Stories

Whether the project is big or small, AMA supports its clubs.

In 2021, AMA and the AMA Foundation provided $53,497.87 in Flying Site Improvement Grant to 34 clubs across the county, helping them make improvements to their flying sites.

The LoveAir RC Club was one club who received a Flying Site Improvement Grant this year. Read below to learn more about how AMA's grant assisted their improvement efforts.

Reflections from an FSIG recipient

The LoveAir RC Club was founded in 1988 with the purpose to serve northern Colorado as a resource for RC Aeromodeling. Our current site provides an outstanding facility which includes an 800-foot asphalt runway that is a favorite of many RC pilots around Colorado and many other states. We conduct three AMA sanctioned events every year and have many pilots flying at our site whenever the weather is good. So, because of the importance of safety, we felt the need to upgrade our old pilot safety fence.

Figure 1 below shows our old fence. It was about 32 inches high and was designed and installed before the time of 2.4 GHz radios, 50cc and up gas engines, and larger RC airframes. It worked fine for the smaller airplanes of the time, but the modern heavier and higher power planes including jets were just too much for the old fence, so we decided to install a new stronger fence. We included this in our long-term financial plan and saved up funds to help finance the new fence project. WE included in our plan applying for an AMA FSIG and were very appreciative to be selected for a grant that helps us to upgrade the safety of RC flying activities at our Flying Site - Drake Field, Ault, Colorado.

The Project

Figure 2 below shows the crew of club volunteers who removed the old fence. They did this on the second day of the project. On the first day of the project, the fence contractor installed the vertical posts for the new fence in concrete about a foot away from the old fence. The volunteer crew was able to remove the old fence on the second day early in the morning in about an hour. Our club routinely asks for volunteers to help with clean-up and improvement projects at our field. We consistently have great success with doing many of our projects with club volunteers.

Figure 3 below shows the volunteer crew working to remove the old fence.

Figure 4 below shows a contractor worker in the morning of the second day beginning to assemble the top rail of the new steel fence.

Figure 5 below shows the completed new safety fence on May 5th. It is 42 inches high with chain link mesh. It is higher and very much stronger. We are very happy with it.

Fred W. Smith, Treasurer of LoveAir RC Club

The AMA Foundation relies on your donations to continue providing funding to club sites in need of improvements. Donate today to the Programs Fund.

Learn more about the Flying Site Improvement Grant.

The AMA Foundation received a bequest gift of $10,000 to assist with education and National Model Aviation Museum efforts.  The AMA and AMA Foundation would like to thank Dr. Warren Knapp and his family for this generous gift. Dr. Knapp, a member of both the AMA Foundation Heritage and Legacy Societies, requested these funds be allocated upon his passing.

Warren W. Knapp passed away on October 3, 2020 in Ithaca, NY. He was an avid modeler and enjoyed flying with the Ithaca Radio Control Society. For more than 30 years, he was a professor in Atmospheric Studies at Cornell University as well as served as the Director of the Northeast Regional Climate Center.

Warren's contribution will have a major impact on the lives of future students through educational programming and will help the National Model Aviation Museum in their efforts to continue preserving the history of model aviation.

If you would like to learn more about Dr. Knapp and his history with model aviation and meteorology, you can read his obituary HERE.

 

A total of $65,431.12 has been awarded in grants.

Congratulations to the 2021 recipients of the Flying Site Improvement Grant and the Take Off and Grow Grant.

 

Flying Site Improvement Grant (FSIG)

34 clubs were awarded Flying Site Improvement Grants in 2021! AMA established the Flying Site Improvement Grant program to invest in the continued improvement and growth of AMA chartered clubs and fields. Grant funding is provided through an allocation of membership dues each year as well as from funding from the AMA Foundation. These clubs are making a difference in the model aviation community, and the communities in which they operate. This year, $53,497.87 was awarded.

Fairborn Flying Aces RC Club

Kent County Aeromodelers Inc.

LoveAir RC Club

Corsair Model Aircraft Club

Aero Radio Club of Syracuse (ARCS)

Las Vegas Soaring Club

Boerne Area Model Society (BAMS)

R I Aeromodelers

River City Radio Controllers

Greater Southwest Aeromodelers

Tulip City Air Force Model Airplane Club

York County Flyers

Clovis Area Modelers

Indianapolis Radio Control Modelers Club

Casper Airmodelers Association

Texoma RC Modelers

Johnston County Aeromodeling Club (JCAC)

Fox Valley Aero Club

Millersburg R/C Modelers

Desert Eagles Model Airplane Flying Club

Catalina RC Modelers, Inc.

