The AMA Podcast

On this episode, Bob Wilke, President of HobbyTown, joins the show to talk about his early hobbies, and how he worked his way from HobbyTown franchisee to HobbyTown President!Visit HobbyTown!Learn more about HobbyTown's franchise programLearn more about the AMA!

This week, Kenny Cassidy, Lee Ray and Tony Stillman join the show to discuss AMA's presence at the world's largest air show, EAA AirVenture 2022!Learn more about the EAALearn more about the AMA

This week, we're giving you a preview of what you can find on the monthly show, Model Aviation LIVE with Jay Smith!  On this episode, Jay interviews representatives from Hitec RCD about their company and product lines.Catch more of Model Aviation Live with Jay SmithSee the photo gallery from the World GamesLearn more about the AMA

Mark Benson, AMA Senior Marketing Director, joins the show to talk about club newsletters and how a good communications plan is essential for a healthy club experience!Learn more about the AMA

This week, Tony Stillman stops by to explain how FAI World Championships are contested and how world team selections are made.Learn more about FAI World ChampionshipsLearn more about the AMA

For nearly 100 years, pilots from all over the country have competed at the National Aeromodeling Championships. In this episode, Michael Smith, Director of the National Model Aviation Museum, sits down to talk about the storied history of the Nats and the role it has played in the aeromodeling hobby.Check out National Aeromodeling ChampionshipsLearn more about the National Model Aviation MuseumLearn more about the AMA

This week, we are bringing you an interview with Robert “Red” Jensen, Master UAS Technician for NASA from the 2022 AMA Jr. Camp.  For more information on AMA Jr. CampWatch the VIDEO version of this interview!Learn more about the AMA

This week, AMA Executive Vice President Randy Cameron joins the show to preview the 2022 National Fun Fly!  The National Fun Fly will be held June 24-26 at the International Aeromodeling Center in Muncie, IN.If you'd like to volunteer at the National Fun Fly, you can contact Randy Cameron at flyrc@modelaircraft.orgLearn more about the National Fun FlyLearn more about the AMA

This week, AMA Safety and Technical Director Tony Stillman joins the show to explain the roles of contest directors and event managers, as well as how you can become one.Become a Contest Director or Event ManagerLearn more about the AMA

This week, AMA Government Affairs Director Tyler Dobbs drops by to discuss the FAA's safety risk management panels and how his team has achieved letters of agreement for clubs that allow for flight well beyond 400 feet in controlled airspace.  Also on the show is Dan Metz, president of the Coachella Valley RC Club.  He recounts his experience working with Tyler on his club's own letter of agreement and SRM panel.Keep up with the AMA Government Affairs Dept.Learn more about the Coachella Valley RC ClubLearn more about the AMA

This week, AMA Technical and Safety Director Tony Stillman stops by to demystify the Large Model Airplane program.  What constitutes a large model airplane?  How do you qualify to fly a large model airplane?  Tony has the answers to those questions and more!Learn more about the Large Model Airplane ProgramLearn more about the AMA

In this episode, Maj. Kyle Sanders (USAF Ret.) joins the show to talk about U.S. Drone Soccer.Learn more about U.S. Drone SoccerLearn more about the AMA Foundation

This week, Matt is joined by 3 talented photographers who capture model aviation from behind a lens.  Jennifer Alderman, David Hart, and Lee Ray have all spent years photographing model aviation and they're sharing their stories and tips behind their craft.Check out Jennifer's workCheck out David's workCheck out Lee's workCheck out Matt's workLearn more about the AMA

In this episode, AMA Technical and Safety Director Tony Stillman outlines the Turbine Waiver process and why it's a requirement to fly turbine-powered models.LINKS FROM THE SHOW:AMA Documents - https://www.modelaircraft.org/documentsAMA Turbine Qualification Flight Guide and Waiver Application (510-D)AMA Turbine Waiver Holder List (Members Only)AMA Accepted Designated Contest Directors for Rotary Turbine Sign-Off (Members only)Learn more about the AMA

The AMA Podcast returns with new episodes!  Up first, AMA Executive Director Chad Budreau joins the show to recap 2021 and to preview what members can expect in 2022!Learn more about the AMA

