IN THE AIR Membership News & Updates From AMA
CHANGES TO MODEL AVIATION SUBSCRIPTION POLICY
AMA IS COMMITTED to delivering high-quality Model Aviation magazine content that informs, inspires, and connects our community of aeromodelers.
Because of rising production and distribution costs, effective September 1, 2026, all eligible new and renewing AMA members will automatically be subscribed to Model Aviation Digital at no additional cost, and a $10 annual fee will be implemented for those members who choose to receive the print edition of Model Aviation. This decision follows careful evaluation and thoughtful discussion to ensure that we can sustainably maintain the quality of the magazine you value.
We understand that changes to long-standing member benefits can be frustrating, especially for those who value the print edition. At less than $1 per month, this adjustment allows us to continue producing a printed, monthly publication that covers all facets of this great hobby while sharing the latest news from AMA.
The digital edition offers an enhanced experience, including direct links to bonus content, videos, and advertisers—providing even more ways to stay engaged and informed.
To confirm that AMA has your correct email address on file or to update it, visit your online member profile by logging in at modelaircraft.org/user/login, or contact the Membership department at member-support@modelaircraft.org.
Model Aviation remains the only aeromodeling magazine that is printed and distributed in the US, and we are proud to continue offering both print and digital options to serve the diverse preferences of our membership. We appreciate your understanding and ongoing support as we adapt to ensure the long-term strength of this valued member benefit.
Model Builder's Pull-Q
AMA PLANS SERVICE now houses all plans formerly sold through Model Builder magazine, Bill Northrop’s Plan Service, and the Scratch Builder’s Almanac. There are more than 18,000 plans in the collection.
Originally appearing in the December 1973 issue of Model Builder, the Pull-Q A1 Towline is a high-performance glider designed by Jean Andrews. This sleek aircraft features a total area of 274.85 sq. in. and a gross weight of 5.6 ounces. The construction incorporates unique techniques, such as forming a circular fuselage by soaking a 1/16-inch balsa sheet in hot water and wrapping it around a pool cue to dry.
Plans for the Pull-Q, plans number MB12732, can be ordered for $10 by visiting plans.modelaircraft.org or by calling the AMA Plans Service at (765) 287-1256, ext. 507.
RISING STARS IN FREE FLIGHT
By Holly Silvers, Associate Editor
A PILOT IS never too young (or old!) to make history. AMA Youth members and California siblings Aurelius and Kiana Lin, who are also proud members of the National Youth Aviation Academy (NYAA), are the latest rising stars in the Free Flight (FF) community to do just that.
This past February, Aurelius made a record-breaking flight in F1B Wakefield, clocking 35 minutes and 18 seconds to secure a new AMA Youth Junior National Record.
Not to be outdone, Kiana clinched her own AMA Youth Junior National Record in F1Q Electric Power Outdoor FF, clocking 21 minutes and 9 seconds (check out JC Zankl’s “Competition and Technical” article in this issue’s “AMA News” section to read about Kiana’s new record!).
As excellent examples of the incredible talent that is emerging out of the next generation of pilots, I had the pleasure of sitting down with the duo to talk about their flight preparations, their favorite modeling memories, and what’s on the horizon for them.
HOLLY SILVERS: How did you get started in model aviation?
AURELIUS LIN: We first started in model aviation by getting invited to Taibi Field in Perris, California. Once we were there, we began flying and crafting small balsa airplanes. After a few months of crafting those, we got invited by Coach Tim [Batiuk] to fly some Hand-Launch Gliders (HLG) and Catapult Gliders.
HS: Kiana, what made you want to fly F1Q Electric Power FF?
KL: I wanted to learn about F1Q after I saw other team members fly. I was very interested in how the airplane worked.
HS: Aurelius, what made you want to fly F1B Wakefield?
AL: In the beginning of my FF journey, I tested and flew F1A and F1Q, and after flying those two events, both Coach Sevak [Malkaysan] and Coach Tim decided that the best fit for me would be F1B.
The day before [a contest], I’ll make sure that I have everything prepped and ready to go for the field. That helps me alleviate any fears that things could go wrong.
(L-R): Kiana Lin, NYAA Coach Sevak Malkaysan, and Aurelius Lin.
Here are some of their memories, reflections, and plans for the future.
HS: What favorite memory do you have from flying?
KL: My favorite memory is when Coach Tim—we called him Grandpa Tim—gifted me one of my first HLGs. We named it “Sol,” the Spanish word for “sun.” I will always remember when I flew Sol with him. With this airplane, I got a really good thermal, so it flew so high that the parents couldn’t even see it with binoculars. Later, Grandpa Tim said it went over the San Jacinto Mountains. It was a 100% human flight.
AL: For me, one of my favorite memories is when Grandpa Tim walked out with me for my first flight at San Valeers because that was my first competitive flight. He talked with me about how confident he was. He really boosted my overall demeanor for that day.
HS: What goals do you have for the future?
KL: My goal is for our NYAA team to go on the podium—first, second, and third—[at the Junior World Championships] in F1Q.
AL: My current goal is similar. I want the whole F1B team to hopefully place on the podium at the Junior World Championships.
Editor’s Note: Aurelius and Kiana could not attend the San Valeers and 7 Rounder contests in Lost Hills because of high wind, but they still made the drive out to commemorate a time when Grandpa Tim supported Aurelius at his first contest.
—AMA Membership department
By Clarissa Poston, AMA Foundation Chief Communications Officer | clarissap@modelaircraft.org
NATIONAL MODEL AVIATION DAY is right around the corner on August 22! This celebratory day is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy all that our hobby has to offer. We want to know whether you have plans to celebrate it!
Is your club hosting a fun-fly? Are you traveling to a new club to expand your group of flying friends? Are you teaching a newcomer the basics of flight, or testing out a new discipline yourself?
To share in the celebration of this year’s National Model Aviation Day, we encourage you to register your event(s) and check out other registered events in your area! Both can be accomplished through our National Model Aviation Day website (listed in “Sources”).
Don’t forget: To join in on the celebration, the AMA Foundation is offering a 10% discount on all Walk of Fame bricks through August 31! Use code NMAD at checkout to take advantage of this limited-time offer.
For questions, contact AMA Foundation Deputy Director Rachelle Haughn.
On behalf of the AMA Foundation, we can’t wait to see what you have in store for this year’s National Model Aviation Day celebration! Our hobby is only as special as it is because of the individuality and enthusiasm that each AMA member brings to the flying field every day. Thank you for being the heartbeat of model aviation!
SOURCES:
National Model Aviation Day
amablog.modelaircraft.org/modelaviationday
National Model Aviation Day Event Registration
amablog.modelaircraft.org/modelaviationday/register-your-event
Find National Model Aviation Day Events
amablog.modelaircraft.org/modelaviationday/find-and-event
AMA Walk of Fame
modelaircraft.org/ama-walk-of-fame
AMA Foundation Deputy Director Rachelle Haughn
(765) 287-1256, ext. 221
rachelleh@modelaircraft.org
