Author: Gordon Buckland

Edition: Model Aviation - 2026/03
Page Numbers: 64, 65, 66
RC Soaring

Eyes, Emails, and an Awesome Event

By Gordon Buckland gordon@teamusaf3j.com

Milan Bregman, a USA F5J Junior representative, traveled with his father all the way from Encinitas, Calif., to fly his new Soaring USA Challenger in the Tangerine Soaring Championships.

A couple of emails regarding my March 2025 “RC Soaring” column got my attention because they had very pertinent questions about eyesight and its extreme importance in competitive Soaring. I have also discovered that the benefits of weight loss go far beyond by helping with my diabetes, as my eyesight has recently changed dramatically. More about that later. First, let’s respond to the questions readers have asked.

Kim Buehre: I have a question regarding your column, “Blueprint to Becoming a Better Competition Pilot,” that was in the March 2025 edition of Model Aviation. You mention in the paragraph on eyesight, “You must obtain a good, long-distance eyeglasses prescription.” I am sure you are right about this. I love to fly model sailplanes, but I find it increasingly difficult to see them as I age. My question is this: Is there such a thing as a long-distance eyeglasses prescription?

I have asked my eye doctor about this and told him about the difficulty of being able to see a model sailplane at a distance. His answer was that the far vision prescription (infinity) is as good as it gets. The wording of your statement makes me think that perhaps I could get a prescription that improves my far vision, or at least maximizes it.
I would get a special pair of flying sunglasses made from glass in an amber shade and hopefully really sharp, far vision if I could get that long-distance prescription. Any suggestions?
Thank you, Kim, for writing about my column. What I meant by a long-distance prescription is simply to get an accurate prescription for your eyes just for long distance, and then get specific flying glasses made for that prescription so that your distance sight is the best it can possibly be.

If you can see the model farther away, you have a huge advantage in range. I don’t think the color of the model matters much (they all appear black at a distance). It’s just good to have a reasonable variation between top and bottom to help you visually at a distance when turning the model.

The biggest thing to overcome is the fear you have when you can’t see the model. Getting used to not seeing it can be disconcerting, but once you accept that it will sometimes disappear and you learn how to move the attitude of the model to reacquire visual contact, it becomes a lot less stressful.

Greg Kapral: I have a question regarding the paragraph on eyesight. You discuss obtaining a good set of long-distance eyeglasses/special flying glasses. My vision has been a challenge for me when it comes to flying. I’ve worn contact lenses/eyeglasses for more than 50 years. My vision is corrected to 20/20, but I still have a great deal of trouble clearly seeing my airplanes. I checked the Zenni website, but I don’t see any reference to “long-distance glasses” or “flying glasses.”

If there is some type of eyeglasses that you are referring to in your article that increase my ability to see at a distance (other than standard prescription lenses) or eyeglasses that can help with depth perception, I would definitely be interested in buying them.

You should first go to an optometrist. I use Walmart because it is only about $60 to obtain a prescription. Ask for a long-distance prescription then order a pair of glasses with an amber tint from Zenni to match that prescription. Use those glasses only for flying. The cost of the glasses is usually less than $50. The benefit is that they will provide you with the very best vision possible for distance and you will see your model better.

Greg wrote back:

Thank you for the quick response. So, if I understand correctly, there is not a “long-distance” prescription that provides any sort of magnification. What you are talking about is a prescription to bring your vision to 20/20 if it is not already there?

You are correct, Greg. In fact, magnification is specifically banned by the FAI rules for Soaring. However, everyone would benefit from owning a dedicated pair of flying glasses with the correct, exact prescription for long distance with lenses that are not too dark and preferably a light amber tint that allows greater clarity while looking at gliders a long distance away. These glasses are not a compromise for other purposes but are specifically for flying models. Zenni has a lot of choices for approximately $50.

I apologize to readers because, clearly, my choice of words slightly confused many regarding my reference to special flying glasses. I hope this column clears that up.

Jeff DuVal, from Seneca, S.C., flies an amazing short approach, using less than 15 seconds during the downwind base turn and final to hit 50s in almost every single round.
Jeff DuVal, from Seneca, S.C., flies an amazing short approach, using less than 15 seconds during the downwind base turn and final to hit 50s in almost every single round.

Weight-Loss Improvements

Three years ago, I was diagnosed as diabetic, and, as a result, I have been concerned about potential eyesight deterioration. In April 2025, I visited a diabetic optometrist, and he suggested strongly that I try a zero-carbohydrate diet to lose my excess weight and to potentially help with my vision. He provided me with a new long-distance prescription and my wife and I embarked on a weight-loss journey.

By July 2025, I had lost 35 pounds, and at the Nats, I noticed that my flying glasses were not doing their job anymore. Furthermore, something amazing had occurred: I could see my models at a distance far better without any glasses at all. By September, I had reached my weight-loss goal of 205 pounds, having lost 55 pounds altogether, and I was happy to fly the entire F3J Team Selection event in September without the use of any eyeglasses.

My optometrist confirmed that a rapid loss of weight can reduce the amount of fluid in the eyes and, in some cases (as in mine), this can revert to better vision. It is an extremely exciting development for me, and I have become a vocal proponent of the benefits of a zero-carb (Keto) diet as another way to better your health and possibly improve your Soaring skills.

Orlando Buzzards Tangerine Soaring Championships

The famous Orlando Buzzards Tangerine Soaring Championships was held two weeks before Thanksgiving in 2025, and for the first time, the contest was an all-electric affair, with F3L on Friday and the last round of the USA F5J Tour occurring on Saturday and Sunday. Excellent attendance was had, with pilots coming from California, Arizona, Ohio, and many areas of the East Coast. The Saturday night cookout was one of the best yet, with plenty of barbeque food and good cheer.

The Soaring conditions did not disappoint, with relatively easy thermals on Saturday, and then increasing wind on Sunday to mix it up. John Armstrong put in a solid performance, leading the way on Saturday, but he was not fully equipped with sufficient ballast to handle the 10 mph breeze that persisted on day two. Many pilots struggled with the need to chase thermals downwind, and by the last round, John had slipped into third place, with Jeff DuVal in second. I was just ahead in first place.

The final round was nail biting and required a long chase under power way downwind to catch the most recent thermal that blew through. Jeff and I began the round very deep; he started significantly lower than me. I stayed above and worked the same thermal as far as my eyes would allow, and then I worked the same route home, having walked 100 yards across the field to help keep the model sighted.

The final landing was all that I required for a chance of victory, but my execution was dismal, leaving the model low and slow into the strong wind to finish up short on the tape. Jeff’s landings all weekend were impeccable, as was his last landing to take the win. I have shared the video of his landing; the link to it can be found in “Sources.”

Check your schedule for next Thanksgiving and consider joining us in sunny Florida for a great time of F5J Thermal Soaring.

Go downwind and soar.

Skye Malcolm, of Upper Arlington, Ohio, launches his F5J model at the beginning of a round during the Tangerine Soaring Championships at Kennyworld in Florida.
Skye Malcolm, of Upper Arlington, Ohio, launches his F5J model at the beginning of a round during the Tangerine Soaring Championships at Kennyworld in Florida.

SOURCES