For you youngsters and paranoids who didn't know Gerry well, he is one of the kindest souls on the planet and deeply interested in all things mechanical.

Back in 1982, he overlooked our shortcomings to make a place for himself and joined up with the goof-offs, misfits, excentrics, doctors, cranks and wannabees at Sky Soaring. Along with some other enthusiasts, Gerry put up significant hard-earned cash to found what is arguably the best glider operation in the midwest.

Gerry is a master mechanic and he would occaisonally bring out a small engine he had built to show and run.

On January 1 (2003) he brought a small radial engine he cast and turned from aluminium stock. He built it around some small spark plugs he had on hand. It is a work of art and I thought you might enjoy a look at Gerry's handiwork. He will be missed.

Photos and Text by Skip Skronsky

These are 1/4 to 1/2 scale gliders, some of which are distributed by Horizon Hobby. Some of these gliders come complete with scale tow planes, tow lines, air brakes, tow releases, water balast, the works. A national contest was held in Monticello, IL, during June 13-15, 2003 at the Piatt County Airport. Josh DeRosa, son of member John DeRosa, is a graphics designer for Horizon Hobby.

April showers seem to bring out the May mowers. This was a red letter day as EVERY mower on the field was running at the same time ... and these dedicated souls used them to full advantage. Photo Credit: John DeRosa

WTTW, the biggest of the two local Chicago PBS TV stations, dropped by to film a segment at Sky Soaring for their weekly show "Wild Chicago". It will air in 2003 on Feb 16 at 10:30PM and Feb 22 at 12:00PM and then again in the May-Jul time frame. Host: Will Klinger (blue shirt), Producer: Harvey Moshman (green shirt), Cameraman: Tim Boyd, Sky Soaring's Own Star: Doug Tarmichael (back to camera). (Image Credit: John DeRosa unless noted)

"To the (WWII) Glider Pilots - conceived in error, suffering a long and painful period of gestation, and finally delivered at the wrong place at the wrong time." -- Traditional toast raised by the Glider Pilots every year at the annual reunion of the National World War II Glider Pilots Association.

From time to time we'll add pictures that show gliders, sailplanes and aviation in general in a humorous vein. Please submit humorous glider photos to john@derosaweb.com with 1) Location 2) Subject's names 3) Picture Taker 4) Camera information 5) Any other important details. Come back often to see what's new!