My name is Albert Manansala, now 55 years old. I have been RC modeling for 37 years. Right after graduating high school, I worked part-time at Willoughby Hobbies in Guam, which is owned by the late Capt. Dale Willoughby, an AMA HALL OF FAMER known as the FATHER OF SLOPE SOARING of AMERICA. He taught me everything I know about building RC airplanes and showed me how to find and ride the “INVISIBLE WIND” using our RC gliders.
We both built and flew the “GENTLE LADY” in areas where enthusiasts will never dare fly. In Guam, we were limited by areas where we could fly our gliders, so we would often climb/hike mountains for the perfect slope and wind conditions. Out of frustration, we sometimes DIY/INVENT things at the shop. One of our notable inventions was the .049 nitro-powered GLIDER POD, which attaches on top of our gliders via rubber bands. The small 0.49 engine would then bring our gliders as high as it can, and then we would try and find an updraft to keep our gliders in the air. Although we had a few moments of joy, the pod was a bit heavy, so we decided to just go back to bungee launching our gliders.
His visions and talents continue to live on through me. I now own the only surviving HOBBY SHOP in Guam (KRONIX HOBBIES). I designed a lot of original FOAMIES AIRPLANES under KRONIK PILOT. My PDF plans are shared at RCgroups for free. Lots of people told me I should sell my plans, but I remember clearly what Capt. Willoughby always said: "When it comes to our hobby, THE MORE THE MERRIER. Always share this hobby as a form of new friendship and welcome anyone that is willing to learn how to fly. MONEY COMES LATER."
I am so blessed to have worked with Capt. WIlloughby. I now design RC products under the name “KRONIK”. His inspiration and vision are the most memorable in my life. He predicted LIPO BATTERIES and BRUSHLESS motors after we scratch-built an electric airplane that was powered by a HEAVY MABUCHI MOTOR and bulky NI-CAD batteries. The plane flew for less than 2 minutes, but we were happy it kissed our blue GUAM sky!!! He said: “ONE OF THESE DAYS IN THE FUTURE, someone will invent batteries that will have the capacity of our real cars (12v 3s lipo) but with a small form factor like the size of our 4 double A batteries, which power our gliders receivers and servos." He said it will be so lightweight that it will allow our gliders to fly for hours without replacing them.
A 900mAh 3S lipo is exactly what he envisioned, but we had zero idea what it would be called. The other one was the BRUSHLESS motor. He said these mabuchi motors will someday also be small and will have so much torque that they can swing big propellers with ease without them heating up so much. We salute Captain Dale Willoughby. Without him teaching me everything I know about RC modeling, this hobby would have died a long time ago on our island. My mission is to continue his journey through school programs, teaching kids how to fly airplanes and drones. I hope this story inspires future generations and keeps RC MODELING alive forever.
THANK YOU!
