I AM THE AMA
GARY FITCH
AMA AVP, former VP, and former EVP
By Jay Smith | jays@modelaircraft.org
JAY SMITH: How did you become involved in model aviation?
GARY FITCH: I’ve loved airplanes from the time I was very young. I think you’re born with it! I built plastic models, and then flew discount store Control Line models as a teen and young adult. Then-AMA President John Grigg, who lived in my region, told me what to do and where to go to fly. I became an AMA member then and started in this wonderful hobby with the help of Field’s Hobby in Buffalo, New York. I totaled my first RC airplane after only four flights, but that didn’t stop me. I purchased, built, and covered an Andrews H-Ray kit in one week, soloed a couple of days later, and was hooked for life.
JS: How has model aviation impacted your life and/or career?
GF: My social circle for the last 42 years has been centered around model aviation. Being active in the hobby means traveling to flying and hobby events. In the late 1990s, I met District II Vice President (VP) Wes De Cou and we became friends. As Southern Tier Aero Radio Society club president, I invited Wes to our club events.
Wes retired, and his replacement, Dave Mathewson, appointed me as an associate vice president (AVP). I was eventually elected as the District II VP, and then became the AMA executive vice president (EVP). In those positions, you live model aviation and don’t get to fly much. It takes over your life and travel. I have spent the last 20-plus years in these positions and today, I’m still an AVP for Eric Williams in District II and serve on AMA’s Marketing Committee, but now I fly a lot more. The biggest impact is the many friendships I’ve developed and the terrific people I’ve met because of this wonderful hobby.
JS: What disciplines of modeling do you currently participate in?
GF: I love Scale aircraft. I have a 1/3-scale Stearman, Fly Baby Bipe, Sukhoi, a 1/6-scale foam Corsair, a Cessna 170, an RV-8, 90mm and smaller EDFs, and even small foamies and indoor aircraft. I am currently fiberglassing a Ziroli SBD Dauntless that I built and hope to maiden in 2022. I have a number of kits that, if God graces me, I’ll have the time to build. I enjoy helping people get into and have fun with our hobby.
JS: What other hobbies do you have?
GF: I have a Deep V boat and enjoy fishing with fellow modelers Clark Follett and Dave Lander on Lake Erie and the Finger Lakes for walleye and perch. We have a toy hauler camper and enjoy camping, primarily at flying events. We also have a late-model Ford Mustang and enjoy taking day trips.
JS: Who or what has influenced you the most?
GF: Diane, my “starter wife” of 51 years, has supported me in everything and is my traveling partner. Dave Mathewson and Bob Brown were there as well, and Dave became a close friend and confidant. Eric has become a good friend. Jim Goodemote and Ron Griswold are great modeling friends.
JS: Looking back on your time on the Executive Council (EC), what are you most proud of?
GF: Being elected to the EC is a privilege. I partnered with Andy Argenio (District I VP) to develop term limits for all elected EC members. I formed and chaired an ad hoc committee and was the major author of a document that details the duties and responsibilities of AMA VPs, AVPs, and Leader Members so that potential officers know what’s expected.
As the chairman of the Publications Committee, I acted as an advisor to AMA’s Publications department when Model Aviation was relaunched. As the Marketing Committee chair during the 6 years that I was EVP, AMA’s membership grew to more than 200,000 members. When I chaired the Finance and Investment Committee, we recognized the need to have a separate chief financial officer (CFO) with an investment background. We nominated, and the EC appointed, Keith Sessions as CFO. Afterward, AMA’s investments changed from stagnant to significant.
Most of the people whom I have met and worked with in the last 20-plus years are my friends. It’s all about community, and we have a great one!
