Power Scale Soaring, or PSS is a fast growing dimension in Radio Controlled model slope soaring. PSS is all about building and flying scale model gliders of full-sized jet, rocket or piston powered aircraft.
These basic guidelines enable the modeller to construct slope soarers based on a huge variety of full-sized aircraft. This is demonstrated by the vast array and diversity of model designs seen soaring over the years.
PSS began in the mid-1970s, when a group of modellers at Moel Famau in North Wales were buzzed by a full-sized DC-3 Dakota, flying low level in the valley below. This sight inspired members of the Clwyd Soaring Association to try to convert traditionally powered models into slope soarers, and soon after the first models were flying successfully off the slope.
In 1986 the Power Scale Soaring Association, or PSSA was formed by Alan Hulme as an association to unite PSS modellers on a worldwide basis through the media of a quarterly magazine. These publications gave news on forthcoming PSS fly-ins world wide and reported on recently held events. They also enabled members to submit ideas and articles on the design and construction of models, as well as allowing them to show off their new creations.
In 2007 the PSSA changed to become a solely web based entity replacing the printed newsletters. The website continues to provide an events calendar, events reviews, an evolving photo gallery, 'Builders techniques' articles and a comprehensive plans service with over 80 aircraft.