Radio Control History

In "Early Proportional—Don Brown’s Quadruplex," Duane Wilson explores the revolutionary impact of Don Brown's Quadruplex radio system, introduced in 1962, which transformed RC flying from primitive single-channel systems to reliable proportional control. With specifications like a 71-inch wingspan and a weight of over 4.5 pounds, the Quadruplex showcased early advancements in RC technology. Despite initial skepticism and reliability issues, it gained traction in competitions, leading to widespread adoption. By the mid-1960s, proportional systems dominated the market, paving the way for modern RC technologies. Wilson reflects on the evolution of RC systems, highlighting how far the hobby has come since the early days.

Senior Pattern Association's 20th Anniversary - 2012/08

Thirty pilots, flying the best of the golden age Pattern
airplanes, gathered for a special event near Atlanta,
Georgia. They wanted to observe the 20th anniversary
of the first contest held by a then-fledgling aerobatic
organization—one that is still going strong with no signs
of a slowdown. They came not only to celebrate that first
October 1991 contest, but to honor the founder.

A New Look at Vintage Aerobatics - 2007/07

I WROTE AN introductory article,
published in the May 2006 MA, about two
AMA SIGs that are dedicated to the history
of RC modeling, one of which is the Senior
Pattern Association, or SPA. This group was
one of the “best-kept secrets” within
aeromodeling, and I hoped to introduce, or
maybe reintroduce, modelers to the joys and
challenges of competitive aerobatic flying
using vintage aircraft from the “good, old
days” of RC Aerobatics, or Pattern.