TIM BAILIFF
AMA Fellow and aircraft designer
By Jay Smith | jays@modelaircraft.org
JAY SMITH: How did you become involved in model aviation?
TIM BAILIFF: I was born into a very loving family and one that was enthusiastic about flying. There was always an airplane in our family.
My dad taught me to fly at a young age, the same way many kids learn to drive a car. Loading up our family and flying somewhere was as common to me as driving. Growing up in an airplane family meant I was drawn toward anything that flew. That included model airplanes.
JS: How has model aviation impacted your life and/or career?
TB: Whether it was Control Line, Free Flight, or RC, model airplanes have always been a large part of my life. In 2008, I was invited to fly at the Valley Wide RC Electric Club in Winchester, California. I met many amazing people who shared my enthusiasm for RC aircraft.
Charles Mackey took an interest in my airplane designs. When he learned that I also enjoyed writing, he suggested that I write and submit my first model airplane construction article. With a few writing tips and a lot of encouragement, Charles helped launch me into the world of model airplane publications. I have now authored 30 articles. It was also he who nominated me for my 2018 AMA Fellowship award.
JS: What disciplines of modeling do you currently participate in?
TB: I am the safety officer for our Valley Wide RC Electric Club. We have a great group of fliers. I like flying with these people and always enjoy helping when I can. I’m interested in designing and flying small electric RC airplanes. I gravitate toward designs that are simple yet unique and interesting. Flying wings, Rogallos, round airplanes, and canards are all part of my indoor and outdoor squadrons.
As I’ve gotten older, I find myself becoming more nostalgic. My more recent designs involve converting simple gliders and rubber-powered airplanes into electric RC airplanes.
JS: What other hobbies do you have?
TB: My father was a saltwater fisherman and so am I. Whether it’s surf fishing with family or open ocean fishing with friends, if the opportunity presents itself, I’m all in! Fish is my all-time favorite meal, and I love catching dinner!
I also enjoy vegetable gardening. I find pleasure getting my hands in the soil. Planting a seed, helping it grow, and having a successful harvest is rewarding.
JS: Who or what has influenced you the most?
TB: I credit my older brother, Dan, for sparking my interest in aeromodeling. He was always flying some type of model airplane. One of my first memories was of Dan test-gliding a stick-and-tissue Guillows’s P-38 Lightning in our front yard.
I was a tag-along little brother who might have bothered some older brothers, but not Dan. He allowed me to join in and be a part of what he and his buddies were doing, especially if it involved model airplanes. Dan first introduced me to our local hobby shop.
JS: Of all the aircraft you have designed or modified, which is your favorite and why?
TB: In 2007, I successfully converted a colorful Macaw X-Kite to RC. I added a pusher motor and utilized an interesting system of wing-warping for control. In 2008, I presented my idea to the CEO of Brainstorm Products, X-Kite’s mother company.
When we met, he asked for a flying demonstration. Our flying site was a small, paved parking area in an industrial park. Once airborne and well above the buildings, I encouraged him and several other staff members to fly the Macaw. They all seemed to enjoy themselves.
My only concern was landing. Not designed to land on pavement, the only grass available was a narrow strip of parkway. I carefully circled down, turned onto the final approach, and (thankfully) gently set my Macaw down on the grass—right in front of the CEO. The expression on his face said it all.
Brainstorm offered to purchase my idea and I helped launch its new line of RC Wildwings, consisting of a Macaw and a Hawk. I was asked to fly the models for several commercials and joined the sales reps in working a booth at the 2009 AMA Expo in Ontario, California. Fun stuff!
