...that Kevin Flynn designed and published a model called 'Cannon Ball'? Published in the December 1977 issue of RCM&E, this aileron /elevator 1/2A model was not considered a beginner's model. In the fall of 2015, Kevin and I exchanged some emails regarding my desire to build a complete list of his published aircraft. With the Jack Headley list nearing completion (at that time), I think Kevin's efforts in this space deserved attention. To describe the relationship between the two of them as 'tight' probably does not do it justice. That love of aviation and aircraft is shared today by anyone that spends more than a few seconds watching a machine move through the sky. Jack often referred to Kevin as the 'test pilot'. Certainly it took quick reflexes and hand/eye work to keep this aircraft out of the dirt.

The Cannon Ball is not for the faint of heart. I think it could make a good electric conversion and still maintain a 'pucker factor' that is high on the Richter Scale (yeah a mixed metaphor, but you get the idea). Anyone for small electric pylon racing? Maybe with the new FPV gear, this could be a real barn burner for tearing up the sky. Regardless, I think the Cannon Ball is just another fine example of how a combined love of a hobby results in more creativity. Well done Kevin! (He had to buy a copy of his own design to get this issue! In fact, that happened with another of his designs, the Short Skyvan).

-=Doug

...a recent trip to a museum by Lisa Headley resulted in a wonderful discovery? In post #29 I discussed some of Jack's professional work at Northrop. His patent recognition regarding the nose design of the TigerShark was also previously mentioned, http://www.google.com/patents/US4176813 . In that post, I also provide the RCM article Jack authored regarding a scale DF TigerShark model.

While in Portland ( http://www.evergreenmuseum.org/the-museum ), Lisa realized that one of the display aircraft was a Tiger II, an early version of the TigerShark her dad helped develop. The young man you see in the photo is identified as Nicolas. Though not specifically identified, I think that is Jack's grandson (Lisa if you read this, could you confirm?).

The Norair Modeller issues frequently had information on the F-5 and variants. In fact, one issue featured color official paint swatches from the different countries Northrop was contracted to build for. Gus Morfis arranged this series of information and if you ever consider building a DF version of the F-5 in period colors, it would be a great resource.

This post is another example of how Jack Headley's influence continues into today.
His talent was too soon removed from us.

-=Doug