Blennerhassett Area RC

Susquehanna Valley Modelers

Raleigh Durham Radio Control Club

Kansas City Radio Control Club

Northern VA RC Club Inc.

Wingbusters Model Aircraft Club

Old Town Valley Flyers RC Club

Southeast Missouri Modelers Association

South Davis Modelers

American Turf Flyers and Sportman's Club, Inc.

Snohomish Radio Aero Club

Flying Pilgrims

Midwest Air Wing R/C Club

$581.25

$843.48

$962.00

$2,794.65

$1,010.34

$1,270.12

$1,386.58

$1,061.73

$1,101.17

$1,066.72

$3,000.00

$494.53

$3,000.00

$1,276.67

$436.06

$902.00

$628.45

$170.00

$3,000.00

$443.75

$3,000.00

$293.06

$1,346.17

$3,000.00

$437.34

$1,324.23

$3,000.00

$1,479.00

$2,852.81

$3,000.00

$344.66

$3,000.00

$3,000.00

$1,991.10

 

Take Off and Grow (TAG) Grant

14 clubs were awarded Take Off and Grow Grants in 2021! AMA Awards up to $1,000.00 to clubs that implement a Take Off and Grow (TAG) program in the local communities. TAG programs provide newcomers to model aviation an opportunity to learn about the hobby as well as practice flying model aircraft with experienced club members. TAG grants are awarded each year, thanks to the generous support of AMA members and AMA Foundation donors across the country. This year, $11,933.25 was awarded.

Flying Knights MAC

Flying WingNutz of WV

Colonel's Flyin' Aces

Seminole RC Club

Central Alabama Sport Flyers

Huntington County Modelers

Anderson Preparatory Academy

Indianapolis Radio Control Modelers Club

Paducah Aeromodelers

Capital Area Radio Drone Squadron

Casper Airmodelers Association

Tucson RC Club

Casa Grande RC Flyers

Xaviators

$1,000.00

$1,000.00

$1,000.00

$1,000.00

$723.25

$400.00

$1,000.00

$910.00

$1,000.00

$500.00

$500.00

$900.00

$1,000.00

$1,000.00

In August of 2020, the Lone Tree RC Flyers' flying site experienced damage due to a Derecho that passed through their area. The wind storm tore up their runway from the right edge up to the center seam. This was previously fastened with 12" staples and roof sealant, but it still wasn't strong enough to withstand the wind. The remaining fabric on the left side of the runway suffered damages as well; patches of tears and holes between the fibers running the length of the runway that were not repairable.

After assessing the damage to the runway and evaluating their budget, the club decided to apply for AMA's Disaster Relief Grant and was awarded the maximum amount of $500 to help rebuild their site. With the grant money, the Lone Tree RC Flyers were able to purchase two 300 foot rools of runway fabric that they will be laying down in the Spring of 2021.

When nature turns cruel, AMA supports its clubs.

For chartered clubs that suffer damage to their sites through natural disasters such as tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquake, fire, or similar catastrophic events, AMA, through support from the AMA Foundation’s Club Support Fund, offers limited financial assistance (up to $500 per incident) for repairs needed to make the damaged flying site accessible and usable to club members. 

In 2020, AMA and the AMA Foundation were able to provide $6,500 in Disaster Relief Grants to 13 clubs around the country, helping them restore their flying sites.  

The Cedar Rapids Skyhawks and the Bay Area Radio Control Society were two clubs who received a Disaster Relief Grant this year. Read below to learm more about how AMA's grant assisted their repair efforts.

 

On August 10, 2020, a storm rolled through Cedar Rapids, Iowa. This was not just any storm, but one that is called a Derecho. This rare storm had straight line winds in excess of 120 mph as it flattened trees and buildings in its path. The City of Cedar Rapids had a significant amount of damage and very few people in the area came out of it unscathed.  

The Cedar Rapids Skyhawks field has [been] through quite a few storms without any significant issues. There are no buildings, and our runway is a Petromat surface that usually stands up well to the wind. This storm was not like the others though, and our runway sustained quite a bit of damage. 

The flight stands were gone, blown across the field and [broken] up as they tumbled away.  The port-a-potty had broken free and [...] tore down some chain link fence.  On its journey, it caught the Petromat and tore it up enough for the wind to take hold.  Once the wind caught the mat, it ripped up large chunks, exposing the surface underneath to the wind and rain. 

There was much work to do to get the field flyable again. To complicate matters, most of the club members had significant damage at their homes [...] and were without electrical power for days after the storm.  The club’s biggest event of the year, Warbirds Over Iowa, was scheduled to take place in a little over two weeks.

