Biographies

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Raymond Lefrancois Biography

Black and white photo of a boy smiling, holding a model airplane in a living room.

I was born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts—a poor kid with a funny French last name. Little did I know that three famous gallic aviators would pique my imagination and shape my destiny. 

Louis Blériot, the first to fly across the English Channel in 1909. As a wee child, I pictured myself sitting in the bottom of his daring creation, waving at the peasants below as I flew over the white cliffs. 

Later, I read Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's exciting stories of daring flights that I replicated in my dreams. 

Larry Renger Biography

I started modeling at age 6, and I'm now 83 and still active. After graduating from MIT with a degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics, I spent 8 years in the Aerospace industry but then escaped to spend 35 years professionally designing model aircraft and toys. 

Jess Walls Biography

Father and son smiling, standing on red and beige ground.

My dad owned Walls Hobby Shop in San Jose, so model airplanes have been in my life since birth: solid models, static plastic models, Control Line, Free Flight, R/C, indoors, and outdoors. I fly full-size airplanes, too. Model flying was put on hold while I raced motorcycles and started a family. 

Rob Buhrman Biography

Man kneeling next to a large red and white model airplane on grass.

It was a trip to Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, that got me started in modeling radio control aircraft. After the inspiration of the Wright brothers, and learning that there were kits, engines, and radios that could be put together to fly my own plane, I was thrilled and jumped right into it. I built my first kit and taught myself how to fly. The learning curve was steep and super exciting! 

From the beginning, safety was my number one priority. So, when I learned about AMA and the insurance it provided, I joined and have been a member ever since. 

Walt Buskey Biography

Model airplane with yellow wings on a wooden surface, note with specifications nearby.

I grew up with machines, had my first airplane ride in a J3 in the spring of 1956 (third grade), and got hooked. The first time I got my hands on an airplane was the spring of 1966, in a Cherokee C 140. I got hooked even more. 

I tried college twice, but it didn't agree with me. I was a Chinese translator for Uncle Sam (US ARMY, 14th ASA FS, Hakata, Japan) from '69-'72. I spent years in "the trades," including automotive, electronic, HVAC, and then went into teaching math (and an elective, model aviation!) at a middle school. 

Dwight (George) Black Biography

Child holding model airplane, smiling, in uniform, black and white photo.

I first built small balsa gliders (including an F7F) in 1948. My first fuel-powered Control Line model was a "Little Mercury" with an OK .049 glow engine in 1950. I upgraded to a Fox .35 and built various C/L stunt and combat during the 50s. 

I modified Sterling Ringmasters into "Wingmasters" for C/L Combat during the 50s. I built and flew C/L Dina Jet speed in the late 50s. 

Evan Doughty Biography

Woman standing behind large yellow and red model airplane outdoors.

I was born in 1956 while my father was in the USAF. Being around aircraft at an early age and around model making (my father built wood display sailing ships), I started making model airplanes out of household materials at about 5 years old and built my first Free Flight balsa planes at 7 while living in Uruguay. Shortly thereafter, I turned toward glow and Control Line. 

Johnny Salaza Biography

Man smiling, holding a large model blue and yellow jet, standing on grass with crutches.

I was introduced to aviation as a child in the 1970s, but due to a physical handicap, learning to fly was never an option. Over the years, every time I tried to get into RC aviation, life had other plans. Responsibilities, timing, and circumstances always seemed to get in the way. 

Fast forward to 2021—my wife encouraged me to join the local RC club just down the street. That simple push changed everything. 

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