TOBY SILHAVY
AMA Interim Competition and
Technical Director
By Jay Smith | jays@modelaircraft.org
JAY SMITH: How did you become involved with model aviation?
TOBY SILHAVY: I became involved with model aviation as a child through my father, Ed Silhavy. My dad worked as a machinist for the Boeing company when I was young and there was a model club where he worked. My dad was a consummate perfectionist and the phrase “measure twice, cut once” was often heard in my youth. My father taught me how to build, but moreover, how to think a problem through. My father taught me in stages. I learned how to build stick-and-tissue models, 1/2A Control Line airplanes, then RC. My father taught me how to build kits, then build off plans, then how to draft my own plans to scratch-build my own designs.
JS: How has model aviation impacted your life and/or career?
TS: Model aviation pushed me to learn math and science. It pushed me to never stop learning and to never give up! Because of this drive, I completed several degrees while in college and I enjoyed more than 30 years as a clinical pharmacist working in emergency rooms and ICUs in Ohio.
About a year and a half ago, my wife and I had the opportunity to sell our farm in Ohio and move to the Muncie area. I worked from home at this point as a clinical pharmacist, and then an opportunity came up at AMA. I was fortunately chosen to take over for Tony Stillman as he enters retirement. I can’t imagine a greater mentor than Tony, and I get to work with some of the best people in model aviation. I’m very blessed to work with these hard-working individuals!
JS: What disciplines of aeromodeling do you currently participate in?
TS: I love to fly in competitions. It drives me to fly better, and the people drive me to come back weekend after weekend. I fly International Miniature Aerobatic Club (IMAC), RC Aerobatics, and I’m building an airplane to fly Scale next year.
I generally design my own airplanes and build them with CNC machines that I have designed. My favorite IMAC competition aircraft is my 35% Yak 55 SP. I have been developing and modifying this aircraft for the last 10 years. I’m blessed to have several friends who have built this aircraft and enjoy flying it in competition.
JS: What are your other hobbies?
TS: I enjoy working with electronics and building machines to make my own scratch-built aircraft. I have built several CO2 lasers, CNC milling machines, and CNC foam cutters. I guess I got the “tool-bug” from my dad, and having a tool to help you make your competition airplanes better is always a win-win for me.
Roughly three years ago, I started a journey to learn how to write code and wanted to design a wireless scoring system for IMAC. I’m blessed to be working with some great programmers from whom I have learned so much, and we now have a robust and easy-to-use system. I worked with people all around the world to develop this system and I’m proud of what we have accomplished.
JS: Who (or what) has influenced you the most?
TS: There are several people I can accredit for my success. First off is my family. My wife, Jeannette, has a lot of patience and has let me delve into this sport as much as I want. Without her, my children, and my late parents, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.
There are two others who I would like to mention as well. Guy McIntire has been my caller for the last 5 years; he comes over to the shop and we work all hours of the night to get ready for the next competition. My second mention is one of my dearest friends who has helped me since he was 14 years old. Joey (Steven) Sandlin has listened to my design conversations and traveled across the country when he was young. We flew in many Pattern and IMAC contests throughout the years. To everyone, thank you for being there.
