Radio flyer

Cody Powell, the 13-year-old son of Maj. Jeff Powell, the 919th Maintenance Operations Flight commander, pieces together his competition-ready radio-controlled aircraft as his father watches in their home May 1. Cody has won all but one of his 15 RC aircraft competitions since he and his father joined the hobby two years ago. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Samuel King Jr.)

Follow-up: Reservist's son high-flying with RC aircraft

Published July 31, 2014
By Tech. Sgt. Samuel King Jr.
919th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

DUKE FIELD, Fla. -- In May 2013, then-13-year-old Cody Powell had his sights set on the National radio-controlled aircraft competition. This month, he put his Prolog aircraft into the sky and claimed second place in the advanced level flying national competition.

Powell, son of Maj. Jeff Powell, the 919th Maintenance Squadron commander, bested all but one of more than 20 competitors and just missed first place by 12 points. He also earned an award for best junior advanced pilot.

"It's a whole different feeling," said Cody of controlling the aircraft. "It's totally unlike any other hobby I've had. I love the feel of the aircraft and the feel of flight through my fingers. It's addicting."

Powell began learning to fly the RC aircraft at the Eglin Aero Modellers Club. To read more on how Powell got his start, click here.