Biographies

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Javier Arroyo Biography

Man wearing ski gear and goggles in a garage with skis and a blue car.

I discovered model aviation later in life, proving that it is never too late to try something completely new.

Before 2023, I had never flown any type of radio-controlled aircraft. At 61 years old, I decided to begin with RC helicopters—perhaps not the easiest entry point into the hobby, but certainly an exciting one. From the beginning, I found the RC community to be incredibly supportive, patient, and welcoming. Experienced pilots freely shared their knowledge, encouraged me through the inevitable challenges, and helped me feel like part of the community.

Carla May Biography

Rocket enthusiast adjusting cap beside a red model rocket on a grassy field.

Over a hundred years ago, my grandfather had a thousand-acre dairy farm, that would father one of the best fields in the country.

My dad was a great aviation enthusiast; He flew full scale for many years which developed into a model aviation hobby as well. My dad developed from the original farm, a personal airfield from which he would fly his cub. I was always excited to fly with him, because to land he would drop down over the pine treed hill like a bush pilot onto the field like it was as natural as breathing.

Mark French Biography

I started flying RC as a teenager in Pennsylvania. I bought an Olympic II glider and radio when I was about 14. I had never even seen a radio control plane fly before my first flight. I read what I could find and just tried it. I pulled the High Start way back and just let it go. I had the pitch hooked up backwards. I also had no idea how slowly it would fly, so I kept it near what was probably its top speed. I crashed a lot, but kept fixing it.

Norm Bickel Biography

I got started with the AMA when I was flying control line with my Dad and little brother, Ed. We flew many years.

Ed and I discovered girls and life happens. Dad passed away Ed and I met our wives Our work and families took precedence.

Years passed and my wife bought me a Big Stick 40 with the full radio. I really didn't get an opportunity to complete it until I retired.

I finished it and joined the Valley City RC club (Ohio) and I now have quite a small squadron that I fly with a great bunch of guys.

Richard Smith Biography

Red and yellow model airplane with large wheels in flight.

I am a 60 year old, who started learning to fly RC planes eight years ago. I grew up near a state park that had a small airfield where many pilots would gather to fly. I would ride my bicycle there (about 3 miles) and watch them fly on Saturday mornings. I always wanted to get involved. But, I didn’t know anyone in the hobby. So, unfortunately, I missed out on many years of enjoyment.

Around our 32nd anniversary, my wife and I were walking in the same park.

Steve Zimmerman Biography

I have always been interested in aviation.  As a kid, my bedroom ceiling was covered with hanging airplane models. My love of aviation was later fulfilled in my military service, having flown in an array of helicopters. The bug had bit and becoming a pilot was definitely on my bucket list.

Nathan Davidson Biography

Model military aircraft on grass.

My addiction started early as is the case most often. My great uncle brought me to the duluth rc flying club when I was about 7-8 and I watched him fly his plane he built in his garage. Not sure what it was exactly, it was shiny yellow, electric, and the wing was held on by rubber bands. I remember thinking that was crazy, but they still do it. I also remember it took most of the day to charge the brick of a battery he got 2:30 minutes of flight time on. Since then I was fascinated by the hobby.

Michael Cicco Biography

I started in this hobby when I was thirteen with a Sureflite foam Cessna, MRC four channel radio with a Enya motor and thought that it was a huge plane! Today forty-nine years later and everything I own is one fifth scale or larger with 85% being scale. In my forty-nine years of collecting/building I have amassed nearly every kit of every plane I liked that was available from the Sopwith Camel to the YF23 and have cut many more from plans either bought or designed by myself. 

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