Edwards pilot soars into the Hall of Fame

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class William O'Brien
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  One might expect a retired pilot of 22 years and Global Hawk Flight test manager would be inducted into the United States Soaring Hall of Fame for the time he spent in his career as an instructor for the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School and manning the F-4 Phantom, F-5 Freedom Fighter and F-16 Fighting Falcon, but instead he will be inducted for his for his time spent flying in gliders recreationally.

Jim Payne will be inducted into the United States Soaring Hall of Fame May 2. The Soaring Society of America recognizes individuals who have made the highest achievements in, or contributions to, the sport of soaring in the United States. An institution of the Soaring Society of America, the Hall of Fame is administered by the National Soaring Museum. in Elmira N.Y. 

"It's been a lot of fun over the years," said Mr. Payne. "I've won National Championships and the World Championship too. When I started I had goals of being a national champion and setting a world record but it was never my goal to make it into the Hall of Fame."

Soaring is done in a sail plane, which is an airplane without an engine, maneuvered with a stick and rudder pedal. For take-off, the engineless plane is attached to a plane with an engine, then brought to a desired altitude and released. From there, rising air is used for it to gain altitude and speed.

Mr. Payne has made several contributions to the sport of soaring and Soaring Society of America. He set six world records between 1996 and 2000 and won the Online World Glider Championship in 2008.

"(He) is sort of a 'Renaissance Man' when it comes to soaring," said Jackie Payne, his wife. "He has set world speed records in spring mountain wave and summer thermals. In 2008 he was the world champion for the online contest that had participation from over 11,000 glider pilots worldwide. He has instructed glider pilots, flown in contests, and served in several leadership roles for the Soaring Society of America."

Mr. Payne suggested that every pilot should try soaring once.

"If you're a pilot you should try soaring, he said. "People don't realize the kind of energy that's in the atmosphere if you take the time to try it you'll be amazed how far a glider can fly."

Mrs. Payne said she was proud of her husband's accomplishments and believes that he is well deserving of this honor.

"He's flown in three international contests and been team manager of the United States team five times," she said. "The induction into the Soaring Hall of Fame is a tribute to all of his accomplishments and willingness to share his passion for soaring with others."