[Mike Busutil]

Since the Flying Giants is supposed to be a big family of friends sharing everything we know about our great hobby, I realized I don’t know 90% of the great people I talk with here or know what they look like. This is my effort to try to get to know who everyone is. Tell us How you got into Rc, what you fly, what is the story about your Avatar etc... I'll start.

My name is Mike Busutil, I am 28 years old and I live in Yuma Arizona. I was born into Rc in 1982 I remember having a miniboy helicopter, Quicki 500 and a Piper cub over my crib. By remember I mean I still have a picture. As soon as I had the slightest bit of an attention span my dad was teaching my how to fly. When I was three years old (1985) It was time for my solo, We drove out to our field which was a dry lake bed in vegas on a cold morning. My dad started my trainer and let me takeoff without a buddy box. I flew around for a few minutes and he told me to land. I was nervous and did not want to so he walked away from me with a smile and sat in our van. He told me either way it's going to come down. I manned up and brought it around to a sweat landing. My solo was complete and I was hooked. I grew up between vegas and florida flying here and there. In 2003 I tried IMAC for the first time with a 35% Sukhoi with a 3W 106. I finished basic class in 1st place and loved it. I did a few more contest wining 1st and 2nd up to sportsman class. I love IMAC but I did not have the time to practice or compete anymore because of work. That's good for you guys who fly in the south west otherwise I would be kicking your A$$ at the field. In 2006 I fell into a job as a UAV operator as an external pilot and Payload operator. After my training I deployed to Iraq for 5 months supporting the Marines and Navy Seals. It was my first time ever leaving home. I returned home and became a Flight instructor and Payload Operator Instructor. I was a UAV Instructor for 2 1/2 years and then moved on to being an R&D pilot which is where I am today. I am married to the most beautiful girl and have two sons Gage and Gatlin who are now 7 and 5 years old. I am the oldest of 6 kids. I just got into 3D flying in 2007 with a Hempel 50% Edge 540, When I find the time I like to ride motorcycles or go shooting. I have a AR-10 .308, AK-47, Browning 12 Gauge pump shotgun, Taurus .357 Magnum 8 shot and a Sig .40 caliber. My favorite things in life are Girls, Muscle cars, Guns, Planes and AMERICA!!!! I was lucky enough to own the best plane ever! A Hempel 50% Yak 55 with the 3W 275. I flew it for about a year and had an accident with her, Bill Hempel hooked me up and sold me his personal 50% Yak 55 to replace mine. I flew the second one for over a year and ended up trading it ready to fly for a 700 + Horse power Chevy 540 Big Block for my Pro Touring 81 Camaro I am currently building