August 2011 Cover Selection

Written by Model Aviation Staff Discover the selection process to determine the August 2011 Model Aviation cover.We dedicated a nine page spread to cover the popular Scale extravaganza, the Top Gun Invitational. Appropriately, the cover needed to reflect our main feature with a powerful photo from Top Gun. Stan Alexander provided dozens of great photos from the event, so selecting a cover was not easy. After combing through the pictures, the editor and production director landed on three photos to potentially serve as the cover.

This photo definitely captures some of the beauty and detail of the aircraft showcased at Top Gun. Considering we already featured biplanes twice this year, most recently last month on the July 2011 cover, we felt we should move in a different direction.
This vintage Navy plane was a very strong contender. This aircraft again really captured the beauty of Top Gun. Plus there was plenty of open space for the production department to add the mast, coverline, and feature titles.
Finally we looked at this jet for cover. Jet models are quite popular at Scale events and always get people's attention at Top Gun. Coupled with the fact this issue will be hitting mailboxes during the month of July, it seemed appropriate to show a patriotic themed aircraft. We had a winner. We invite you to be a part of the production process with Model Aviation's Virtual Editorial Board. You can vote on upcoming features, plans-builds, covers, and more.