| In 2004 there were few pilots flying discus launched
gliders in the Bay Area, but Bob became interested after reading
about the innovative sailplanes and launching techniques. Bob said
that after more than 30 years of flying, hand launch is his favorite,
“It’s more challenging than other forms I’ve tried.”
It was during this time that Bob entered a new phase in his model
aviation career – contest director. “I was heavily into
competition before hand launch and it was just natural to compete.
No one in the Bay Area was holding contests so I had to do it.”
With the help of his family, Bob has cultivated an active and vibrant
DLG competition scene. Several local competitors have taken skills
learned at these events to high-level contests including the International
Hand-Launched Glider contest in Poway, California. Asked what’s
more fun competing or running a contest, without hesitation Bob
said, “Competing! But they’re both fun. Its fun to make
other people happy and everyone seems to enjoy it.”
You can find Bob almost every Saturday flying with the Diablo
Valley Soaring Society at the Pleasanton Fairgrounds and many
Sundays practicing his DLG launches and teaching new “flingers”
at Irvington High School. There are many great resources for both
new and veteran pilots to improve their skills and Bob McGowan is
one of them. Friendly, approachable, experienced and enthusiastic
are just a few of the ways to describe one of the best pilots in
the Bay Area RC scene – Bob McGowan.
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