Foundation News

Chuck Orrick, a member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics for over 25 years, recently purchased two bricks along the Walk of Fame. During interactions with AMA staff regarding the bricks, he shared his unique story and gave permission for it to be shared. Orrick is a lifelong model airplane enthusiast whose first memory of a model airplane dates back to the 1960’s. He was in kindergarten, showing his first small balsa airplane his father carved for him during show and tell. His father carved a few more airplanes for him, but in 1976, when Orrick was 16 years old, his father passed away. However, Orrick’s love for model airplanes has continued to this day. [caption id="attachment_3276" align="alignright" width="213"] Orrick's father, Charles Orrick, Jr.[/caption] In the early years of Orrick’s AMA membership, he inquired about having his long and hard to remember member number changed to “1701.” However, that number was already taken so he accepted 17701 instead. Several years later, during the 1990’s, Orrick was cleaning out his grandmother's closet and found a picture from 1946 of his father holding an airplane with the number “17702”. Orrick never knew that his father was an AMA member and couldn’t believe their member numbers were just one away from each other. While further investigating the picture, he stumbled upon a very touching article. The article featured a story about his grandfather, Capt. Charles Orrick. Little did he know, his grandfather helped to form the first flying club in Thomaston, Georgia. Orrick had no idea his grandfather was involved, and had such influence in, model aviation, something that had been a part of his life for as long as he could remember. Orrick had a deeper connection to his father and grandfather than he could ever imagine. He had gone many years loving his hobby of model airplanes without knowing that his father and grandfather both had strong ties to the hobby as well. [caption id="attachment_3277" align="alignleft" width="300"] Chuck Orrick (left) and Gene Seinkbeil (right)[/caption] Today, Orrick continues in the legacy of his father and grandfather. He and his friend, Gene Seinkbeil, built the “Martian Spaceship.” It was from an old free flight plan converted to R/C in the 80’s that they converted to electric. In 2008, Seikbeil and Orrick competed at the SEFF, and won the title “Best of Show.” The AMA is proud to help Chuck honor his family’s love for model aviation by placing his bricks in the Walk of Fame. To learn more about the brick program, visit: https://amafoundation.modelaircraft.org/walk-of-fame-donation-ama-foundation/

Boy Scouts of America clubs from Arizona towns:   Nogales, Tucson, Sierra Vista, Marana and more attend a Camporee Aviation Day with the Sonoran Desert Flyers. The 3 day event held over 150 scouts and their leaders to learn about the trade. Scouts had the opportunity to learn how they could receive free flight training and other events the Sonoran Desert Flyers put on. Scouts were able to see FPV quads through a 3D extra and a static display of the clubs electric planes. The Sonoran Desert Flyers showed their passion to the scouts. Leader member, Bob Schumann, stated, “The fpv goggles and monitor had the scouts enchanted.” The club was able to reach retired U.S. Colonel and Congresswoman, Martha McSally. She dedicated her time out of her day to talk to the scouts about her time commanding an A-10 squadron in combat. The AMA recognizes the Sonoran Desert Flyers for their love and passion for the hobby. Their dedication does not go unnoticed. Also, the AMA would like to thank the Sonoran Desert Flyer club for the $50 donation toward the year- end giving campaign.

  The academy of model aeronautics recently awarded the St. Louis Whirly Birds with $150 Club Recognition and Reward Grant. The club was featured in Fox 2 News in St. Louis for their 32nd  Fun-Fly event. View the full story here.  The club opened their event to the general public. There was a mix of young and old participants for three days of the event.  Anyone who had an interest in flying was able to take part in the event and be eligible for door prizes.  For more details about the St. Louis Whirly Birds, visit their website here. The AMA Club Recognition and Reward Program was established to encourage clubs to promote model aviation. The AMA offers clubs cash incentives for positive local media coverage for a public event, public service, club announcement, or other coverage. Click here to learn more about this program.

The Academy of Model Aeronautics recently awarded the Hudson Valley Radio Control Club with a $75 Club Recognition and Reward grant. The club was featured in the Rockland Journal News for their 7th Annual Haverstraw Air Show. The Haverstraw Air show held dozens of fliers from planes ranging from 7 inches to 104 inches. The event was an opportunity for families and friends to get together to spend time watching planes zig zag through the sky. The club president, Bruce Leach, was interviewed by the paper and spoke about how model airplanes bring parents and their children together to do hands on activities. Model airplane flying is unlike any other sport and allows for a different type of interaction with their children. For more information about the event, view Hudson Valley Radio Control Club website here.   The AMA Club Recognition and Reward Program was established to encourage clubs to promote model aviation. The AMA offers clubs cash incentives for positive local media coverage for a public event, public service, club announcement, or other coverage. Click here to learn more about this program.