In March of 2025, the AMA Foundation was awarded a grant of $140,000 through the Indiana Destination Development Corporation (IDDC). This grant will support the International Aeromodeling Center (IAC) Improvement Project, an initiative that will enhance various aspects of the IAC's 1,100-acre property in Muncie, Indiana, and add to member and visitor experiences. To learn more about the IAC Improvement Project and the AMA Foundation's obtainment of the IDDC grant, read our original announcement blog.
The AMA Foundation is excited to announce that a few main project legs have seen ample progress made! Since the grant funding was received, AMA and the AMA Foundation have been hard at work getting the IAC Improvement Project started, checking off tasks and arranging for project completion. Recently, the IAC campus saw the installation of a few exciting additions:
A Pond Dock and Walkway
On July 10, EZ Dock of Mid-America arrived at the IAC to complete the installation of AMA's new pond dock. The installation of this dock and walkway ensures that popular outdoor activities, such as fishing and RC boating, are easily accessible to the public and members of AMA. This increased pond accessibility will allow members and visitors of all abilities the opportunity to participate and enjoy their time at the IAC with the security of increased safety measures. The AMA Foundation is thrilled to announce that this project leg was completed three weeks ahead of schedule, perfectly aligning with the IAC's increased attendance for the 2025 AMA Nats.
An Improved Flight Demonstration Runway
The National Model Aviation Museum's flight demonstration area, located behind the museum building, began receiving improvements on May 16, when groundbreaking occurred on the grass runway. Today, the flight demonstration area's grass runway has regrown and is now level. This flight demonstration area is also scheduled to receive extended fencing, allowing for a higher number of spectators and enhanced safety measures. These improvements will allow for visitors of the museum to step outside, get comfortable, and experience the wonders of flight firsthand!
Additional Seating on IAC Property
To enhance the experiences of our members and visitors, part of the IAC Improvement Project involved installing additional seating. ADA-compliant picnic tables have been installed, two of which are located in a pristine viewing area near the National Model Aviation's improved flight demonstration area. The third picnic table has been installed near the new AMA pond dock, providing a great scenic location for visitors and members to rest and spectate RC boating.
Additional IAC Improvement Project Updates
With these exciting additions to IAC property, AMA and the AMA Foundation are looking forward to seeing the new dock, picnic tables, and flight demonstration in use! Other legs of the IAC Improvement Project include updates to the National Model Aviation Museum's Hands-On Education Gallery, the installation of aircraft sculptures throughout the museum's campus, and the creation and implementation of educational programs and workshops. While these project legs are not yet completed, the AMA Foundation is excited to provide the following updates:
Updates to the National Model Aviation Museum's Hands-On Education Gallery
Various requests for proposals have been sent to a handful of companies, announcing our project and allowing qualified contractors to bid on providing their services. AMA and the AMA Foundation are looking forward to selecting a company and seeing the planned updates come to life, allowing visitors of all ages to learn about model aviation and STEM education in immersive, hands-on ways.
The Installation of Aircraft Sculptures
These sculptures, funded by a previously awarded American Rescue Plan grant, are completed and ready to be transported to the IAC. Due to an unexpected transportation conflict, the arrival of these sculptures has been delayed; however, we hope to have them installed as soon as possible!
The Creation and Implementation of Educational Programs and Workshops
AMA's Education department has been hard at work developing a plan for the program and workshop focal points. Soon, they'll be collaborating with National Model Aviation Museum staff to ensure that these new programs and workshops appropriately align with the hands-on activities that visitors will engage with in the Hands-On Education Gallery.
We at the AMA Foundation are looking forward to seeing the IAC Improvement Project reach completion. IDDC's recognition of our organization and its value to our local community is monumental, and we couldn't appreciate the organization's support more.