I remembered that AMA had a program for club disaster assistance, so I decided I’d apply for a grant. I sent in the application three days after the storm, and we had approval and a check for $500 in less than a week. The money helped us to buy needed supplies and also served to motivate some of our club members. It seemed that all we had was bad news, and anything positive helped. After a couple of extensive repair sessions, we were able to repair the runway by patching it up.  We rented a roller and went over it a few times to make sure it was ready to handle the warbirds that would attend our event.  We were able to host Warbirds Over Iowa on schedule and our members were very happy to have an opportunity to get away from the stress of storm clean up through enjoyment of the hobby we all love.  

We appreciate the AMA’s quick response in our time of need.

Todd Davis, President of Cedar Rapids Skyhawks.

[Hurricane] Zeta took more of the metal roof off the pit area and that metal and our benches ended up in a farmer's field...destroyed, of course.  The runway material (300 ft. by 15 ft.) ended about 500 ft. away in several large trees.

We were going to try to save the runway material, but decided it needs to be replaced.  We will now use the grant money to repair our pit roof and benches and add what's left to the cost of new runway material.

As with a lot of clubs, we have a large number of senior citizens that aren't up to handling 16 ft. 2 x 6's and sheet metal roofing, so getting back to our great facility may take some extra time.

We, again, thank you and the AMA for the grant money.

Al Whitney, President of Bay Area Radio Control Society

The AMA Foundation relies on your donations to continue providing relief and aid to clubs affected by natural disasters. Donate today to the Club Support Fund.

Learn more about the Disaster Relief Grant.

The winner of the AMA Foundation Sweepstakes for the Future has been drawn! Congratulations to Scott Stump from Yorktown, IN! Scott will be enjoying a 3-day trip to California with his wife to experience a flight in Lady Alice, a P-51 Mustang. Scott has also won a model Lady Alice, courtesy of Legend Hobby (formerly VQ Warbirds). The AMA Foundation is sincerely grateful to Dr. Ken Wagner, owner of the Lady Alice, for donating the P-51 ride. We would also like to thank Mr. Gordon Truax for his role in facilitating the ride. Thank you to everyone who entered and purchased entries. The AMA Foundation raised more than $7,000!

 

The AMA Foundation has received a second major gift, in the amount of $140,000, from Legacy Society Member Ronald Hesselbrock. The AMA and AMA Foundation would again like to thank the family of Ronald Hesselbrock for this generous gift. As stated in his will, these donations will be applied toward AMA's general scholarship fund, the Charles Hampson Grant Scholarship fund. This gift will continue to leave a major impact on the lives of future students who continue to be involved in the model aviation community. Read more about Mr. Hesselbrock and his gifts HERE.

The AMA Foundation has received a bequest of more than $171,000 to support the National Model Aviation Museum.  The AMA and AMA Foundation would like to thank the family of Herbert Bone for his generous estate gift. Herbert is a Heritage and Legacy Society member of the AMA Foundation. Herbert had a lifelong passion for model aviation, trains, and Disney, specifically Mickey Mouse. He was a United States Army Veteran and a loving husband, father, and family member. Herbert was loved by his family, friends, and community, was an active member of the Boeing Hawks RC Club, and was a long time member of the Marymoor MARCs (1970's-2020). He was also a docent at the Seattle Museum of Flight, with over 3,000 volunteer hours. Before passing, Herbert wrote a reflections project that looked back on his life: My Story, P&T&MM. Herbert's contribution will have a lasting impact on the National Model Aviation Museum, allowing it to continue as a world-class experience. We are honored to carry Herbert's legacy forward.

Join the AMA Foundation in celebrating the ninth annual National Model Aviation Day, August 15, 2020!

National Model Aviation Day was created to encourage clubs to celebrate their hobby by sharing it with their communities. Year after year, clubs use this day to raise money for the AMA Foundation and other charities close to their heart. Donations made to the AMA Foundation are used to inspire the young and young-at-heart to pursue a hobby that will inspire creativity and advanced learning through the use of hands-on applications. Read what District X Associate Vice President Jim Mohan has to say about this day of fun and celebration:

Our celebration [of National Model Aviation Day] is our club’s chance to reach out to neighbors and invite those in the area to come out and enjoy a nice day with RC model flying, food, and a chance to fly one of the club’s trainers under the supervision of an instructor. Activities also include several raffles used as fundraising tools. National Model Aviation Day falls during the hottest part of the summer in the Phoenix area. With that in mind, the Arizona Model Pilots Society (AMPS) shifts its celebration to November when the weather better cooperates with outdoor activities. 

