A History of the beginning of RC Soaring

Warsaw, Indiana contest, Jerry Kay was CD. I need help on this photo. I think Jerry and his Warsaw Aero Modelers club hosted two contests starting in 1973. This flying site was the famous cow pasture fully equipped with live cows and all that comes with them. L to R, Ray Hayes, I'm about to launch my red Windfree, Bob Steele, two unidentifiable, Warren Tiahrt, Art Slagle, two unidentifiable, Warren Plohr, Barb and Bob Robinson, Gary Bussell, Bill Weisner, Jack Hiner. I remember flying my Gaupner Cirrus in one of these contests, but I'm not sure if two size classes were flown. Now it is Bob Steele's turn to help on this photo.

L -R, Gordon Pearson and Ray Hayes at the two day 1977 Canadian Nationals. Gordon built and covered both models, Aquila XL and Oly II. This was a memorable trip that included the photographer, Eric Podzielinski and Gordon's highly entertaining pet raccoon. As usual, I was short on sailplanes to fly and had to borrow Gordon's Oly II. Gordon was first in Unlimited, Eric was third in Unlimited and Ray was first in Standard.

Ray Hayes (CD) handing out a contest prize to his long time flying buddy, Frank Wren.

When Eric Podzielinski talked about flying techniques, we listened. He is the only person I know of that could do a four point role with a Hobbie Hawk while flying a very fast F3B Speed Run.

These photos courtesy of Ray Hayes of Skybench Aerotech