At the Torrey Pines Gliderport in Southern California, I had the honor of participating in the recognition of Dr. Larry Fogel’s induction into the AMA Model Aviation Hall of Fame. It was an inspiring tribute to the history of the site, with RC Soaring by Gary Fogel, seen here holding a 50-year-old Kestrel with mechanical mixing.
The event was attended by many members of the Torrey Pines Gulls, family, and friends. Through the passion for Soaring came many years of work that was instrumental in the establishment of the Torrey Pines Gliderport as an international, multidiscipline Soaring facility. Rich Hanson, then-District X vice president, and the Fogels continued work to designate the Torrey Pines Gliderport as the first AMA Model Aviation Historical Landmark.
Larry was a passionate advocate for model aviation and the preservation of the Torrey Pines Gliderport. He served as president of the Torrey Pines Gulls R/C Soaring Club, cofounded the Torrey Pines Scale Soaring Society, and presided over the National Soaring Society from 1975 to 1977. His dedication to the sport also earned him recognition as an AMA Fellow in 1996.
This site gained prominence in 1930 when Charles Lindbergh made a notable soaring flight from Mt. Soledad to Del Mar, California, setting a regional distance record.
During World War II, the U.S. Army converted the area into Camp Callan, an antiaircraft artillery training facility. After the war, the City of San Diego reclaimed the land, and recreational glider operations resumed. The Gliderport has since been the scene of numerous aviation records.
Enjoy everything you build and fly.