A brief history
Photos courtesy of AMA
The Academy of Model Aeronautics was founded in 1936. To this day, AMA serves as a self-supporting, nonprofit organization whose purpose is to promote the development of model aviation as a recognized sport and worthwhile recreation activity. AMA accomplishes this through various events, advocacy, education, AMA clubs, and a monthly magazine titled Model Aviation.
Originally known as the American Academy for Model Aeronautics before being shortened to Academy of Model Aeronautics, or AMA, one thing was quickly declared by the organization: per the magazine’s first published issue, its policy, above all other things, was that Model Aviation was to be "of, by and for its readers." Although more than 80 years old, this policy has remained on a pedestal for the entirety of Model Aviation’s publication.
Other Aeromodeling Magazines
Model Aviation is not the only aeromodeling magazine to ever exist. Michael Smith, the National Model Aviation Museum director, provided a list of aeromodeling magazines that were prominent before the launch of Model Aviation, with bolded titles signifying model airplane-specific publications:
- Flight
- Flying Aces
- Model Airplane News
- Air Trails
- The Model Aeroplane Constructor
- Model Aircraft Builder
- Model Aircraft Engineer
- Model Craftsman
- Popular Aviation
- Aircraft
- American Magazine of Aeronautics
- Aeronautics
- The Aero-Modeller
- Popular Mechanics
- American Boy
- St. Nicholas
- Air Travel News
- Aerial Age Weekly
Not all of these magazines were specifically geared toward model airplanes. Michael wrote that, although "some were primarily about full-scale aircraft … magazines such as that often carried a model airplane article/plans or even had a ‘Model Builders Department,’ such as Aeronautics magazine. Also, magazines such as Model Craftsman and Popular Mechanics sometimes had model airplane articles."
After the launch of Model Aviation, there were still various other aeromodeling magazines available to hobbyists for a period of time. Michael provided the following list of magazines:
- Grid Leaks
- American Aircraft Modeler
- Model Builder
- Flying Models
- Radio Control Modeler
- Scale Aircraft Modeler
- Radio Modeler
- Fly RC
- RC Report
Unfortunately, all but one of these magazines has ceased publication. Model Airplane News is the only other one still being published today. When asked his thoughts on the decline of magazine publications, Michael wrote:
"I believe the decline of smaller model airplane companies meant a reduction in advertising dollars available.
I also think the internet hurt magazines, both in terms of content being immediately available on the web, and again with advertising dollars. I think the sheer cost of printing magazines (paper cost), as well as newsstand costs, also hurt other magazines."
Background Information
AMA, as previously stated, was officially established in 1936; however, the idea of the organization’s creation bloomed in 1935, if not before. The idea came about in Detroit during the National Aeromodeling Championships (Nats), when contestants and leaders were mutually interested in a "self-governing body of aeromodeling experts, [with] the thought being that there should be expert guidance of, for, and by model builders. Modelers wanted a single voice to develop national rules for aeromodeling contests, as well as one voice to speak to the government."
Once created, AMA’s goal was to "‘consist of sincere builders and flyers, club directors, sponsors and patrons of the sport’ and was to ‘act as a council to direct and supervise the contest and research activities of the many expert model flyers,’" according to the 75th Anniversary Supplement to Model Aviation. This, much like the organization’s policy for Model Aviation, has been maintained throughout the entirety of AMA’s existence.
AMA was not always the standalone organization that it’s known as today. The joining of AMA and the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) occurred first in 1936, when AMA Headquarters made the move to Washington, D.C., as part of NAA. Following this, both organizations moved their offices to Washington, D.C., in 1940.
Although still a part of NAA, 26 years later, AMA became independent, purchasing land in order to build a standalone building for its headquarters, as well as the National Model Aviation Museum. The first land purchase was in 1979 in Reston, Virginia, where roughly one acre of land was bought.
Years later, it was decided to move the AMA Headquarters and museum to Muncie, Indiana, because it was thought that a more centralized location would better benefit AMA, members, clubs, and the community in which it would reside. In 1992, the new National Flying Site/International Aeromodeling Center opened, with the National Model Aviation Museum and AMA Headquarters buildings built in 1992 and 2001, respectively.
A Condensed Timeline
Throughout the years of Model Aviation, many things have come and gone, merged and separated, and been moved from here to there. Although these events will be looked at in detail in the latter portion of this article, a quick glance at the infograph will show you just how many changes have occurred.
The Beginning
Model Aviation magazine was first published in June 1936. The first issue was released with the declaration that the magazine would be the "official journal of the Academy." However, this first issue was only available to AMA Leaders in its initial stages. In 1954, according to www.ModelAviation.com, this changed—Model Aviation was now available to all AMA members (approximately 10,000 at that time) and subscribers, giving all who were interested the chance to obtain a copy.
Since the first issue of Model Aviation was published, it has stood true to its promise to be "of, by, and for its readers." In the first issue of the magazine, published in June of 1936, the following was written:
"Let us know what is going on in your town or city. We want to present personalities so that we may all know each other better. New ideas of stimulating interest are better shared with our fellow model aviators than kept under cover…scientific articles, plans of exceptional models, unusual photographs, and other material tending to promote the progress of model aeronautics, is welcome."
