AMA - Bringing Modelers Together

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Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) History

Before the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) came into existence, aeromodelers belonged to a variety of organizations to include the Junior Air League, the Junior Aviation League, and the Junior NAA (the aeromodeling branch of the National Aeronautic Association.) The Junior NAA, although sponsoring the first “National Aeromodeling Championships” or NATS in 1923, struggled to be a true aeromodeling organization. The idea for the AMA began in 1935 (perhaps even before that) at the National Championships in Detroit, Michigan. Leaders and contestants were interested in a self-governing body of aeromodeling “experts.” 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.

First known as the American Academy of Model Aeronautics (AAMA), the organization dropped 'American' from its official title within a few years. The AMA’s mailing address 1732 RCA Building, Rockefeller Center, New York solidified its legitimacy in 1936. Later that year the headquarters of the AMA moved to Dupont Circle, Washington DC as part of the National Aeronautic Association (NAA).

AMA elected officials, to include an Executive Committee, Advisory Board, and Council, as well as the publication, Model Aviation, soon followed in 1937. The first issue of Model Aviation included a list of these newly elected officials, a two-page description of the 1936 Nationals and seven pages listing the eighteen events, contestants and results.

Both the NAA and AMA moved their offices to the Willard Hotel, Washington DC in 1940. While in the same building, it was the first time that the AMA had separate offices from the NAA along with its own budget and officers. However, it was not until 1966 that the AMA became fully independent from the NAA.

In 1979 a little over an acre of land was purchased in Reston, Virginia, just outside of Washington DC, for a new AMA Headquarters, and National Model Aviation Museum. Design architect and AMA member, John Hunton, drew the plans for the two-story, 3,000 square foot building. In 1980, a building fund was started, asking AMA members to aide the project, and by April 1982 aeromodeling clubs, along with industry donors reached the goal of $160,000. In five days, three very important events happened: June 24 a building permit was issued, June 27 the official groundbreaking ceremony was held, and on June 28 the loan arrangements between the AMA and the Maryland National Bank were signed and the loan was officially closed. September 24-25 1983 officially opened the new Reston location with over 200 people attending the ribbon cutting.
Now that the AMA had a location for a museum, artifacts were needed. Frank Ehling, AMA Technical Director, spent over a year acquiring donations for the museum and today the collection includes 10,000+ objects. These include airplanes, badges, pins, kits, parts, and apparel.
In 1988, the AMA Executive Council formed a search committee with the goal of finding properties for a new Headquarters and national flying site. The committee felt that the move would benefit all AMA clubs and the community in which it would reside. The Midwest became the choice region due to location and land availability after over 50 proposals were reviewed. By 1991, Muncie Indiana was the chosen location. On June 13-14, 1992, a Grand Opening was held for the new national flying site.

A year later, after moving the collection from Reston, Virginia the museum reopened to the public. The 25,000 square foot Frank V. Ehling Complex  not only housed the museum but the Lee Renaurd Memorial Library, and the AMA headquarters.

The move to Muncie cramped the entire AMA into one small building; space was needed. Ten years in the making, the new HQ building’s groundbreaking occurred March 31, 2000. June 7-10, 2001 marked the opening of the new headquarters building for the AMA. Designed by Gooden and Ellis Architects, LLP of Muncie this 25,000 square foot building now housed the administrative side of the AMA.

Model Aviation Magazine

In 2000, Model Aviation (MA) celebrated 25 years of publication in its current format. The magazine existed in many different physical formats since it first appeared in 1936. Distribution was originally limited to AMA leaders and subscribers. Then, in 1954, circulation increased to include all members.

In 1966, the AMA approached American Aircraft Modeler (AAM) about the possibility of incorporating AMA news into AAM rather than printing MA. AMA members received AAM featuring MA as part of their membership beginning with the July/August 1966 issue and ending with the March 1975 issue. AAM went bankrupt in February 1975 leaving the AMA with no means to communicate with its members. AMA officers realized that a magazine rather than a newsletter was more beneficial to AMA members, and thus resurrected MA. To this day, AMA members continue to receive MA as an AMA benefit.

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