281,463.55 raised in 2026. We have reached 56% of our goal.
Help us reach this year's goal of $500,000!
I started flying model airplanes in 1955 when I was 11 years old. The first was a plastic P-40 with a .049 cub engine. It flew but not well. The Glen L Martin company was close to my home and they sponsored a club. They were all adults but took me under their wings and taught me how to build balsa planes. I built and flew control line models most of my free time.
After high school I took a break and went to college and met my future wife.
I started flying rc planes in January of 1986. This was a lifelong dream since attending the Reno air races in 1974. It was there I saw the local club flying their planes prior to the start of the races and airshow. When I graduated from college I bought my first plane and learned to fly in Phoenix Arizona. My trainer was Ozzie Virgil who played Baseball for the Altanta Braves. He and his Dad were members of AMPS.
Started flying late in life (2008). I was working with coworkers who flew RC planes and invited me to my local RC airfield in Rochester NH near waste management and bought my first plane from Hobbieco Trainer. I flew for about four years and stopped when I moved to another job, and the airfield had moved to another location. I've sold that plane and my equipment, but I am still interested in flying again.
Attempted RC flying while in High School. Hand built Heathkit Transmitter, Receiver and 4 servos. The poor plane got off the ground briefly but never for more than 10 seconds. Fast forward 40 years. Met an RC flyer in my neighborhood, he saw my antique equipment and said build a trainer, get a new Futaba radio, and I will teach you to fly. So I did and with a buddy box and some instruction, I was flying solo by the time I was 60.
I flew with him and some friends for many years until the club field was shut down. At 74, I may pick it up again, only time will tell.
I have been a member of AMA since 1978. I’ve flown in many competitions in aerobatics and won many awards. After flying large scale precision aerobatics through 2012, I was contacted by the United States military to train young military drone pilots. I hold several contracts with major defense contractors and manufacture produce and operate target Drones for every branch of our military service. I have turned what was a hobby at one time into a very lucrative business simply because of AMA and RC experience.
Began my model flying at the age of 8 flying a control line Cox PT19 trainer. I later advanced to flying Voodoos, Ringmasters, and a Super Ringmaster. When I married, my wife would also fly a control line Cox PT19.
Born 1941 in Chester England, Came to USA 1947. Served USAF 1960 thru 1964 served in Africa (Libia), Cape Cod any other areas. Started RC in 1968 with RC trainers from Goldburgh Co. and others.
Joined Orange Ulster Sullivan RC (SOURS) in 1980 (or so). Our main flying Field was an old military air training Base GailVille our club flew there for about 25 years, sharing it with the FBI and others.
Still building and flying.
Have valued my membership in the AMA always.
Thank You All,
Graham
Started flying control line in about 1977. Moved up to r/c planes in 1979. My first plane was an sig cadet with a k&b .40, Kraft radio. Built and flew several planes after that. Sig cougar, top flite falcon 56, a few others along the way.
Started flying pattern planes next. Competed around the southeast at numerous contests. I was always active in our club. I was asked to be a member of the local AMA air show team. We did events at local full scale air shows along with static displays at local malls in the early 80’s.
First encounter with Model aircraft was in the tiny Town of Bovina, Texas! When we used to go to the town flight site for Wire Control and Estes Rockets! Admired all that I saw, and they even had Combat Flight Fights (cutting the ribbon of the other model).
