[NSRCA-discussion] TOC 1988

[John Fuqua]

I was there for my first TOC.   Doc Edwards was the Chief Judge.   He invited me to come a help out as the Assistant to the Chief Judge.    What you see is the old north Las Vegas flying field.   I think that was the last TOC held at that field as the city of North Las Vegas took it back to develop.   Caused Bill Bennett to build a new field out by the UNLV football stadium.    

Steve Rojecki had been assigned to Eglin AFB (where I was assigned) when he won the TOC and between 86 and 88 he was reassigned to Nellis AFB to fly F-5 aggressors.    My wife and I stayed with them at their home for this TOC.    I remember vividly his last flight.    The wind was blowing HARD and it was a 90 degree cross wind.   On takeoff he hit his prop on the runway and sheared off 50% of the blade area.   He got it off and immediately landed.   Should have heard that Tartan Twin scream.

I went to every TOC after that.    Met great people who became friends.   Dick Penrod who was the line chief at every TOC sends me these tidbits.    Great memories.

 

From: NSRCA-discussion [mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org] On Behalf Of Peter Vogel via NSRCA-discussion
Sent: Friday, August 08, 2014 12:06 PM
To: tocdon at netscape.net; General pattern discussion
Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] TOC 1988

 

Given where I was in my life at the time, I only got to dream of watching a TOC someday.

 

What would it take to bring back an event like that?  Thoughts from those who were there? 

 

Peter+

 

On Thu, Aug 7, 2014 at 6:44 PM, Don Szczur via NSRCA-discussion <nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org> wrote:

I got an email from a friend about the "TOC 1988" with an old video link showing the flight line.   Wow, the pilot board in the video showed some names that are still quite familar around the F3A circuit.   What really amazes me about the TOC is that the event went on for 28 years covering FOUR DECADES and there is a total of only SIX people in the world that can call themselves TOC Champions..  Truly the hall of fame: 
 
Hanno Prettner
 
 
Steve Rojecki
 
 
Steve Stricker
 
 
Chip Hyde
 
 
Quique Somenzini
 
 
Christophe Paysant Le Roux
 
 
 
 
 
Each August, back from the NATS, rested up,  I get the feeling.  Those that competed know that feeiing. The memories come back - thinking about the momentous level of effort it took to prepare for such an event. The lake beds. The glitz.  I feel privileged to have been given the opportunity to particpate in two.
 
 
 

Best regards,
 
 
Don
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
additional details of TOC finalists over the years at:
http://moleski.net/rc/toc.htm
 
 
 


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Director, Fixed Wing Flight Training

Santa Clara County Model Aircraft Skypark

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