I AM THE AMA
SAL CALVAGNA
Model Aviation “Giant Scale” columnist and builder
By Jay Smith | jays@modelaircraft.org
JAY SMITH: How did you become involved with model aviation?
SAL CALVAGNA: I first became involved with model aviation while in the U.S. Air Force, stationed in Anchorage, Alaska, during the mid to late 1970s. There, I built a few Guillows’ rubber-powered, stick-and-tissue models.
However, I really became involved with RC aircraft while at U.S. Government Communications training in Northern Virginia after the service. With guidance from a local hobby shop, I bought my first four-channel Futaba radio and built my first RC models, the SIG Mfg. Colt and Scamp. Welcoming members of Northern Virginia Radio Control club taught me how to fly.
Then I was off to West Africa and East Asia for a number of years, where I continued to build and fly. When I returned to the states, I joined the nearest RC club. I’ve been building and flying ever since.
JS: How has model aviation impacted your life and/or career?
SC: All the great friends and social contacts I’ve been blessed with from modelers around the world have impacted me. I’m also honored to befriend historic aviation figures such as Francis (Gabby) Gabreski of P-47 fame, Rudy Opitz a chief test pilot for the Me-163, and the Sikorsky family.
For more than 20 years, I have authored the “RC Giants” column in Model Aviation magazine. I am fortunate to have one of my models in the collection of the National Museum of the United States Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio.
JS: What disciplines of modeling do you currently participate in?
SC: Although I own flying models of assorted sizes and power systems, my passion lies with Giant Scale models. I built my first Giant Scale model, the Balsa USA 1/3-scale FlyBaby Bipe while living in the Philippines during the mid-1980s and I have been hooked ever since. I now have Giant Scale models with two-stroke gas engines, four-stroke radials, electric power, and electric ducted-fan- and turbine-powered models.
JS: What other hobbies do you have?
SC: I own a stunning 1963 Lincoln Continental convertible that I drive often during the warmer months. It’s listed with a few agencies and has been used in actors’ photo sessions along with music videos, commercials, and advertising.
JS: Who or what has influenced you the most?
SC: I’ve been fortunate enough to be a member of one of the most prolific and successful Giant Scale clubs in the nation. It includes members such as Nick Ziroli Sr. and Jr., five-time Top Gun winner Dave Wigley, designers Roy Vaillencourt and Ron Weiss, to mention a few.
I have learned much about modeling from many of the talented members of the Long Island Skyhawks.
JS: What advice would you give someone interested in building their first aircraft?
SC: There are many Giant Scale events hosted in all 50 states. There are also many AMA members who build and fly Giant Scale. Visit one of these events and start a conversation. You can learn a lot from others who have experience with larger models.
