RAY HOSTETLER has been building and flying model helicopters since 1974. In 1980, he began writing model helicopter articles for Model Builder magazine. He wrote the “Hover” column for R/C Modeler magazine from 1986 to 1990. In 1994, he conceived Model Helicopter Technique magazine (www.mht.net). In 1997, he produced his first model helicopter video series (MHTV). Ray has witnessed the growth of model helicopters from their infancy to where they are today. He has written countless articles and has reviewed numerous machines. His book, Ray’s Complete Helicopter Manual, has been in print since 1986. The most current edition, Ray’s Authoritative Helicopter Manual, came out in 2001.
Ray began flying full scale helicopters in 1980. He now has over 12,000 hrs. total time, with approximately 7,000 in helicopters and 5,000 in fixed wing aircraft. He holds an ATP rating in both fixed wing and helicopters, and is currently flying a Lear 55 Jet and Bell 430 Helicopter. Ray lives in Simi Valley, California, with his wife Marilyn, son Ryan, and daughter Rachel. |
