Zinnia's First Flights With the Thermic Trooper Glider - Start to Finish

Film shows Zinnia's first experience with a framed up vintage towline glider on 8.23.23 in Wawayanda, NY. My 8-1/2 year old granddaughter used a 10:1 winch, flying the 30" Thermic Trooper glider that was made for her by some guy named 'Pop Pop'. Her joy says it all as she chases after a good tow. Process of the build is included. Filmed with a Canon PowerShot SX20, and iPhones 11Pro & 14Pro. Music: "Horizon" by Ben Winwood via ArtList..

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[jeffpiatt]

Probably the most beautiful video you have ever made. I smiled and teared up a little watching her chase the model. Reminded me of being a kid and of my kids that are now grown. Thank you.

[robertgregory]

Beautiful, artistic, moving. This had me in tears by the end.

The Thermic B was m first glider; I was 11 in 1954. I still remember the perfect way it flew. Youth flies away so quickly.

[GlideLA]

Love your smiling faces in the cockpit at 1:29. I built at least one Jetco Thermic Trooper kit around age 9 or so ~1966. From 1960~1964 we lived next door to the banker for Comet Models in Chicago. He'd occasionally bring home a kit or two for me. Wonderful times. Every time I go hang gliding today I relive the dream of my 7-year old self some 58 years later.
Fly-on!!

[bostonbudz]

Awesome, I loved the pic of the two of you together in the cocpit. And I hope for many more in the yrs to come such a great hobby and what a gem of a place to fly em at beautiful! up up and away🛫

[terryboehler]

Wonderful video. At 71, I was right there chasing it on landing filled with wonder and exuberance.

[timothyreilly]

Truly a blessing in so many ways. Thank you for your art, flying, beautiful accompanying music, and all your exquisite aircraft renditions. Myself I was blessed with a dad who introduced me at 10 years old, in 1971. Built an Aeronica Champ, installed a 0.20 PeeWee from my own earnings. Dad built a rubber powered Guillows Lancer but I decided I needed something with more power! I built and flew for several years and many crashes, which I became famous for. Then I discovered 32rpm records!

[BurningtunaDC]

Another masterpiece of model building and video making. Thanks for shooting and sharing.

[jetflyer]

Wow. This video hit me really hard. It reminded me of the time my Dad gave to teach me to fly. I sure miss him. He sure was a blessing to me. Keep flying high brother. Great video.

[waltersnowdon]

I am 84 and built models all my life plus teaching aeromodelling to scouts and air cadet units in UK but I still get a huge lift out of seeing the wonder in a childs face when they have a first succesful flight. thank you.

[taildragger]

Glad I don't have to choose between your craftsmanship and your cinematography as to which I appreciate more. It is the union of the two that is so breathtaking. Great job, Pop Pop.

[wihardy]

Funny thing the Thermic Trooper. I still have my father's that he made when he was a boy. I'm 52 years old and my father has been dead for years, but the plane still flies when my grand kids get it out of the closet. Happy days came to us all just because of something that came out of one of Frank Zaic's beautiful red and white boxes. Long live Jasco and Jetco planes and the happiness that comes from building art that flies. Thank you again for the video and the memories.

[mbasiletti]

awesome! Seeing that Jetco box really took me back! Thanks for sharing the build and these moments with your granddaughter.

[lanecobb]

Wow, the memories that word “Thermic” conjures up!😊

[georgemaddison]

Childhood memories playing on the screen of my tablet, Thank you for this beautiful video and may there be more ! 😊

[aeromodeller]

That hand launch tells us she is a natural.

[chrisbailey]

What a girl, that has so put a smile to my nite. Thankyou Go Ziinnia !!.. Regards Chris Bailey

[garyhenderson]

What a wonderful video. Sharing this with my son. He's 35. His son is 7. And I am 3 years older than you. Thank you. I love this.

[deepshabad]

I have built some balsa planes but never like these. It inspires me to get a towline and start a trooper. That was so sweet Pop. Totally precious. Thank you.

[jesuscardin]

What an honour to watch a future Astronaut, Pilot or Airspace Engineer woman (or all together!) being

[LubosNavr]

Beautiful model and flies beautifully. Thank you very much for the nice video.❤