Ray Smith, owner of Hobbies Aloft, is an aeronautical engineer, California certificated teacher, and die-hard hobbyist with over 35 years of R/C experience.

Teaching at a local elementary school.

This is Ray's 4X scale of Jim Walker's Model 74 FIGHTER. This slope-soarer features flaps as well as aileron, elevator and rudder control.

Ray's Model 74 FIGHTER done at 3X scale for hand toss. This airplane weighs 16 oz and uses aileron and elevator control.

Ray's R/C version of the legendary Fireball by Jim Walker. The original Fireball was a control-line airplane which first came on the scene in 1940. These two pictures were taken by professional photographer, Tony Aquilano in his studio at 1839 S. Hill St., Oceanside, CA. 92054.

This is Ray's 6X scale Model 74 FIGHTER which won the Pilot's choice award at a fun fly at Torre Pines in 1989.

Ray also built this 4X scale R/C version of Jim Walker's Model 404 INTERCEPTOR. The model has flaps, aileron, elevator and rudder control.

Flying a model of a Jenny on the 75th anniversary of Ray's grandad's racing victory in a full-size jenny.

Ray with his Carl Goldberg Anniversary Cub on floats.

Ray's main trainer airplane, a Carl Goldberg Eagle 2, with an O.S. 61 SF engine.

Ray, starting the 3W-120B engine in Charlie Krone's Balsa USA 1/3 scale Stearman.

Ray built this model comes from a picture of a 1922 full-size design by aircraft designer, Gordon Hooton.

Ray's model of Gordon's design before covering. The model weighs just over 3 lbs and uses an O.S. 20 4stroke engine.