise of one of his favorite combat plane creations and was duly eulogized.
Jim enjoyed combat flying online with several fellow club members and I know they miss that competitive side of this otherwise gentile man.
I know when I speak for all those that know Jim Wahner, and love this man for what he has done for our club and individuals, that we wish him God Speed and hope he returns to the skies soon.
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