THE INSIDE LOOP
VANCE GILBERT
By Jay Smith, Executive Editor | jays@modelaircraft.org
IF YOU EITHER participate or have interest in Scale Free Flight (FF) models, it is likely that you know of or have seen Vance Gilbert. He is very involved with the Flying Aces Club (FAC). Vance builds and flies beautiful aircraft and always seems to have a smile on his face, unless he is in deep contemplation on matters involving FF.
I've watched a couple of shows live and they are quite enjoyable. Vance also uses it as an opportunity to share his love of FF with viewers, often showing off his latest builds.
Vance is also an accomplished musician who has released 16 albums! According to the internet, he is described as an "American folk singer-songwriter."
During a recent phone conversation with Vance, he mentioned to me that he performs live on his own YouTube channel on Monday nights from 7:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. ET when he is not touring. The YouTube channel is aptly named Vance Gilbert (youtube.com/@vancegilbert1958).
I asked him whether he plays any of Jimi Hendrix's songs and, sure enough, that Monday, he delivered. I've watched a couple of shows live and they are quite enjoyable. Vance also uses it as an opportunity to share his love of FF with viewers, often showing off his latest builds.
Vance monitors the live chat and interacts with viewers, such as thanking them for attending. While I can't speak to the number of viewers who are already in the hobby, clearly, he is also reaching an audience of those who don't participate.
While you enjoy a free live performance, why not also get involved in flying? This is one of the many examples of being an ambassador for our hobby. Thanks, Vance! It is definitely worth checking out. Maybe I will see you there!
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
