IAC members mourn the loss of Les Horvath
By Jason Stephens, 27434
Les Horvath, former US National Glider Aerobatic Champion and founder of the Sailplane Aerobatics Association passed away on November 9, 2021.
Les brought hundreds of glider pilots into the world of glider aerobatics through decades of teaching at Estrella Sailport, performing in numerous airshows and as author of Sailplane Aerobatics, a textbook still in wide use today. A supremely talented pilot with an infectious smile and unmistakable accent, Les was known around the world as one of the true masters of the sport.
As a member of the US Aerobatic Glider Team, Les participated in multiple World Glider Aerobatic Championships in places such as Austria and Poland. Les’ legacy continues on with the IAC Les Horvath Trophy which is given to the winner of the Unlimited Glider National Championship each year.
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The 1985 US Team at Estrella Sailport in Arizona. L to R
is Nancy Blank, Charles Kalko, Les Horvath, Dave Keeling
& Bob Odell.
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Les and teammate Nancy Blank at WGAC 1987 in Poland |
