I Am the AMA
Kyle Jaracz AMA Art Director/Production Manager Media and Publications
by Jay Smith
Jay Smith: How did you get involved with model aviation?
Kyle Jaracz: My grandfather was a private pilot, and some of my first flight memories are with him in his Grumman Tiger, flying over the fields of Indiana. What a great first memory of the freedom that flight can bring.
My first “real” job as a kid came when I was around 13 or so. I got a summer job working for Lloyd “Pete” Peterson at Farm Aire, an auto repair shop. I learned a lot about mowing a lawn, handing over tools, the value of hard work, and the value of dropping all of that work to go fly on a nice day.
Pete introduced me to the RC flying world by offering to pay me in cash or kits, and mentored me in the fine art of building and flying, and the not-so-fine art of crashing and hollering “uff-da!” post impact. Pete was and is a great man who took the time out of his days to mentor a kid who was surely more of a headache than he was worth. I’ll always be thankful that he did.
JS: How has model aviation impacted your life and/or career?
KJ: I didn’t have the cash to pay my membership dues to the local Tri-County Aero flying club when I started out (likely because I chose the “kit” option one too many times instead of the “cash” on payday).
Pete suggested I create a logo for the club instead, and I still remember the club meeting where the motion was put forth to waive my dues in lieu of the logo work I had done. It was unanimously passed. What a great group of guys. That was my first “real” design job, and it set me on the path that led here.
JS: What disciplines of modeling do you currently participate in?
KJ: My kids are all about the drones at this time, so I’ve been able to help them get up and flying. I’m getting back into the hobby myself in the form of some park flyers that meet both my budget and rusty skillset. Every flight I take now (both via a training simulator and actual flying) shows me where to improve and I’m having a great time relearning!
JS: What are your other hobbies?
KJ: I really enjoy target shooting. I participate in USPSA [United States Practical Shooting Association] and IDPA [International Defensive Pistol Association] events on occasion, as well. I try to make it out to hunt every so often, as well as go camping with my family.
I’m still turning wrenches on occasion, and am keeping a 1976 Ford F-150 truck up and running (most days). I also enjoy carpentry and hobby construction and get regular practice keeping up with our mid-1800s home. I’m building a treehouse for the family in southern Indiana right now, which is keeping me pretty busy.
JS: Who (or what) has influenced you the most?
KJ: I’ve been generously blessed to have so much offered to me. I have a wonderful and caring family, and the same can be said of my friends. I’m amazed at how many great people I’ve had the honor of standing beside and learning from.
JS: What brought you to AMA?
KJ: I’ve always had a love of flight. Through past conversations, I struck up a friendship years ago with Jay Smith at the AMA. We’d get together for lunch or a trip to the shooting range, but there was always good conversation and occasionally that conversation would turn to me coming to the AMA.
After meeting the other team members, and when the right position was available, I was convinced!