This past year, our event outreach and advertising resulted in roughly 30 registered pilots, but more importantly, nearly 100 guests stopped by to take in the activities. Approximately 25 visitors of all ages took advantage of the opportunity to fly an RC airplane. Several current club members got their start with model aviation as guests at our open house and National Model Aviation Day celebration.

Supporting the AMA Foundation on NMAD is a “no-brainer.” 

Although there are many worthy causes supported by several excellent groups, celebrating National Model Aviation Day calls for dedicating proceeds to the AMA Foundation. Last year, raffle proceeds allowed us to contribute $500 to the AMA Foundation. The foundation’s support of a variety of model aviation causes and activities provides clubs like ours the opportunity to contribute without the extra work of vetting and determining which activities deserve financial backing.

Having recently received an AMA Flying Site Improvement Grant, AMPS’ ongoing support of the AMA Foundation is one way to pay it forward to provide funding for other clubs and their projects. 

-Jim Mohan, AMPS president & District X associate vice president 

Register your club to participate or Find an Event at https://modelaviationday.com/

  For more information, contact: Kelsie Walker (kelsiew@modelaircraft.org) or Austin Perlee (austinp@modelaircraft.org).

A total of $56,069.32 has been awarded in grants.

Congratulations to the 2020 recipients of the Flying Site Improvement Grant and the Take Off and Grow Grant.  

Flying Site Improvement Grant (FSIG)

26 clubs were awarded Flying Site Improvement grants in 2020! AMA established the Flying Site Improvement Grant program to invest in the continued improvement and growth of AMA chartered clubs and fields. Grant funding is provided through an allocation of membership dues each year as well as from funding from the AMA Foundation. These clubs are making a difference in the model aviation community, and the communities in which they operate. This year, $41,464.32 was awarded.

ClubAmount 

Rhode Island Aeromodelers $1,538.36

Southern New Hampshire Flying Eagles R/C Club $2,621.75

Brauer's Aviators $441.35

Fairfield League of Yankee Radio Controllers  (FlyRC) $393.20

Anderson Flyers RC Club $533.58

Greater Cincinnati Radio Control Club $3,000.00

Charlotte Aeromodelers $3,000.00

District of Columbia Radio Control (DCRC) Club $972.00

Bay City Flyers $3,000.00

Blount County Model Aviators $1,135.00

Seminole Radio Control Club $1,811.00

Flying Cardinals of Northern Kentucky $1,841.75

Fort Wayne Flying Circuits $377.00

Henderson RC Model Airplane Club $516.57

Mid-Missouri Radio Control Association $1,660.47

Midwest Air Wing R/C Club $3,000.00

Des Moines Modelaires $1,298.35

Flying Pilgrims $1,606.82

Lake County Modelers and Flyers Association $3,000.00

Wausau RC Sportsmen $1,476.00

ARF RC Flying Club $516.50

Good Ole Okies Flying Society $1,090.00

Sky Corral R/C Club $1,940.75

Silent Electric Fliers of San Diego $496.45

Tri Valley RC Modelers $3,000.00

Puget Sound Silent Flyers $1,197.42

   

Take Off and Grow (TAG) Grant

23 clubs were awarded Take Off and Grow Grants in 2020! AMA awards up to $1,000 to clubs that implement a Take off And Grow (TAG) program in their local communities. TAG programs provide newcomers to model aviation an opportunity to learn about the hobby as well as practice flying model aircraft with experienced club members. TAG grants are awarded each year, thanks to the generous support of AMA members and AMA Foundation donors across the country. This year, $14,605.00 was awarded.

Club NameAmount

Aeroguidance Society$790.00

Meroke Radio Control$1,000.00

Penn Ohio Radio Kontrol Society (PORKS)$800.00

Valley City R/C Club, Inc.$1,000.00

Holly Springs Skyhawks Radio Control Group$800.00

Johnston County Aeromodelling Club$1,000.00

Largo Flying Club$500.00

Flagler City Radio Aero Modelers$800.00

Stone Mountain Radio Control Flyers$500.00

Henderson Radio Control Model Airplane Club$715.00

Madison Area Radio Control Society (MARCS)$500.00

Lake County Modelers & Flyers$500.00

Milan Flyers$400.00

Capital Area Radio Drone Squadron$400.00

Corsicana R/C Flyers$300.00

Richardson Radio Control Club$1,000.00

Casper Airmodelers Association$400.00

Rapid City Propbusters$500.00

Longmont Electric Aircraft Flyers, LEAF$500.00

Lincoln Sky Knights$400.00

Casa Grande RC Flyers$1,000.00

Oasis Flyers (Flying Aces)$800.00