I Am the AMA
Bob Underwood
Modeler, educator, administrator, motivator, and lifelong learner
by Jay Smith
Jay Smith: How did you get involved in model aviation?
Bob Underwood: I remember a white, rubber-powered model that my dad and I took to a contest in St. Louis in the 1930s. There was one short flight and an outstanding crash, but whatever aviation-oriented impulse inhabiting my brain was greatly encouraged by my dad and resulted in me continuing to build flying models through the 1930s and ’40s.
As an introverted kid—a loner—any modeling skills I learned were by trial and error. The scratch-built models all employed the “LAR” (looks-about-right) design technique. I was convinced that I wanted to become an aeronautical engineer as I entered high school. Had I continued on that course, it might have resulted in an engineer who did not like math and never really figured out a slide rule!
Strangely, my model airplane activity stopped abruptly in 1946 and was replaced by cross-country, track, and photography, as well as the desire to become an elementary school teacher. The latter happened and model airplanes did not reappear until 1966!
JS: How has model aviation impacted your life and/or career?
BU: “Greatly” would be the simple answer; however, within four years of the 1966 date, the words “model aviation” became “AMA” and “your” became “our” lives and/or careers.
The support of my wife and two daughters for my airplane building, as well as competing in and organizing events, included their participation as well. Although they didn’t build or fly models, by 1970 they had become deeply involved in AMA activities.
In 1982, John Worth [AMA’s executive director at that time] asked me to join the AMA staff.
In July 1985, after I had completed 30 years of teaching fifth graders in the St. Louis area, I became the AMA Technical Director and we moved to Virginia.
It was then that my wife and I more clearly understood that AMA wasn’t just about model airplanes; rather, it clearly was about two very important things: people and educating! Model airplanes began to serve as a tool, aiding us in creating meaningful human relationships. I learned as I taught!
JS: What disciplines of modeling do you currently participate in?
BU: I still fly RC, but mostly just with my grandson. At age 15, his reflexes outstrip mine. The best I can do now is to instill some discipline into the mix and end the simple boring of holes in the sky.
JS: What are your other hobbies?
BU: I have a love of music and singing, although other than our church choir, there is not much demand for 85-year-old tenors, especially those who didn’t have a solo-quality voice to begin with. But my return to my early love of photography has caused my iMac to light up with many beautiful scenes and memories, both for the Underwoods as well as for our church, for which I serve as a photographer.
JS: Who (or what) has influenced you the most?
BU: My mother and father instilled curiosity and a willingness to never stop learning, to be patient, listen carefully, to be observant, and to ask the difficult question. Those held me in good stead as I came in contact with thousands of individuals and experiences along my modeling road. Those individuals have not all been modelers!
In competition, I discovered I always learned more when I didn’t stand on the winner’s platform than when I did.
JS: When thinking of all of your aeromodeling accomplishments, what are you most proud of?
BU: I have had an opportunity to try to be an educator, facilitator, and motivator for our activity! I recently attended a Greater St. Louis Modeling Association meeting. At its conclusion, a man came up to me and indicated that I had met him and his father in the 1970s when he was 11 years old. Although I honestly don’t remember the meeting or the subsequent connection, he emotionally thanked me for having started him on what is now his life career.
Taken aback by his sincerity and fervor, I extended my hand to shake his. What I received was a big old bear hug instead! That experience was certainly worth a lifetime of waiting for glue to dry, burned-out glow plugs, and vertical landings in the middle of a field!
