Past AMA President Don Lowe, L21

President’s Perspective

By Rich Hanson, AMA President | [email protected]

As seen in the April 2024 issue of Model Aviation.

WHILE ON A SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT in Washington, D.C., in 1991, I had an opportunity to attend an AMA Executive Council (EC) meeting in Reston, Virginia. It was my first visit to AMA Headquarters, and my first introduction to Donald (Don) T. Lowe, who was then the AMA president. I remember being struck by Don’s professionalism, his passion for the hobby, and his dedication to AMA.

Two years later, I found myself as a member of the EC representing District X, and I served with Don on the EC for three years. Although we didn’t always agree on the issues, we did agree on—and shared—a great love for model aviation. Don Lowe was the consummate model aviation enthusiast.

Don Lowe is shown with his Phoenix 5 aircraft that featured a unique camouflage paint scheme.

With Don’s passing in January, he leaves behind a rich history of involvement with the hobby and what it led him to—a career in aerospace development, as well as serving in important leadership roles with AMA, including nine years as president.

It was under Don’s leadership in the late 1980s that AMA made the strategic decision to relocate its headquarters and build an international flying site, eventually landing in Muncie, Indiana. In the "In the Air" section of this issue, you can find more information about Don and his many accomplishments.

Perhaps equally important in looking back at Don’s legacy, he served as a mentor to many. Here is what former AMA District III Vice President Mark Radcliff had to say about Don:

"To my model aviation friends: I am sorry to report that the model aviation world has lost another legend. Don was another one of my heroes in RC Pattern flying growing up and I was fortunate to go to many contests and compete and learn from him.

"Don and his wife, Clara, took me under their wing when I was an up-and-coming Pattern flier and I credit the Lowes and the Browns (Dave and Sally) for keeping me pointed in the right direction to become the Pattern flier I became. Don’s famous Phoenix-design aircraft was a step ahead of the competition utilizing the swept-wing design, which made for an airplane with superior rolling characteristics and wind penetration.

"I am proud that I flew his Phoenix designs in my four world championships. Don was the USA Team Manager for the 1975 World Championship in Switzerland and 1979 World Championship in South Africa. Don’s leadership was a positive force for the USA team taking the gold in those events.

"Don’s vision for model aviation led him from the AMA District III vice president position, to eventually becoming AMA president. Don’s forward-thinking is one of the primary reasons we have an AMA Headquarters in Muncie, Indiana. There is not enough room here to list all of Don’s accomplishments in the model aviation community. Please keep Don’s wife Clara and Don’s family in your thoughts and prayers. Godspeed, my friend."

Team USA won the 1979 FAI F3A Aerobatics Team World Championship in South Africa. (L-R): Dave Brown, Mark Radcliff, Dean Koger, and Team Manager Don Lowe.

Without a doubt, Don was someone you could quickly call a friend. It has been reported that he would show up at the flying field up until shortly before he passed. Much of his modeling career was spent as a competitor. He noted the following in his autobiography, which was written in 2002:

"I designed the Phoenix series and flew RC aerobatic models in competition for many years. In 1952, I became the Worldwide Air Force Champion. I was a competitor a number of times in the Las Vegas Tournament of Champions, and in recent years, I have served as a judge for that event. I have also served as a judge in international (FAI) competition."

Although RC Aerobatics was his greatest love, he wrote that he had flown "virtually every type of aircraft except Indoor."

Perhaps no one could explain his fascination with RC Aerobatics better than he, noting, "To me, RC Aerobatics is an art form, a thing of beauty in three dimensions."

The AMA family has lost someone so many cared about and were fortunate enough to spend time with. Our prayers and thoughts are with his family in this time of mourning. His rich legacy will remain forever.

Fly high, my friend, and keep the antenna pointing up!

Keep ’em safe, keep ’em flying, and continue to enjoy this great hobby!