Polly
THE original Polly (named after my first daughter) was flown early in 1967, maxing out in two local annuals (4 min. max) and placing third at the Nationals. The first gliders were designed with a 20-in. span and swinging weight D/T. Later developments, using 100 or so gliders, included flap D/T, rear fin/pop-up stab version, longer tail moment, and different airfoils and weights. Some flew great, some were deep-sixed. In 1970 I decided to concentrate my modeling on hand launch glider. Working full time, going to college and raising a family didn't leave room for much else. Anyway, hand launch was always one of my favorite events because it's pure free flight with no towline, winder or greasy kid stuff. And, many enjoyable evening hours have been spent flying at the local baseball field. 1970 started with no record in hand launch due to a rule change, going from four- to two-minute maxes. My first record (10:20) was set in January at Sepulveda Basin. "Fast Richard" Mathis, in the Spring, broke the record in Texas.
