Larry Erbach’s fascination with flight began almost as soon as he could walk. Some of his earliest memories involve standing in the yard with his grandfather, who brought home kite sticks—scraps from the millwork company where he worked. With those simple pieces of wood, Larry spent countless hours building kites of every shape and style, discovering the joy of creating something that could ride the wind.
As he grew, so did his curiosity. Rubber powered Guilow’s models and hand toss gliders became his next obsession, each one a small lesson in aerodynamics, craftsmanship, and patience. But the spark that truly ignited his lifelong passion arrived in the late 1960s, when an uncle handed him an old McCoy .35 “red head” glow engine. That single gift opened the door to the world of control line flying.
With no formal instruction, Larry taught himself to build and fly control line aircraft—learning through trial, error, and a determination that would define his future in aviation. He expanded into free flight models and towline gliders, exploring every corner of the hobby he could reach.
A pivotal moment came when the AMA Navy Nationals were held at Glenview Naval Air Station, just a bicycle ride from his home. Larry spent entire days roaming the flightlines, talking with competitors, and absorbing everything he could about model aviation. The openness and enthusiasm of the AMA members he met left a lasting impression. Their willingness to share knowledge inspired him to join the Academy of Model Aeronautics and deepen his involvement in the hobby.
In his late twenties, Larry’s aviation journey took another leap forward when he joined The Blue Max RC Flying Club—an organization still thriving today. Once again, he found himself surrounded by AMA members who were eager to mentor, encourage, and share their passion not only for model aviation but for full scale aviation as well. Their influence helped propel Larry into the world of manned flight, and in the early 1990s he earned his private pilot certificate while continuing to fly RC aircraft.
After stepping back from the hobby to raise a family, Larry returned to radio control flying in 2023, becoming a member of the Chain O’ Lakes Eagles RC Flying Club. He immediately recognized the same spirit of camaraderie, passion, and mentorship that had shaped his early years in aviation. The club’s commitment to education and community outreach resonated deeply with him. Today, the Eagles are actively engaging kids and adults through programs that spark interest in model aviation, emerging technologies, UAS systems, and general aviation.
Larry credits the AMA community for shaping every stage of his aviation life.
The generosity, mentorship, and shared enthusiasm of AMA members gave him the foundation to grow as both a modeler and a pilot. Now, through his involvement with the Chain O’ Lakes Eagles and the Academy of Model Aeronautics, he is grateful for the opportunity to pass that same inspiration on to the next generation of aviators.
