Awards and Scholarships

Rocky Mountain Flying Machine

The Rocky Mountain Flying Machine has been awarded with a Flying Site Development Improvement Grant worth $2,117.07 on behalf of the AMA. The club has been an AMA Chartered Club since February 24, 1986 and is located in Albuquerque, NM. The mission of the RMFM is to promote the friendly exchange of information and experience between model aviation modelers and to develop model aviation as a recognized sport and a worthwhile recreational activity. The club places high values on construction and safe operation of model aircraft, the diversity of modeling interests, individual ability and willingness to share expertise, and having an environment that encourages participation, fair play and friendly competition. The Henry Wood Memorial Field is the flying site for the 38 members of the Rocky Mountain Flying Machine. The club is unable to plan and host events at their field because of the weather factor. If there is inclement weather the club has to move to a different location that is also used by other community groups. Full access to their field will allow growth for the RMFM. The club has already added the following improvements: shade structures, assy tables and starting stands, a weather station, and a new N-5 runway. Click here for more information on the Rocky Mountain Flying Machine.

Rochester Aero Modeling Society

The Rochester Aero Modeling Society has been awarded with a Flying Site Development Improvement Grant worth $925.09. Located in Webster, NY, the Rochester Aero Modeling Society has been an AMA chartered club for 43 years. The RAMS sponsor two annual weekend flying events each year at their field. The club takes time to show the community what they’re about and works to include new members in the hobby. The RAMS underwent this construction project because their driveway and parking lot had significant drainage problems that caused gullies in each area. The club built a passable roadway to create access to the site. While this is used more by club members, it is also important for when the RAMS host their annual Open House and the N.E. Helicopter Jamboree. The construction project had a total cost of $9,250.85. Click here to check out the website for the Rochester Aero Modeling Society.

Paris Bridge Road RC Aeromodelers

The Paris Bridge Road RC Aeromodelers have been awarded with a Flying Site Development Improvement Grant worth $73.69 on behalf of the Academy of Model Aeronautics. Located in South Carolina, the Paris Bridge Road RC Aeromodelers have only been an AMA Chartered Club for two months, but have already been working hard to establish and improve their flying site. Members of a previous club started the Paris Bridge Road RC Aeromodelers to stay updated with AMA and the hobby of model flying. They found the perfect flying spot, cleared the field, scraped out a runway, and sowed grass seed. The club is now happily flying at this new site. The club is optimistic and expects great things will happen soon.

Otis Model Aero Club

The Otis Model Aero Club has been awarded with a Flying Site Development Improvement Grant worth $957.10. The Otis Model Aero Club was formed in Cape Cod around 50 years ago to promote the enjoyment of flying RC aircraft. The club has over 137 members has hosts several special events every year during the flying season. The OMAC had to build a new flying area to apply with the DF&G guidelines. The old site required the club to share the facility with bikers, horseback riders, do walkers, and wildlife enthusiasts. With the construction of the new site, the facility will be exclusively used for flying model aircraft. The total cost of the construction project was $9,467.77. Click here to check out the website for the Otis Model Aero Club.

Northern Hills R/C Flyers

The Northern Hills R/C Flyers have been awarded with a Flying Site Development Improvement Grant worth $1,603.50. The Northern Hills R/C Flyers is located in South Dakota. The club has been an AMA Chartered Club since 1995. The club is always looking to add new members who share their passion for model aircraft. The Northern Hills R/C Flyers are very involved with Boy Scout troops in their community and frequently invite different organizations to come and learn about the model aviation hobby. The club leases their flying site from the City of Spearfish and the city is planning to expand the existing wastewater plant. This provides an issue for the club because of the state law on exposure to the byproduct. The city is offering the club a different plot of land but they need assistance with the development.

Northern Connecticut RC Club

Located in Enfield, CT, The Northern Connecticut RC Club received a Flying Site Development Improvement Grant worth $1,011.52. The NCRCC formed as an AMA Club in 1962 with 35 members and currently have 176 members. The club is constantly working to improve their flying site to gain the attention of younger aeromodelers. The NCRCC hosts six major AMA sanctioned events each year and donates funds to the Wounded Warrior Project, Wishes on Wheels, and more. The NCRCC’s most recent project is to build a Pavilion. The club wants to build this to ensure the club’s legacy by attracting new, younger members, and ensuring their existing membership. The new Pavilion will provide a weather-protected environment for club members and their family members, and spectators and guests. The total cost of the project submitted for this grant was $10,115.20. Click here to check out the Northern Connecticut RC Club’s website.

Millersburg RC Modelers

The Millersburg RC Modelers have been awarded with a Flying Site Development Improvement Grant worth $1,355.00 on behalf of the AMA. Located in Indiana, the Millersburg RC Modelers have been an AMA Chartered Club for 33 years. The Millersburg RC Modelers currently enjoy a Leader Club status. The club hosts a monthly event on the fourth Saturday of each moth call Sausage Saturdays. Club members, guest pilots, and spectators come out to enjoy some bratwursts and model flying. The club is in the process of relocating their flying site. While it was originally discouraging to learn of the loss of their flying site, the club is excited for the opportunity to create a first class RC Aerodrome from the ground up. The Millersburg RC Modelers plan to open their new site in the spring of 2016. Click here for more information on the Millersburg RC Modelers.

Masonic Home Flying Club

The AMA would like to congratulate the Masonic Home Flying Club for being awarded with a Flying Site Development Improvement Grant worth $1,011.75. The Masonic Home Flying Club is located in Union City, CA. The club has been an AMA Chartered Club since November 5, 2014. The Masonic Home Flying Club is a group of eight retired seniors passionate about model flying. They have started a community outreach program and are currently reach out to local schools and various youth groups. The club is a brand new club and is currently looking to increase membership with individuals who are interested in the hobby of model aviation. To accomplish this, the club offers to buy the youths’ trainer plane and accessories and teach them how to fly. The club wanted to improve their site by fixing the old runway. The old runway was unpaved and located on a hill. The home administration paid for the work and the money from this grant will go towards repaying them. The total cost of the project was $10,117.53.

Liberty Flyers

The Liberty Flyers have been awarded with a Flying Site Development Improvement Grant worth $490.81 on behalf of the AMA. The club is located in Rohnert Park, California. The Liberty Flyers have been an AMA Chartered Club for six years since January 2009. All work on the site improvement project has been completed and paid for. The project was paid for with club membership dues and the money from this grant will go towards replacing those funds. The club underwent a large construction project to improve their flying site. They installed a microfiber nylon fabric material for their 500’ x 35’ runway. The club also built a carport to provide shade and protection to club members and guests. And finally, the club built tables that provided much needed space for members and guests.

Lake County Modelers & Flyers Association

The Lake County Modelers & Flyers Association has been awarded with a Flying Site Development Improvement Grant worth $1,888.91 on behalf of the AMA. The Lake County Modelers & Flyers Association is a group of individuals from across Michigan and nearby Great Lakes’ states that come together to fly RC aircraft at the Baldwin Municipal Airport. The club has been an AMA Chartered Club for just three years, but has already made a huge difference in their community. The club offers after-school programs that provide students with the opportunity to fly in the spring, summer, and fall. The club has already made improvements such as building an RC taxiway and pit row, and a pavilion. The club is now looking to build a fabric runway to improve their flying site even more. The money from this grant will be used to fund the remaining field improvement project. Click here for more information on the Lake County Modelers & Flyers Association.