MAAA Wingspan

10 WING SPAN FEBRUARY 11 HERITAGE STORY: REMEMBERING PIONEER AEROMODELLER GUS GREENING Heath Macdonald recalls what it was like to be mentored by pioneer aeromodeller, Gus Greening, who was best known for his Stinson Reliant SR-9 and quarter-scale Waco YMF-5. Gus recently passed away, but as a Flight Engineer for Qantas and an avid aeromodeller, Gus had a passion for aviation, which is carried through his legacy by those he mentored in aeromodelling. Heath Macdonald met Gus while learning to fly at Appin and remained close friends for many years. “Gus took me under his wing frommy first flight and taught me everything I know about aeromodelling,” said Heath. “When I was learning to fly, Gus would not allow me to take the aircraft off and I could not understand why. It was only a while later when I asked why the take-off was the last thing I was taught, I found out his logic behind it. Gus exclaimed that it’s no good knowing how to take off, if you can’t land the aircraft.” Gus was well-known for his scratch-built, quarter-scale Waco YMF-5 from drawings by Paul R.Matt from the Historical Aviation Album 1974. “Gus unfortunately passed away before restoring his Waco model, however, I have been given the privilege of restoring this aircraft,” said Heath. “I plan on running a Saito 60cc 3 cylinder radial and definitely, upgraded servos on the model.” “Gus had been researching a full-scale version painted red and white, which I will follow on and finish as planned.” Gus was also well-known for his signature Stinson Reliant SR-9 which was originally powered by a Tartan Twin 44cc engine. “There was quite a lot of trouble with these engines and I’m sure many people would agree it takes an expert to get them running reliably,” explained Heath. “At 126-inch wingspan, Gus’ Stinson was a very large model in the 1980s and a crowd favourite. It was very unique with its gull-wing and characteristic tapering of wing thickness.” After Gus passed away in February of 2020, his Stinson was relocated by sea freight to Mahomet, Illinois, USA, where his son Craig will complete its restoration. “We plan to fly the Stinson together when I visit the States for the Joe Nall RC event in 2022,” said Heath. “Gus was well- known for his scratch-built, quarter-scale Waco YMF-5 from drawings by Paul R.Matt from the Historical Aviation Album 1974. “Gus unfortunately passed away before restoring his Waco model, however, I have been given the privilege of restoring this aircraft,” said Heath.