72,160.82 raised in 2026. We have reached 14% of our goal.
Help us reach this year's goal of $500,000!
About 30 years ago, I was a competitive runner. During one of my training runs through the Forest Preserve, I heard the rumble of an airplane. Looking up, I saw a plane performing loops and dives, and I thought to myself, "Is that guy crazy? He's going to crash!" Intrigued, I ran over to get a better view and discovered it was an R/C plane.
I joined the AMA in 1978. I’ve competed on a national and world level and one mini contest in RC aerobatics. Over the years, I have designed and flown several designs of my own. I have held AMA offices for Baxter Field flying club in Oklahoma City.
I have designed and placed search and rescue products at various fire departments within the United States. I am a current FAA part 107 card holder and have taught 107 prep classes for different entities.
I have always loved aviation and RC aviation, so when I found out about the AMA, I quickly joined and pursued my love for the RC hobby. Now I can enjoy this hobby knowing that I'm backed.
Hi! My name is Aarav. I have always wanted to fly planes, any type really! But when I saw this ... something completely new sparked in me. It's like I have a completely new passion, better than stupid things such as video games! I love aviation, and love how realistic these models are. I love when I go to my field and see all the people flying these insane and cool planes; it warms my heart and makes me excited!! I am right now testing out a new plane and am soon hoping to use it for the NATS! Super excited!!!
The Healing Power of RC Flying
When my husband died unexpectedly on one of the coldest days in January, everything in my life changed. Mike had been flying in the morning and a few hours later was in the ER. My days were filled with pain, confusion, exhaustion. Shortly after Mike's death, fog rolled in for days and the feeling of loneliness and powerlessness was overwhelming. I could barely see my front yard and likewise could not see my future.
I started out as a young boy getting a plastic jet-type Control Line model with the popular Wen Mec .049 engine. I don't think I ever flew it much. I went on to building other Control Line models. Sterling Models were making kits, and then I went into Free Flight with a Mini Mabo launched with a Cox .049 baby bee engine. I launched it and never saw it again, as it flew off high in the sky.
Model Aviation - Segway to a Lifetime Vocation
I was blessed to have been raised on my father’s public-use airport at York, Pa. Being raised on an airport afforded me opportunities to have hands-on learning about aircraft servicing and maintenance. I soloed on my 16th birthday and got my private pilot license on my 17th birthday. The open acreage of the airport was ideal for flying model airplanes. Along with my brothers, I spent countless hours building and flying free-flight and u-control models.
My old friend, Bernie.
I started flying RC in 1973, enjoying almost 20 years of making friends and flying at the club field. Around 1990, other interests took me away from the hobby. When I retired 10 years ago, I decided to start flying again.
My old club was still active, and my original AMA number was available. I paid my dues, built a new, electric sport plane, and started my old passion again.
With a 40-plus-year career with McDonnell Douglas/Boeing, I have always been interested in aircraft and flying. I flew RC aircraft back in early 2001 and fell away from the sport. Fast forward to 2025, and the drive to operate and fly RC aircraft has me returning to the sport with a new appreciation for all those members piloting their airplanes. Thank you all for keeping me interested.
