Radio-controlled gliders fill the air in Washoe Valley

WASHOE VALLEY - Grown men gathered Sunday morning on a large field in Washoe Valley and, one after the other, launched radio-controlled sail planes into the air.

Thermals helped these small gliders reach about 1,500 to 2,000 feet above the valley floor.

"This is adults being kids and adults being adults," said Oliver Lieder of Carson City and president of Sierra Silent Soarers.

As much as flying model planes is more a child's activity, Lieder said one generally has to be an adult to maintain the discipline needed to perform specified tasks. Left up to kids, these gliders would end up dive bombing, he said.

Sierra Silent Soarers has about 30 members in Carson City, Carson Valley, Reno and Lake Tahoe. Members typically gather once a month in the eight best flying months of the year. Ten ground-based pilots showed up Sunday.

Why do this?

"Good question," Lieder said. "Why does anyone do anything? There's something unique about using silent flight. I love watching birds soar."

Lieder flew a Genesis open-class glass-carbon composite plane with a three-meter wingspan.

"It flew exceptionally well except I only took fifth place," he said.

Adam Kremers of Reno took the same jocular approach to two-meter Gentle Lady beginner's glider's performance: "I achieved second to last place."

"I like learning how to fly a glider well," Kremers continued. "It's fun to learn how to spot thermals and read the air."

"This is something you'll never know everything about," said Bill Gillis of Reno, who was flying a carbon fiber and Kevlar plane called Scar.

Lieder set up a day of flat field/thermal flying. Each flight lasted between three and 10 minutes.

Pilots were expected to negotiate their planes through various specified tasks involving duration, aerobatics like loops and rolls and landings.

Wingspans in these planes range from 1.5 to 4 meters and the planes are made with balsa, fiberglass, Kevlar, carbon fiber or foam.

"You might find all those materials in one plane," Lieder said. "Everybody has their idea of what makes a great plane. Usually, performance comes with price."

The planes may have a small motor to assist in launching but the motor must be shut off once the plane is airborne.

People interested in Sierra Silent Soarers may call Oliver Lieder at 885-8386.