RYAN RAMSEY
YouTube Influencer
By Jay Smith | jays@modelaircraft.org
Jay Smith: How did you get involved with model aviation?
Ryan Ramsey: I grew up in an aviation family but never paid much attention to RC airplanes until my father bought his first electric-powered model. Once I saw his Art Tech Wing Dragon, I started immediately looking at model magazines and online.
JS: How has model aviation impacted your life and/or career?
RR: Model aviation took a hold of me quickly. I was all in and began to learn quickly. About a year into the hobby, I started writing magazine reviews for the AMA’s Park Pilot magazine and sometimes Model Aviation as well.
JS: What disciplines of modeling do you currently participate in?
RR: I would say my model aviation focus would be on electric-powered foam aircraft and jets.
JS: What other hobbies do you have?
RR: My other hobby is promoting model aviation through social media and YouTube. I am what people call a “social media influencer.” I would just call it being a “super fan.” I’d say my other hobby is all of the buzz and marketing around new releases, livestreams, announcements, and first product videos.
Making YouTube videos on my Pilot Ryan Media channel (https://youtube.com/c/PilotRyanMedia) keeps me busy. Engaging with an enthusiastic community that is in love with model aviation as much as I am, and being able to share my joy and passion for the hobby with others via my social media platforms are my favorite parts.
JS: Who or what has influenced you the most?
RR: It’s hard to narrow it down to one person. Honestly, the community as a whole and being able to absorb information so quickly via online and print have put at our fingertips a vast reservoir of model aviation talent and resources.
I am forever impressed by the community that, for the most part, seems to really rally around the newcomers to the hobby and without ceasing, offers helpful advice to ensure success for those on the pursuit of fun through model aviation.
JS: What advice do you have for someone who wants to start a YouTube channel around the hobby?
RR: My advice for someone who wants to do YouTube around the hobby is to just share your fun, be honest, and be yourself. Don’t worry about perfection; share the good and the bad. Most of all, have fun.
Try not to take YouTube too seriously, but prepare to work hard if you are serious about growth. Learn how YouTube works in the way of its features, search engine optimization, engagement, and all of that. Above all, respect the viewer and his or her time and be thankful to have the attention.