Throughout the month of October, the AMA is celebrating the act of building!  Find out what you can expect from AMA Build Month in this sneak preview.  #IBuildAMAIBuildAMALearn more about the AMA

This week, Matt is joined by AMA Digital Experience Lead Dillon Carpenter to recap the 2021 MultiGP International Open.See the AMA MultiGP IO Photo GalleryLearn more about MultiGPLearn more about the AMA

This week, we hear from AMA Creative Director Mark Benson and AMA Safety and Technical Director Tony Stillman about their trip to Oshkosh, Wisconsin for AirVenture 2021!Read about the AMA/EAA Advocacy Forum Learn more about EAALearn more about AMA

Founded in 1957 originally as the Winton Wingers, the Greater Cincinnati Radio Control Club, or GCRCC, has been a mainstay in the Cincinnati area for decades.  Having spent time at 4 different flying sites over the years, the GCRCC and its nearly 200 members have been at its current site since 1999.  Not only do they maintain a paved runway, but you'll also find a paved pylon racing takeoff pad, separate grass runway, a grass control line circle, a designated area for FPV, and even a playground for the kids.  The GCRCC is famous for their Flying Circus Model Air Show, which features more than 200 models in 30 planned out events that demonstrate all aspects of aeromodeling; with a focus on historical aviation events.  Their annual Kids Fly event benefits Spina Bifida of Cincinnati where they not only donate up to $10,000 per year to the charity, but also gives kids suffering from Spina Bifida a chance to fly an RC plane of their own. They spend time to teaching new pilots the ropes by dedicating Monday and Wednesday evenings to their new pilot instruction program; ensuring new pilots learn the ropes from their experienced membership.  Learn more about the Greater Cincinnati Radio Control ClubLearn more about the Flying CircusLearn more about the AMA

This week, AMA Executive Vice President Randy Cameron joins the show to preview the upcoming National Fun Fly!Learn more about the National Fun FlyLearn more about the AMA

The May 2021 AMA Club of the Month is the Blacksheep R/C Modelers Club!  Founded in 1990, the Blacksheep R/C Modelers is located near Danville, Indiana and has been a Gold Leader Club since 2003.  Their flying field is located on land owned, and rented to them, by Waste Management, with whom they have a wonderful relationship with, as well as with the rest of their local community.  Their National Model Aviation Day celebration is an annual highlight, and thanks to the hard work put into that event, the Blacksheep R/C Modelers have been able to donate nearly $47,000 to local charities over the years; such as the Hoosier Veterans Assistance Foundation.   Trainer days are held for local youth groups, volunteer time is donated to local community programs, and this summer, the Blacksheep will be helping out with the Greencastle, IN EAA Young Eagles with a program to help their youth group build and learn to fly RC.Learn more about Blacksheep R/C Modelers ClubLearn more about the AMA

One of the largest and most recognizable hobby retailers in the world.. they are known for keeping their prices low and their quality high, offering everything from aircraft, surface, boats, radios, batteries, and so much more.  But some of you may not know very much about this worldwide retailer, and this week we have Hobby King's Lead Product Developer for Airplanes, Stuart Warne and Product Specialist, Rob Caprio joining the show to fill us in!Visit Hobby King!Learn more about the AMA

This week, we're giving you a sneek peek into one of the exclusive benefits of our AMA Foundation Torchbearer program.  Earlier this year, we spoke with Katie Bosman, longtime AMA member, former AMA scholarship winner and aviation maintenance instructor at Garmin International for an exclusive episode for our Torchbearer subscribers.Learn more about the AMA Foundation's Torchbearer programLearn more about the AMA

In this rebroadcast of episode 19,  the RC Geek himself, Chris Wolfe joins the show. He talks about how he got started in the hobby, his experience competing at the Scale Masters Championships, and how his successful channel, The RC Geek, came to be!This episode of the AMA Podcast is presented by Aquiline Drones!  Fly drones for a living.  Earn a six-figure salary. Go to FlighttotheFuture.com to learn more!Check out The RC Geek at http://www.thercgeek.comLearn more about the AMA at http://www.modelaircraft.org