Member input has always been extremely valued by AMA, and it is found within the pages of any Model Aviation issue that you might pick up. This has not changed—Model Aviation is still heavily based off of member-written pieces. From features to columns, AMA’s members are crucial contributors to the production of Model Aviation.
The Merge
Model Aviation has not always been a standalone publication. In 1966, Model Aviation merged with American Modeler. The purpose of the merge, in AMA’s vision, was to expose American Modeler’s larger audience to AMA, with hopes of obtaining more members.
Furthermore, according to www.ModelAviation.com, AMA wanted to provide its existing members with "exciting modeling feature articles" found within the pages of American Modeler.
This tactic worked well for AMA. Between the years of 1966 and 1975, membership increased from 16,000 to 52,000. The collaboration was maintained for nine years, ending in 1975.
The Separation
In 1975, the collaboration between Model Aviation and American Modeler came to an end. American Modeler filing for bankruptcy and this separation marked the start of Model Aviation’s in-house production.
After the separation of the two magazines, Model Aviation was in charge of putting together an 80-page magazine in a very short period of time. Writers were contacted, staff worked diligently, and everything was put together in the nick of time. The magazine was released on schedule, and the world was introduced to the new Model Aviation—a standalone magazine geared toward AMA members.
The new version of Model Aviation had great success. Additional audiences were reached, new members were gained, and everyone was thrilled. In 1985, 10 years after the end of the collaboration, AMA reached 100,000 members. That was nearly double what AMA had in 1975, when the magazine first became a solo publication!
Going Digital
Model Aviation chose to go digital in two ways: creating both a website and a digital edition of the magazine. The magazine’s website, www.ModelAviation.com, was redesigned and launched in 2011. The website allows readers to view plans, write to the editor, manage subscription services, view bonus content, and so much more—check it out!
Model Aviation Digital was developed and released in 2012. It allows readers to view the magazine online, with a library of various issues to explore, download, and revisit. Furthermore, the digital editions of the magazine are equipped with digital features and discussions, wherein links to bonus content are provided.
Subscribers of Model Aviation Digital also have access to the digital archive library of the magazine, providing copies of issues spanning many years. Even if you don’t have a digital subscription, issues from 1975 through 2014 can be viewed on the website.
If you are interested in subscribing to Model Aviation Digital or adding it to your current printbased subscription, learn more at www.ModelAviation.com/digital.
The Redesign
After years of change and several redesigns, it was decided that Model Aviation needed a bit of a makeover. AMA wanted to give readers a fresh, new, and sleek magazine to expect each month, and that’s exactly what happened.
In January 2019, the redesign of Model Aviation was officially revealed. It revolved around a general new look and a bit of tweaking to the column schedule. This was done in hopes of better reflecting members’ overall interests.
Present Day
Today, AMA has roughly 150,000 members, making it the largest model aviation association worldwide. There are approximately 2,300 AMA clubs across the US among various AMA Special Interest Groups, creating safe and fun flying atmospheres for all who are interested. Use the AMA Club/Flying Site Search at www.modelaircraft.org/club-finderto find a group near you.
Model Aviation will continue to be sent to members; however, in the near future, AMA’s Park Pilot magazine will be integrated within Model Aviation! Model Aviation will continue its current offerings, while also providing readers with pages of additional content that would have appeared in Park Pilot—keep your eyes peeled for the first integrated issue, scheduled to be released in early 2024!
Today, Model Aviation has a multitude of contributors. With 29 columnists, roughly 12 feature writers, and various AMA staff members who write for the magazine, Model Aviation is packed with great information from all facets of the hobby!
Jay Smith, Model Aviation’s executive editor, wrote the following about AMA’s current-day publication:
"One of the best things about Model Aviation magazine is the fact that it covers all disciplines of the hobby. To do that, we have more than 40 contributors who are extremely knowledgeable about their special interests. Having so many facets at times can be challenging because we might not be able to cover everything in a single issue; however, we do our best to provide a broad range of coverage."
Although many, many years have passed since the 1936 founding, one thing remains the same: AMA has immeasurable appreciation for its members, columnists, feature writers, and subscribers. Without their consistent contributions to the magazine and their overwhelming support throughout the years, who knows where AMA and Model Aviation would be today?
Model Aviation continues to be offered in print and online in a digital format. The magazine averages 124 pages. Compared with the first issue of the magazine, which featured only 15 pages, today’s magazine has bountiful information to offer. Only time will tell just how much Model Aviation will continue to grow!
Closing Thoughts
Throughout the last 87 years, Model Aviation has traversed many changes, climbed mountains of ups and downs, and cleared various hurdles; however, the magazine has gotten up and improved itself each time. The reason that the magazine has had such success is you—whether you are a reader, columnist, feature writer, or anything of the like, you are the biggest reason that Model Aviation is what it is today.
Your constant contributions are what have pushed Model Aviation to grow since 1936—and that’s the same thing that will push it to grow for the next 87 years and beyond.
The magazine’s journey was not an easy one. More challenges are inevitable, but with continued support from AMA members and magazine contributors, there is no doubt that Model Aviation will overcome them all once more.
SOURCES:
Model Aviation magazine
Model Aviation Digital
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