BERT GARRISON
Former U.S. Air Force test pilot and airline pilot
By Jay Smith | jays@modelaircraft.org
JAY SMITH: How did you become involved with model aviation?
BERT GARRISON: My earliest recollection of models was when I was a 5-year-old. We lived in San Diego and my dad and his buddies were into Control Line (CL), plastic, and stick-and-tissue models. There are 8mm movies from 1967 that show my dad holding me up with my hand on his flying Cox Helldiver!
I flew CL up until I got my first RC model in 1974. That is when I became an AMA member. I have been involved in model aviation nonstop since!
JS: How has model aviation impacted your life and/or career?
BG: It was inevitable. I worked at two restaurants growing up during high school to pay for RC and full-scale flying lessons. I soloed my first RC aircraft in 1974 and my first full-scale airplane in 1977 at 16. I learned to fly tail-draggers at an early age, soloing a Bellanca Citabria 7GBC then building time in Super Cubs, Luscombe, and Cessna 140 aircraft.
I attended the Citadel in South Carolina and earned a navigator training slot through the U.S. Air Force ROTC. I was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1983 and was off to undergraduate navigator training at Mather AFB in Sacramento, California. Throughout the years, as an electronic warfare office officer and weapons system operator, I always had an RC airplane to fly. I attribute my participation in model aviation during my early years as the impetus to apply for pilot training.
JS: What disciplines of modeling do you currently participate in?
BG: Since 1989, I have always had RC helicopters: “Keep Helis Alive.” They serve me well because of the limited area needed to fly them. Second would be Scale Soaring with huge 7-meter sailplanes towed up by
gas-powered airplanes. I also build and fly towplanes! My most recent discipline—and discipline is a good word—is jets!
JS: What other hobbies do you have?
BG: I am a sailor, photographer, videographer, high-powered rocketeer, and restorer of anything worth restoring.
JS: Who or what has influenced you the most?
BG: My father would be the first to influence me, followed by great leaders throughout my career who showed me that I can do anything I put my mind to! I will mention my baseball coach/drivers ed teacher/social studies teacher, Coach Marion Waters, who taught me to never give up!
He would hit balls to the edge of the outfield and if missed, they would roll into the parking lot and go on forever. You could not hit the shower until you caught three in a row! That taught me a lot about life at a young age! I never step away from a challenge when it comes to learning a new skill or discipline.
JS: What advice would you give to someone who is looking to join the military and become a pilot?
BG: Attention to detail! I cannot emphasize that enough. Most will tell you math and science. Sure, have a working knowledge, but without a doubt, attention to detail is key to success in aviation and life in general.
Also, if you do not understand something, ask the question. Dig into challenges and learn how to overcome them. Know where to find information to help your cause. Learn to be disciplined in following a checklist. These are the traits I noticed during my time as a check airman, where people did well under pressure!
