In Memory of Tim Jesky
Does Your Club Want $175 to Promote Model Aviation?
Timothy (Tim) Dean Jesky, a lifelong ambassador for model aviation, passed away on January 15, 2026, at the age of 74.
Born on November 1, 1951, in Wyandotte, Michigan, Tim lived a life of service to his country and community. After graduating high school in 1968, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving as an infantry medic with the First Calvary during the Vietnam War, where he demonstrated exceptional courage and selflessness. His military honors included the Bronze Star Medal, Combat Medic Badge, National Defense Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal with two campaign stars.
In 1971, Tim received an honorable discharge from the military and settled down to start a family. He married the love of his life, Linda, in 1978, and together they raised two sons, Joseph and Andrew. After working for U.S. Steel in Ecorse, Michigan, for 37 years, Tim retired in 2010.
Throughout their life together, Tim and Linda were deeply immersed in the world of model aviation. Known for his approachability and steady leadership, Tim held the position of AMA District VII vice president for several years, was a member of the AMA Foundation Board, and served as the Weak Signals RC Club president in LaSalle, Michigan, for several years.
Tim was also part owner of AJ Aircraft alongside Linda and their sons, a venture that grew into a respected name in the model aircraft community and took Tim and Linda traveling across the world. The couple took great pride in the business, eventually passing it on to Andrew and his wife, Paige, who continue its legacy today in Alabama. Tim also had a large presence at the Toledo Show: R/C Model Expo in Toledo, Ohio, for many years, both as a vendor for AJ Aircraft and in assisting the Toledo Weak Signals club host the trade show.
Beyond model aviation, Tim generously supported his fellow veterans through the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) organization, helping many navigate the complexities of military benefits. At home, he enjoyed spending time with his family and unwinding by watching his favorite TV show, Law and Order.
Tim’s steady presence, humor, and genuine care for others will be deeply missed throughout the model aviation community and beyond. His legacy lives on in the countless pilots he encouraged, the clubs he strengthened, and the family he cherished.
If you wish to honor Tim’s memory, in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to DAV Chapter 137 Frenchtown/Newport in Monroe, Michigan, by calling (734) 790-8178.
Blue skies, Tim.
As your club begins to plan its 2026 flying events, don’t forget that you could receive up to $175 from the AMA Foundation for positively promoting model aviation in your local community!
The AMA Foundation’s Club Recognition and Reward Grant is open year-round, and it’s a wonderful opportunity for your club to receive financial compensation for doing what you love to do: sharing the joy of flight with others. This grant offers cash incentives for positive local media coverage for a public event, public service, club announcement, and/or other coverage!
If your club has received publicity through your local media, you can submit the article, radio segment, or television clip to receive up to $175 for shining a light on model aviation. Please note that Club Recognition and Reward Grant applications must be submitted within three months of the date that the media coverage took place.
The AMA Foundation is looking forward to seeing how your club introduces model aviation to your local community this year! For questions about this grant or the application process, contact Foundation Deputy Director Rachelle Haughn at (765) 287-1256, ext. 221, or rachelleh@modelaircraft.org.
NATS REWIND: What’s on That Sticker?
AMA Plans Service now houses all plans formerly sold through Model Builder magazine, Bill Northrup’s Plan Service, and the Scratch Builder’s Almanac. There are more than 18,000 plans in the collection.
Originally designed in the early 1940s by Gilbert Morris, and later appearing in Model Builder magazine, the Kerswap! is a classic Old-Timer model that is known for its simple structure and efficient performance. Built primarily from light balsa, the design features a slim fuselage and thin wing section.
Intended for small glow engines in the .19-size range, the Kerswap! favors smooth, consistent power to achieve stable climbs and long glides. The model has since been adapted into larger RC versions, while preserving its vintage character.
Plans for the Kerswap!, plans number 7921, can be ordered for $7 by visiting plans.modelaircraft.org or by calling the AMA Plans Service at (765) 287-1256, ext. 507.
The Nats has been around for decades, and one of the easiest ways to see how the event has evolved over time is by looking at its logos. Each one reflects not only the design aesthetics of its era but also shows how the Nats event was promoted and presented to the modeling community at that point in history. Changes in typography, layout, and imagery often mirrored broader shifts in both the hobby and the ways the events were advertised.
In the early years, when advertising consisted mainly of club newsletters, hobby magazines, and word of mouth, Nats logos were simple and practical. They were created to clearly identify the event rather than to establish a recognizable brand. During the years when the Nats were hosted by the U.S. Navy on its naval bases, the logos often took on a more formal look, influenced by military aviation and the setting in which the contests were held.
As AMA took over the event, the logos began to evolve along with the competition itself. Designs became more recognizable and consistent as advertising expanded beyond print to include programs, signage, merchandise, and, later, digital media. Today’s Nats logos are designed with a wide range of uses in mind, from websites and email campaigns to social media and event apparel. Looking through the logos shown here offers a quick visual history of the Nats—and hopefully gets you excited to attend this year’s Nats competition.
The Academy of Model Aeronautics recently welcomed Life Members Petr Polasek, Washington, District of Columbia; Michael A. Zegilla, Livingston, Tenn.; and Michael P. Eddings, Boynton Beach, Fla.
For information about becoming a Life Member, contact AMA Headquarters at (765) 287-1256, ext. 129.
—AMA Membership department
No Flying Machine Will Ever Fly from New York to Paris
History Preserved
Recently, while digitizing more slides in the Wischer Family Collection, I happened across more neat pictures of their competition travels. The Wischers, who were in Paris for the 1984 FAI F4 World Championships for Scale Model Aircraft, appeared to spend some of their down time sightseeing. They visited various well-known tourist attractions, such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral and its beautiful stained-glass windows. They also captured the Palais de Chaillot, which sits on Chaillot Hill in the Jardins du Trocadéro and is French for “Gardens of the Trocadero.” The Wischers also grant us their point of view while taking a lovely stroll along the Seine River, with a nice view of the Conciergerie building near the Pont au Change Bridge. Of course, you can’t say that you went to Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower.
These photographs expand the collection beyond contests and competitions, preserving a small but vivid glimpse of how competitions were often vacations for model aviation enthusiasts in more ways than one.
Photo captions
(Above, top and bottom): 2008.05.147 and 2005.21.08—The logo for the 50th Nats, held at various locations around Central Ohio, featured the state of Ohio and a simple, patriotic color scheme.
SOURCES
- AMA Foundation Club Recognition and Reward Grant Application
modelaircraft.grantplatform.com
SOURCES
- 2008.05.155, 2006.02.02, 2006.05.147, 2004.41.48, 2011.05.10, 2008.05.147, 2005.21.08, 2005.02.39, 2009.05.34, & 2013.05.03
National Model Aviation Museum Digital Collections, Muncie, Ind.
SOURCES
- A2022.25.280, A2022.25.2807, A2022.25.2810, & A2022.25.2819
Wischer Family Collection, #0031, Donated by William Wischer
National Model Aviation Museum, Muncie, Ind.
