REMEMBERING RUSTY KENNEDY
FRANCIS J. “RUSTY” Kennedy Jr., a dear friend of AMA, passed away peacefully at the age of 72 on July 11, 2026. Born on July 7, 1954, in Wildwood, New Jersey, Rusty spent his early years along the Jersey Shore before laying roots down in Poquoson, Virginia, where he lived for 39 years. His life was defined by his dedication to his country, a passion for model aviation, and a deep love for his family.
Rusty served in the U.S. Air Force from 1975 to 1996. During his distinguished military career, he worked with the Air Force Office of Special Investigation from 1979 until his retirement from active duty. Following his service, he pursued a lifelong passion for both full-scale and model aviation. From 1997 to 2007, Rusty owned and operated Stream Hobby Shop, a haven for local modelers and hobbyists. A true history buff, he spent much of his leisure time collecting coins, watches, and historic airplane propellers.
A pillar of the RC community, Rusty dedicated decades of leadership to advancing model aviation both locally and nationally. He spent countless hours building, flying, and presiding over local clubs. His extensive service with AMA began in the 1960s and flourished as an AMA member since 1979, an AMA Leader Member since 1983, and an AMA Life Member (L716). He generously gave his time and guidance as an associate vice president for AMA District IV and served as a valued member of the AMA Foundation Board. Beyond his leadership, he was an AMA Museum Life Patron, an AMA Foundation Torchbearer, and a Lifetime Contributor. In recognition of his numerous contributions, Rusty was honored with the prestigious AMA Distinguished Service Award in 2015, and again in 2021.
Rusty is survived by his beloved wife, Amy, his daughters, Jennifer and Lisa, his siblings, and his three grandchildren, as well as a rich circle of extended family, friends, and fellow aviators.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Rusty’s honor can be made to the AMA Foundation to support the model aviation community he so dearly loved.
REMEMBERING PHILIP CARTIER
PHILIP “PHIL” Cartier, of Hummelstown, Pennsylvania, passed away on July 7, 2026, at the age of 79, leaving behind a profound legacy as a devoted family man and a titan in the model aviation community.
Born on June 26, 1947, Phil was a cornerstone of the Harrisburg Area Flying Society in central Pennsylvania for more than 40 years, serving a long, impactful tenure as club president. Renowned for his welcoming personality, he dedicated himself to mentoring newcomers who might otherwise have been lost to the hobby.
Nationally and internationally, