SANTIAGO PEREZ
2021 Camp AMA Instructor
JAY SMITH: How did you become involved with model aviation?
SANTIAGO PEREZ: I got involved with model aviation because of my dad. He used to do aeromodeling before I was even born. He took a little break, and when he started up again, I was 10 years old. [I] went out to the field with him and just fell in love.
JS: How has model aviation impacted your life and/or career?
SP: It’s had a very big impact. [Model aviation] is a very tight community with a lot of really good people, so everyone kind of knows each other. It opens up a lot of opportunities that you wouldn’t really get unless you were doing model aviation.
JS: What disciplines of modeling do you currently participate in?
SP: I mainly participate in IMAC [International Miniature Aerobatic Club] and Freestyle [3D], but I do a little bit of everything.
JS: What other hobbies do you have?
SP: Other hobbies I like doing include sports and cars.
JS: Who or what has influenced you the most?
SP: Probably my biggest influence is my parents. They’ve both been very supportive. It takes a lot of time to be able to compete and get to a stage like this, so I’m very thankful for them.
JS: Why did you decide to be a Camp AMA instructor?
SP: I decided to be a Camp AMA instructor because I never got to attend the camp myself. It was one of the things I really wanted to do but never had the chance. I thought it would be a really good way to give back to the community that helped me get to where I am today.