The Longmont Electric Aircraft Flyers of Longmont, Colorado was founded in 2003 by hobbyists in the community wanting a safe and legal place to fly.  By leasing several acres of land from the city, LEAF opened its doors and has been growing ever since.  With more than 100 members, LEAF is known for its friendly and open environment to visitors;  welcoming all who visit the club field.  New members are welcomed and encouraged to grow at their own pace, and there is always someone around to answer a question or help fix an aircraft, whether it be an EDF jet, glider, 3D sport plane, or FPV quadcopter, all-electric disciplines are welcome.  LEAF has been an AMA Gold Leader Club for many years.  They hold monthly introductory flight events for the public to learn about the hobby, as well as buddy box on trainer aircraft.  They also raise thousands of dollars every year for local charities thanks to their many fun fly events.This episode of the AMA Podcast is presented by Aquiline Drones!  Fly drones for a living.  Earn a six-figure salary. Go to FlighttotheFuture.com to learn more!Learn more about the AMA

This week, Lee Ray (co-host of the RC Roundtable podcast) joins the show to talk about the hobby scene in Texas, as well as his new role with the AMA!This episode of the AMA Podcast is presented by Aquiline Drones!  Fly drones for a living.  Earn a six-figure salary. Go to FlighttotheFuture.com to learn more!B.E.S.T. Event InfoRound Top RC ExpoLearn more about the AMA

This week, we are bringing you a conversation from this year's AMA Jr. Camp Speaker Series.  Captain Albert Glenn is the Director of the Lt. Col. Luke Weathers Flight Academy and a full scale airline pilot.  He speaks about his experiences in the hobby, and thanks to his past as a pylon racer and pattern flyer, he introduces listeners to some of the competitive side of the hobby!This episode of the AMA Podcast is presented by Aquiline Drones!  Fly drones for a living.  Earn a six-figure salary. Go to FlighttotheFuture.com to learn more!Learn more about the AMA

Roger Nunamann, Chief Revenue Officer of Aquiline Drones, joins the show this week to talk about his company's Flight to the Future program, and their efforts to match up RC pilots with drone flying careers.Learn more about Aquiline Drones and their Flight to the Future programLearn more about the AMA

First established in 1953, The Omahawks is the largest RC club in the greater Omaha metropolitan area.  Their home is Hawk Field, a premier flying site located at Standing Bear Lake Park, and it features a 500 x 40 foot paved runway surrounded by both grass and pavement pit areas, plenty of room to set up tents and a great pavilion for food and shade.  And because the park is quite large and popular, the Omahawks are always welcoming visitors to come and watch the fun from their permanent bleachers.  The Omahawks have been an AMA Gold Leader Club since 2011, and for the past 41 years, they have hosted a Labor Day Air Show to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation, of which they've donated nearly $100,000 since it began.  We congratulate the Omahawks of Omaha, Nebraska for being named the March 2021 Club of the Month. This episode of the AMA Podcast is presented by Aquiline Drones!  Fly drones for a living.  Earn a six-figure salary. Go to FlighttotheFuture.com to learn more! Learn more about the OmahawksLearn more about the AMA

This week, Matt talks with the newly named Chief Operating Officer of MultiGP, Tim Barnhart.  Tim talks about his path through aeromodeling, including flying helicopters, becoming an AMA leader member, and discovering the awe of FPV drone racing.This episode of the AMA Podcast is presented by Aquiline Drones!  Fly drones for a living.  Earn a six-figure salary. Go to FlighttotheFuture.com to learn more!Learn more about MultiGPLearn more about the AMA

In this episode of The AMA Podcast, EAA's VP of Advocacy and Safety, Sean Elliott, stops by to talk about how the EAA and the AMA have worked so closely over the years to advocate for their respective memberships.  Tyler Dobbs, AMA's Government Affairs Director, also joins the conversation.Check out the photos mentioned in this episode by visiting the blog!This episode of the AMA Podcast is presented by Aquiline Drones!  Fly drones for a living.  Earn a six-figure salary. Go to FlighttotheFuture.com to learn more!Learn more about the EAA!Check out the AMA Air segment on the EAA's Ford Tri-MotorRegister for AMA Virtual Jr. Camp!Learn more about the AMA

