WRAM - JACK BLACK.
In the days of our monthly newsletter I wrote about 30 mini stories of warringah radio aero modelers. Some were short others not. From time to time other members may like to add to the WRAM folder.
Jack Black can be the first to be on the Web site format.
Who is Jack Black ?
You should have noticed the bronze plaque, titled “The Jack Black Field”, erected in the parking area at the beginning of the unload turning circle.
Jack’s peer members erected this plaque in recognition of his efforts, with others, in establishing the current Belrose site.
Jack was the instigator of obtaining a permissive occupancy for the site, in 1977, from the Department of Lands, and the driving force for the development of the field.
Jack was a Swiss Air pilot, who was a pioneer in and regarded as the father of electric flying in Australia. Jack was the first to import “Cover-rite” film covering and “Multiplex” gear amongst a lot of firsts. He was also credited with obtaining for Australian aero modelers the 36MHZ band.
Jack was renowned for forbidding any flying until the native plants and grass had been watered. Jack collected seeds only from the local bush for regeneration of the bare and barren abandoned quarry site. He spent endless time when not at work, co opting members in regenerating the area, which presented bare slopes to the west and south and looked like a bomb site.
The original field only extended to a line about in line with the Container sheds, up until 2001. The story of the extension is for another day !
Brian Porman
PS - here's a photo of Jack at a very bare field, launching his own design with 4 electric pushers - circa 1980.
