“ROCK STARS” OF AVIATION AT THE IAC
By Rob Kurek, AMA Communications Director | rkurek@modelaircraft.org
AS I TYPE these words, the 100th running of the AMA Nats is underway, and the International Aeromodeling Center (IAC) in Muncie, Indiana, has just hosted two very distinguished visitors, aviation pioneer Burt Rutan and longtime aerospace engineer Dan Kreigh.
Burt and Dan both credit model aviation as the spark that ignited a lifelong interest in aviation and aerospace innovation. To have them visit at a time of such significance is what lifetime memories are made of. Many of the AMA members who attended the Nats this year will relish meeting them and being able to say, “I was there in 2026.”
We can all imagine that when AMA celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2036, Burt and Dan’s visit will remain a historic memory that is worthy of fond reflection, similar to Neil Armstrong’s IAC visit during the 1996 Nats.
That same summer in 1996, a gathering of aeromodeling legends that was known as the Celebration of Eagles brought many model aviation pioneers under one roof for a reunion unlike any other in AMA’s history. To watch a documentary of this event that was filmed and narrated by the late Bob Benjamin, visit AMA’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/watch?v=FhlANrox8XE or search for “A Celebration of Eagles - Model Aviation History.”
Read Tyler Dobbs’ “View from HQ” column on page 4 to learn more about Burt and Dan’s visit. In a future issue of Model Aviation, watch for an article with photos that captures this historic occasion. By the time you receive this edition of the magazine, AMA’s YouTube channel will feature an interview with Burt and Dan by longtime Model Aviation contributor Terry Dunn. Imagine the experience of getting to interview one of your heroes or favorite “rock stars!”
There are many resources on AMA’s website at modelaircraft.org where you can learn more about Burt and Dan, including interviews and presentations from past AMA Expos.
I know that when I reflect on my career at AMA, it will always be an opportunity to remember the people that I have met along the way. I’m certain they will stand out the most. It leaves me wondering who the next amazing AMA hero to walk through the door will be.
