Written by AMA staff (12/1987); Transcribed by JS (06/2008), Reformatted by JS (01/2010)
Louis Proctor, founder of Proctor Enterprises Corporation, has a name synonymous with quality. His many contributions to model aviation go back to 1926, when he entered his first contest. His Nats wins span many years, from 1929 to 1967.
He built his very first models in 1921-1922 from plans he found in the Boys Mechanic Book. These were solid models. His first flying model was a Neiuport monoplane in 1923. His interest in aviation grew, and his favorite spot was Pearson Field in Vancouver, WA. As his skills in model building became advanced, Lou entered his first contest and took first place. In that same year (1926), he met Jim Walker and formed a lifelong friendship.
Continuing to build models, including ornithopters, he started to produce his own designs. In 1929, he triumphed in a “Lindy” contest and had the thrill of receiving his prize from Charles Lindbergh himself. His winning ways gained him a place on the 1929 Wakefield Team and a trip to England. During this inspiring event, he met Louis Bleriot, Orville Wright, and Igor Sikorsky. He was honored on his return by a special Lou Proctor Fete at the Vancouver Airport. Shortly after this, Lou went to work for Boeing Aircraft Company as a model builder, producing both wind tunnels and display models. Leaving Boeing in 1945, he started several small businesses. In 1958, in San Diego, he started in Radio Control. His famous Antic Monoplane and Bolero Bipe were created in 1964.
This next year Lou started Proctor Enterprises, and soon headed a worldwide business that built a reputation for top quality. In 1982, at the age of 72, Lou sold the company and retired to spend some time for himself, building and flying model aircraft at his leisure. He is still a member of four Radio Control clubs and participates in numerous contests each year.
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