This past week, the FAA released some information regarding the forthcoming Knowledge and Safety Test, and Tyler Dobbs dropped in to help interpret the information!  This episode of the AMA Podcast is presented by Aquiline Drones!  Fly drones for a living.  Earn a six-figure salary. Go to FlighttotheFuture.com to learn more!Stay up-to-date with the AMA In Action blogLearn more about the AMA

When most pilots think of building a model aircraft, balsa comes to mind. However, foam is becoming a very popular building material of choice. Like balsa, foam is very affordable and easy to use. On November 12, 2015 Model Aviation Executive Editor Jay Smith talked with Keith Sparks, author of Building with Foam about how he tackles foam projects, and he also offers up some tips and tricks as well!This episode of the AMA Podcast is presented by Aquiline Drones!  Fly drones for a living.  Earn a six-figure salary. Go to FlighttotheFuture.com to learn more!Keith's Park Flyer Plastics!Register for AMA Virtual Jr. Camp!Learn more about the AMA

Prince George's RC Club was founded in 1963 on a 1 acre patch of land on top of a hill in Upper Marlboro, Maryland by 15 modelers looking to get together regularly to fly.  By 1972, PGRC moved to a 1000 acre site with 2 400 foot paved runways that quite literally paved the way to increasing their membership to over 200 members… including EDF pioneer Bob Violett and pylon icon Cliff Telford.  Events such as the nearly 30 year old Big Bird Warbird event bring pilots from all over to enjoy the PGRC, and now we'd like to offer our congratulations for all of their hard work by naming Prince George's RC Club February's Club of the Month! This episode of the AMA Podcast is presented by Aquiline Drones!  Fly drones for a living.  Earn a six-figure salary. Go to FlighttotheFuture.com to learn more!Learn more about Prince George's RC Club!Learn more about the AMA

This week, AMA Foundation Director Kelsie Walker stops by to talk about the initiatives the AMA Foundation supports, as well as a brand new program just launched that will give you access to some exclusive content!This episode of the AMA Podcast is presented by Aquiline Drones!  Fly drones for a living.  Earn a six-figure salary. Go to FlighttotheFuture.com to learn more!Learn more about the AMA FoundationLearn more about the Torchbearer programLearn more about the AMA

AMA life member Red Jensen talks about the history and future of using sub-scale aircraft for research at NASA's model lab.Check out the video from this presentation!Special thanks to this week's sponsor, Aquiline Drones!  Visit FlightToTheFuture.com to learn more!Learn more about the AMA

January's AMA Club of the Month is The Riverside Aero Modelers Society!   The Riverside Aero Modelers Society is located in the Yadkin foothills of East Bend, North Carolina.  Averaging around 90 members, the RAMS membership pilots a variety of aircraft from giant scale to park flyers in multiple disciplines such as jets, electrics and even gas engines;  all flying from a 1000 foot runway that affords a beautiful panoramic view of Pilot Mountain State Park.  The RAMS' goals are simple:  to promote the fun and safety toward the sport of aero modeling.  This is accomplished in part by a membership who offers inclusion, respect and fellowship to all of its pilots.  And thanks to this philosophy, events such as their Premiere Warbird event, all electric fun fly, Dragonfly Helicopter event and their memorial giant scale event generates loads of fun for all visitors.. making them feel welcomed and appreciated.Check out the RAMS website Check out the RAMS Facebook groupLearn more about the AMA

Jim Williams, former head of the FAA UAS Integration Office, joined Tyler Dobbs and Matt Ruddick for an in-depth discussion on the FAA's Remote ID Final Rule. Learn more about the AMA

In this episode, Chad Budreau joins the show to help recap all of the ups and downs of 2020.  

