JC Zankl
AMA Competition and Technical Director, modeler
(L-R): JC Zankl with his dad, John.
Model Aviation: How did you become involved with model aviation?
JC Zankl: I was born into it. My dad lives and breathes model aviation: Free Flight (FF), Control Line (CL), boats, cars, airplanes, helicopters … If it has a wing or a propeller, he has built it and flown it. Growing up, the flying field and the workbench were just a part of life. The smell of fuel was as familiar to me as fresh-cut grass, and a transmitter felt natural in my hands at a young age.
For Christmas 1988, he gave me my first helicopter—a Gorham Model Products (GMP) Cricket—and from that point on, I was hooked.
MA: How has model aviation impacted your life and/or career?
JZ: Model aviation has shaped nearly every part of my life. It taught me discipline, patience, and mechanical understanding at a young age. Competing at events such as the AMA Nats and the International Radio Controlled Helicopter Association (IRCHA) Jamboree has pushed me to perform under pressure and constantly refine my skills.
Beyond flying, the relationships I have built in the hobby have influenced my professional path. The lessons I’ve learned about leadership, responsibility, and the business side of the industry have ultimately carried over into my work with AMA.
More than anything, model aviation has connected me to my dad, introduced me to lifelong friends, and given me a community that feels like family. It’s not just something I do—it’s a part of who I am.
MA: What disciplines of modeling do you currently participate in?
JZ: I’ve participated in just about every corner of model aviation, from FF helicopters powered by Cox .049 engines to CL with a Sig Skyray to 40% Giant Scale airplanes, turbines, and FPV. That said, RC helicopters have always been my primary focus—they have always been home.
I competed at the Nats every year from 2002 to 2009, flew in multiple Extreme Flight Championship (XFC) events, and several Indoor RC competitions. In 2009, I won the Advanced class at the Align [helicopter] competition. I also won the autorotation contest two consecutive years at the IRCHA Jamboree.
MA: What other hobbies do you have?
JZ: Other hobbies include long walks on the beach … I’m a big fan of racing, such as NASCAR, dirt track, and Indy Car. If it’s loud and fast, I’m watching it. I also enjoy swimming, camping, and restoring vintage RC helicopters. I’ve built a collection of more than 200 helicopters that spans from the 1970s to modern machines, which has become a passion project in preserving the history of the hobby.
Most importantly, I enjoy spending time with my wife. We watch a lot of sports together—mainly racing—but we’re also big fans of Indiana Pacers basketball and Indianapolis Colts football.
MA: Who or what has influenced you the most?
JZ: I’ve been fortunate to have several strong influences in this hobby. Robert Gorham has been a major influence from a young age. I remember him working with my father on GMP machines and always being generous with his time and knowledge. He set the example for how to give back to the hobby.
Jack Burnside taught me the business side of model aviation. He’s humble and intelligent, and showed me how passion and smart leadership go hand in hand, which are lessons that I later carried with me to AMA.
And of course, my dad. He introduced me to model aviation at an early age and laid the foundation for everything I’ve done since.
MA: What advice do you have for someone who is looking to get into RC helicopters?
JZ: Be patient and focus on the fundamentals. Master hovering, basic maneuvers, and how your helicopter reacts before moving on to more advanced machines. Seek out a supportive community, whether at a local club or online, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. Mistakes happen. Treat crashes as lessons, not failures.
Most importantly, enjoy the journey. RC helicopters aren’t just about flying; they’re about the skills you develop, the friendships you make, and the experiences you collect along the way.
