The History of Model Aviation

Written by Jay Smith and Michael Smith Find the entire feature on page 28 in The First 75 Years supplement Read an abridged summary as well as an infograph.
In 1936, following several years of discussions between the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) and prominent aeromodelers, the decision was made to create a Model Plane Council NAA Chapter, later referred to as the National Model Experts Chapter. This council, to be composed of expert aeromodelers, was called the American Academy of Model Aeronautics. Its purpose was “to advance model aeronautics as a science and sport and to aid constructive activities employing model aircraft as one means toward general aeronautic education.” It was further stated that, “It has been felt for some time that model activities should be more closely knit into the NAA structure and this chapter gives this result. The leaders in the model field…all become united in one advisory body, having a firm official standing” (NAA Junior Membership News, Model Airplane News, Oct 1935). Among the charter group were Capt. Willis C. Brown, Carl Goldberg, Gordon Light, Charles Tlush, John Stokes, Percy Pierce, Nathan Polk, Frank Zaic, Charles Grant, Bruno Marchi, Bill Brown, and Bert Pond.
The AAMA was to “consist of sincere builders and flyers, club directors, sponsors and patrons of the sport” and further, was to “act as a council to direct and supervise the contest and research activities of the many expert model flyers” (Model Aviation, 1936 Volume 1, #1, page 3). It was hoped that “all of those who are interested in model aviation will help the movement along the way by the simple act of joining the academy” with “regular membership open to all model plane builders and flyers who had done at least two minutes indoors and one minutes outdoors.” Dues for those over 21 - $3, under 21 $1.50 (Model Aviation, volume 1, #2 1936, page 12).


Read the entire feature on page 28 in The First 75 Years, a supplement to Model Aviation.
You can also read more great history moments at www.modelaircraft.org/museum/factoids.aspx