AMA Government Affairs Director Tyler Dobbs joins the show to discuss aeromodeling protections included in the recent National Defense Authorization Act that has passed through Congress.Stay up to date with AMA Government Affairs informationLearn more about AMA

The Southern Tier Aero Radio Society, founded in 1935 as the Olean Model Airplane Club, is easily one of the oldest clubs in the United States.. pre-dating the entire AMA by a full year.  STARS, as it is now known, was instrumental in helping to develop the Giant Scale model aircraft movement in the mid 1970's and achieved national fame with magazine articles and covers showing their 1/4 scale Bristol Scouts, which launched the Giant Scale revolution.  The STARS has received numerous awards and recognitions including the Historic Preservation Award, the Award of Excellence and has been an AMA Gold Leader Club since the 1990's.  Their club field features both grass and geo-textile runways, a spectator fence, a covered open-air pavilion and a pilot shelter.Learn more about the Southern Tier Aero Radio SocietyLearn more about the AMA

The Torrey Pines Gulls, one of the first AMA Chartered clubs dedicated solely to RC soaring, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The Gulls operate three fields in San Diego County:  The Torrey Pines Gliderport in La Jolla, the Poway Flight Center in Poway and Encinitas Flight Center in Encinitas; all used for various disciplines of soaring such as thermal, wench, discus launch and of course slope soaring. They have played host to the International Hand Launch Glider Festival for 25 years and helped in the development of FAI F3K as an aeromodeling discipline.  Joining us on the AMA Podcast today to talk about the Gulls is club president Ian Cummings and club historian Gary Fogel. Learn more about the Torrey Pines GullsLearn more about the AMA

On today's episode, we're sharing one from the archives!  This is a presentation from AMA Expo 2010 by non other than world renowned aerospace designer, Burt Rutan.  Burt shares some incredible stories about designing Space Ship One as well as his long history of innovative designs and risk-taking projects.  If you'd like to see the video of this presentation, you can check out modelaircraft.org/expotop10 for this and other amazing presentations from AMA Expo.Learn more about the AMA

In this rebroadcast of episode 9, we talk with Lee Ray and Fitz Walker from the RC Roundtable podcast. They talk about how they got started in modeling, how they met, the origins of the RC Roundtable, and just where is Terry Dunn!Visit the RC Roundtable at www.RCRoundtable.comIf you'd like to send us a comment, question or suggestion for the show, email us at podcast@modelaircraft.org! 

October 2020's Club of the Month is the Greater St. Louis Modeling Association, and club secretary Jeff Young joins the show to talk about GSLMA and how they interact with their local government and community.Learn more about Greater St. Louis Modeling AssociationLearn more about the AMA

This week on the podcast, former space shuttle commander Robert "Hoot" Gibson helps celebrate the start of Model Aviation Build Month!  Hoot walks through some of the unique build projects he's been working on, including a Convair Pogo!  Learn more about Model Aviation Build Month by visiting https://www.modelaircraft.org/ibuildama.Click here to see the video from this podcast Check out Hoot's AMA Expo presentationLearn more about the AMA

Last week, we discussed the joint letter written by AMA, AOPA, EAA, and Wing that was sent to the FAA in response to proposed Remote ID regulations. This week, lifelong modeler and CTO of Wing, Adam Woodworth, and Wing Public Policy representative, Ben Brooks, join the show to talk about their view on how the proposed Remote ID rules could affect model aviation.Learn more about WingRead Wing's Remote ID NPRM comment summary and full comment to the FAALearn more about the AMA

This week, Government Affairs Director Tyler Dobbs joins the podcast to talk about some recent developments, including a joint letter written by AMA, EAA, AOPA and Google's sister company, Wing.  Stay up to date with the AMA Government blog.Learn more about AMA

September is upon us and we have a new club of the month!  Alan Friedman of the Casa Grande RC Flyers club joins the show to talk about his club and how they work hand in hand with their local community.Learn more about Casa Grande RC FlyersLearn more about AMA

We've reached our 50th episode, and to say 'thank you', Matt is answering YOUR questions!  Find out about Matt's first solo flight, how many planes he has in his hangar, and a special guest joins the show to answer when and where the first RC flight happened!Learn more about the AMA

This week, we have an interview we conducted with AMA Fellow and aviation historian Dr. Gary Fogel in 2015 that aired, in part, on AMA Air.  Chad Budreau sat down with Dr. Fogel to talk about how he used aeromodeling in his aerospace engineering course at San Diego St. University, as well as his involvement in getting the famous Torrey Pines Gliderport named a National Aeromodeling Historic Site.Learn more about the AMA