LANCASTER FATHER, SONS FLYING HIGH ON HOBBY : FAMILY SHARES PASSION FOR MODEL AIRPLANES.

Byline: Bhavna Mistry Daily News Staff Writer

Demonstrating how to operate a remote control model airplane, Ray Moszee holds his 15-year-old son closely and guides him along as he flies a 3-foot model plane Saturday morning.

Lancaster residents, Ray and Cory Moszee made up one of several father and son teams who spent Saturday morning at Rosamond Dry Lake Bed during a Muroc Model Masters event designed to show youngsters part of their hobby.

``It's real fun,'' said Cory Moszee, who attended Saturday's event with his 10-year-old brother, Jody. ``It gives me a chance to go out and be with my dad.''

Although their father has been flying models for more than 10 years, the boys got their plane as a Christmas gift and have been learning to fly since February.

``They've been waiting to fly for a long time,'' said Ray Moszee, a member of Muroc Model Masters. ``They just love it.''

After doing some minor repairs on the plane and filling up the alcohol powered engine, the duo demonstrated flips, loops and turns.

``I've taken three flights already,'' said Cory Moszee. ``Taking control of the airplane and doing it by yourself is the best part.''

Saturday's lesson was sort of a warmup for Cory Moszee who one day wants to go into the Air Force and fly real airplanes.

``I hope to get bigger and better planes,'' said Cory Moszee. ``This is a good start.''

The Muroc Model Masters, who currently have more than 135 members and hundreds of model aircraft as part of their inventory, have set aside the dry lake bed as a place to gather and continue their hobby.

Runway lines have been drawn upon the dry lake bed and fliers must warn other fliers before heading onto the runaway or preparing to land.

``A lot of us are big advocates of youth activities,'' said member Revell Walker, 41, of Lancaster. ``This is a hobby that can take you beyond flying.''

Tim Wells, 41, of Edwards, said he's been flying model airplanes for five to 10 years. ``I've always enjoyed airplanes,'' said the chief of public health at Edwards AFB. ``My dad flew when I was younger. I can't afford to fly the real ones so I fly these.''

Most of the members make their own airplanes with balsa wood and hot glue or epoxy.

``This is one of my greatest things to do,'' said Ralph Marshall, 70, of Lancaster, who owns seven model planes which he has built himself. ``This is the perfect place to do it.''

CAPTION(S):

3 Photos

Photo: (1--color in AV edition only) Ray Moszee, left, works on his Super Star 40 model airplane with his sons, Jody, 10, center, and Cory, 15.

(2--color in AV only) Cory Moszee is at the controls of the Super Star 40.

(3--ran in AV only) Ray Moszee helps Cory operate the remote control for their plane.

Jeff Goldwater/Daily News