BRET BECKER
Scale competitor
By Jay Smith | jays@modelaircraft.org
JAY SMITH: How did you become involved with model aviation?
BRET BECKER: I became interested in model airplanes at an early age. My family was supportive of the hobby but lacked any practical experience.
My big break came when I met a seasoned modeler by the name of David Curtis at the local hobby shop. He became my mentor and we flew together just about every weekend at the Sepulveda Basin in Los Angeles. All I wanted to do at that time was fly.
One of his early lessons, however, was on the importance of building. He taught me that the ability to build from scratch provided a modeler the freedom to have any airplane he or she wanted. I was 13 years old at the time.
JS: How has model aviation impacted your life and/or career?
BB: The process of building, flying, and crashing model airplanes unknowingly taught me some very valuable life lessons. Some of these include the importance of preparation, patience, determination, resilience, perseverance, and humility. These lessons apply to all aspects of life. I owe the hobby a great deal of gratitude for these lessons.
JS: What disciplines of modeling do you currently participate in?
BB: In recent years, my focus has primarily been on rarely modeled Scale jets, intended for competition. In general, I enjoy pushing my limits in both building and flying.
JS: What other hobbies do you have?
BB: Watching model airplane videos.
JS: Who or what has influenced you the most.
BB: Model airplane magazines have overall been my biggest influence and source for inspiration. As a kid, I wasn’t able to make it to many flying events. The various magazines, however, provided construction articles and event coverage to keep me engaged for hours at a time.
They taught me the finer art forms of the hobby and introduced me to modeling heroes. I still love flipping through RC magazines and continue to find interesting material from articles written decades ago.
JS: What advice would you give someone interested in getting started in scale competition?
BB: Scale competition can be very intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. I find it helpful to be in competition with only myself.
I use feedback from the static and flight judges to make improvements on the model and flight routine for the next event. Eventually, you’ll find yourself in the winner’s circle.
