About Jan Bassett

MeI am 48 years old and have been modelling since I was about 12.  I started with simple chuck gliders and after a brief unsuccessful attempt at Control Line flying, I moved on to Radio Control.  I taught myself to fly Radio Control, unaided, using a 4 channel model I made from a free Radio Modeller plan called the RM Trainer.

I now fly (electric powered only) sports models, fun flyers and gliders.  I am very keen to ensure that Safety is paramount in everyone's mind when flying these potentially dangerous aircraft.

From May 1998 to May 2001, I was the Engineering Authority for the Royal Navy Historic Flight aircraft - 3 Fairey Swordfish (1 in refurbishment), a Hawker Sea Fury, a Hawker Sea Hawk, a Fairey Firefly (crashed at Duxford on 12 July 2003) and a DHC-1 Chipmunk.  A number of my previous colleagues were very jealous when I got that job.  In order to get promotion I had to move to a less interesting job, but I may be able to get back to some similar in the future.

I was a Safety, Airworthiness, Environmental, Configuration & Risk Manager for a UK helicopter.  Now I advise and assist all the Helicopter Safety Managers.

I am a member of the following Modelling Clubs & Associations:

British Model Flying Assoc'n LogoBritish Model Flying Association

Westland & Yeovil Aeromodellers
     Chairman: 2006-2008

 

Christchurch & District Model Flying Club (C&DMFC)
which includes the Longham Reservoir Model Flying Group (LRMFG)

 Royal Navy Model Aircraft Association

I was member of the following Modelling Clubs & Associations, but my membership has currently lapsed or the organisation ceased to exist:

British Electric Flying Assoc'n LogoBritish Electric Flight Association (dissolved Mar 2009)
    SW Area Representative: 1999-2009
    Editor: 2001-06 (#65 - #85) & 2009
    Webmaster 2003-09
    Secretary: 2006-09

 Eagles Flying Association
Large Model Association Yeovil & District Model Boat Club

I have several other hobbies that I use to support my modelling and each other, they are:

Electronics Used to make radio control and photographic accessories plus LED bicycle lights and torches.
Photography I now shoot mostly using a Canon EOS 650D digital SLR.  I have been experimenting with aerial photography using a digital compact and hope to be doing more in the near future.
Computing Besides Web page authoring, I make extensive use of my PC to evaluate potential conversions to electric power (ElectriCalc and MotoCalc) and to sketch my designs.  I also use my PC to enhance photographs.
Painting I have now painted 4 landscapes after watching Bob Ross videos.  I find this enjoyable but absorbs a lot of time. I will probably do more when I can find the time and inclination.  I have photographed these and  included them on my Art page.

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