I Am the AMA
Chris Savage AMA Multimedia Manager
by Jay Smith
Jay Smith: How did you get involved with model aviation?
Chris Savage: Surprisingly, I got involved with model aviation when I got involved with Model Aviation—that is to say, when I started working at AMA. Modeling (aeromodeling) experience wasn’t required for my role as a graphic designer when I started, but it doesn’t take long to “get the bug.”
JS: How has model aviation impacted your life and/or career?
CS: The biggest impact on me has been my exposure to the awesome community of people, and the lessons learned from how they help each other. I haven’t seen many egos at events, but I’ve seen a lot of friendly people having fun, and that’s a big inspiration.
JS: What disciplines of modeling do you currently participate in?
CS: Semiscale, fixed-wing RC electrics are probably my favorite. Helicopters really got my attention when I started working here, but after flying my first fixed-wing airplane, my preference was immediately clear to me.
I’ve flown small multirotors as well, but never have gotten stick time on a helicopter—I don’t know any helicopter pilots who are ready to throw away an aircraft! A couple of years ago at AMA Expo West, I was privileged to try indoor CL with the Knights of the Round Circle—that was a blast! I also have a small nitro RC truck. I’ve found that crashing it is pretty much like crashing my real car. Both are in the garage awaiting repairs.
JS: What are your other hobbies?
CS: I love technology, and I particularly enjoy coding. I’ve got a lot to learn, but I like the sense of freedom in being able to create whatever I want. I also like tinkering with things that are more hands-on at times. I enjoy spending time in the garage working on my car, and have been playing with microcontrollers lately, learning more about electronics. I guess my other hobby is learning new things!
JS: Who (or what) has influenced you most?
CS: My parents and my brother, without a doubt. My dad and my brother were always building or fixing something at home or at the family’s auto garage. My mom (somehow) kept us all in line, and taught me what it is to be a responsible person.
I feel very fortunate to have been brought up around responsible people and “can-doers” who were always determined to find a way to get things done.
JS: What digital content is currently available and why should members take a look?
CS: There’s a lot of digital content out there for members. AMA just launched two new e-newsletters: Media Minute and Rotor Report, our YouTube channel is now home to almost 1,400 videos, and our Model Aviation and Park Pilot magazine websites continue to offer stories, bonus photos, and even plans downloads for the builders among us.
The digital editions of our magazines give subscribers access to their publication anywhere there’s an internet connection and puts extra content a click or a tap away. I think a magazine subscription, like a lot of things, will give you what you put into it. If you never open the cover, or you never stray from a couple of trusty columns each month, you’re missing a lot.
Take a look at additional photos from an event and get inspired to attend, see a new product fly in video, or download a free set of plans and try out a building project. We want to inspire our readers to get out there and have some fun!
