Aeromaniacs · Oct 12, 2003 07:24 PM
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An Alameda modeling icon has passed away yesterday, October 11th, 2003. Bill Osborne, founder of the Bill Osborne Flying Field in Alameda CA died quietly in his sleep. Known as Alameda's Most Dedicated Volunteer, has given his time and resources in creating the only permanent C/L flying site that on any AAA or Rand McNally's map.
Since 1945, many children and many who are now adults have known Bill Osborne as the platter man who will do anything to help you become a control line pilot at the Bill Osborne Model Flying Field in Alameda, California.
Fifty years ago, Bill Osborne, one of the Northern California Association of Model Airplane Clubs’ (now the Western Associated Modelers – WAM) most dedicated and enthusiastic members foresaw the need for a challenging program for youth in pursuing all types of modeling activities. To this end, he has devoted many thousands of hours over the past 50 years to the instruction and supervision of this beneficial endeavor (Cecchetini 1997). His primary concern then as now is to have a safe program for all involved. A perfect record of safe operation has existed at the Alameda Field for more than 50 years.
Until a few months ago, every Sunday morning at 8:00 am, Bill himself could be found out on the flying field picking up litter, and generally readying the field for the children who will come to learn or fly their airplanes. Bill welcomed kids of all ages to the field, and taught them how to fly on a Cox PT-19 Trainer. If they were interested in model aircraft, Bill gave them a form to join the AMA. When they received their AMA card, Bill gave them a Platter Kit and a Cox 0.49 engine absolutely free.
A couple of times a year, Bill sponsored classes with the Alameda Recreation and Parks Department. He donated many hours to teaching, and to making model airplanes for youth. In a four hour class (with some homework) a student usually completes the kit, and is ready to fly. At his own expense, Bill provided hundreds of Platters, a foam-board airplane designed, built and tested by him for the local club, the Aer-O-Nuts, and for the Alameda Recreation and Parks classes. The classes in which each student builds a Platter, continue to be sponsored by the Aer-O-Nuts and are taught by Bill’s protégé, Heman Lee.
Because of his structured and city approved instructional program, Bill received assistance from many sources in the community such as civic organizations, businesses and industries, individuals, and model manufacturers such as Cox.
Bill still enjoys teaching kids to fly. He wants today’s youth to get excited about the field of model aviation instead of staying at home playing video games. He has arranged for control line flight demonstrations for many school classes. According to Bill, model aviation teaches skills in physical sciences, math, and construction. Brandon W. Bryan, a science teacher at Duluth Junior Academy, supports Bill’s position by using the Platter to teach “Bernoulli's principle, aerodynamics, air flight, center of gravity, etc.” to his 9th graders. Model aviation also improves children’s physical skills such as timing and coordination. Most important, kids have fun while they learn something.
Gary Buffon a past-President and current Secretary of WAM recalls: “At one Livermore We will all miss him dearly, Tribute page at: www.aeromaniacs.com
Heman Lee