June 2026 - District III | Model Aviation

This month’s issue of Model Aviationfocuses on helping beginners get started with model building and flying. District III’s David Cook, an AMA Leader Member from the Lorain County RC Club in Elyria, Ohio, has worked with local schools for years to promote youth involvement. His advice offers useful strategies for clubs that are wanting to attract new enthusiasts. The following are David’s comments.

Classroom with teacher and students examining a large model airplane. — Instructor David Cook shows students one of his models.

Encouraging young people to participate in aviation is a common concern among AMA clubs. One promising avenue is leveraging the Experimental Aircraft Association’s (EAA’s) Young Eagles program, which includes the lesser-known Build and Fly initiative.

The Build and Fly program (bit.ly/4v0cWsx) requires EAA chapters to collaborate with RC clubs to properly construct RC airplanes. Many local EAA and AMA clubs are unsure of how to connect. The first step involves searching online for the nearest EAA chapter and approaching them to see whether they are interested in partnering for a build.

EAA offers its chapters a significant discount on a complete kit program. Through the application process, chapters can obtain multiple kits, along with all of the necessary tools and supplies. The package includes radio equipment, servos, glue, covering materials, irons, a flight simulator, and more.

Three people at a table building a model airplane. A red and white plane in the background. — Students build the EAA LT-40 RC airplane.

Three people stand on grass behind a model airplane, clear blue sky above. — Instructor David Cook and EAA Young Eagles prepare to fly their creation.

Small white model airplane with blue stripes flying close to the ground. — The EAA LT-40 takes flight!

The next step is to find young people who are interested in aviation. An Air and Space club at a local school provided a source of enthusiasm, and with the support of a few teachers, the program was presented as an after-school build activity. In less than half of a school year, participants successfully built and flew an LT-40 RC airplane. The school hosted the build, while members of the Lorain County RC Club facilitated check flights and training, which resulted in several graduates.

Many EAA chapters have established more-advanced programs. For example, EAA Chapter 5 at the Geauga County Airport in Middlefield, Ohio, runs a summer camp where participants build Flite Test foam aircraft. Graduates progress to the Build and Fly program and ultimately experience a Young Eagles flight in a full-scale aircraft.

There are many young people who are interested in aviation; the challenge is helping them find these programs. The EAA Build and Fly initiative is ideal for schools. The Scouts offer another opportunity, with an Eagle Scout badge that fits well within the program. The Civil Air Patrol is also a valuable partner. Additionally, promoting the club and programs on social media is crucial. Sharing your skills and experiences with today’s youth can be rewarding for both individuals and the clubs.

Thank you, David, for sharing your expertise in model aviation. I encourage your AMA club to collaborate with your local EAA chapter to advance the future of model aviation.

District III