Andy Minor
Doctor and CL Combat Participant
Jay Smith: How did you become involved with model aviation?
Andy Minor: My father was into Control Line (CL) Stunt and Racing before I showed up on the scene. My father was an amazing builder, and he is how I became involved in model aviation.
JS: How has model aviation impacted your life and/or career?
AM: I was involved in competition almost as soon as I learned how to fly. My own competitive nature drove me to build and engineer new equipment. Through science and trial and error, we continually developed better equipment.
We learned from the best and stayed focused. The first time we won a big national tournament where the best-of-the-best showed up to win was when I knew that there was nothing I couldn’t do if I worked hard and set my mind to it, whether it was in a career or in model aviation.
JS: What disciplines of modeling do you currently participate in?
AM: We primarily focus on F2D Combat, and then dabble in all of the other CL Combat events. We have several Stunt airplanes, and when we get a chance, we will fly some Stunt.
JS: What other hobbies do you have?
AM: I have always enjoyed old cars and, in particular, muscle cars. I have had a few over the years. I also enjoy traveling and woodworking.
JS: Who or what has influenced you the most?
AM: My father was probably the most influential person with my modeling experience. My father’s mentor, Marvin Denny, flew Combat and was a top competitor when we were kids, so he was also a huge influence in getting involved with Combat.
From there, as we went to different competitions around the country, we were introduced to the Houston crew. Led by Richard Stubblefield, they were the best team out there because they put in the time at the field and the work in the shop. Handle time for getting into and out of situations in practice scenarios is key to being ready for competitions.
The Lubbock, Texas, crew was another big influence. We had the opportunity to do a lot of flying with the Mears’ (and Riley Wooten rarely, although he did fly with us), and I would say that all of these guys (and some I forgot to mention) influenced and inspired us to push even harder.
JS: What advice do you have for someone who is looking to get into CL Combat?
AM: The biggest piece of advice is to not reinvent the wheel. Get with someone in your area and team up with them and learn. A lot of people are very stubborn and truly believe that their way is the best way. I learned very early to observe other people and their equipment and whatever is working the most consistently. Go and copy everything that they are doing with their setup.
To reiterate, find someone even if you have to drive a little bit, and learn as much as you can to get out and fly!
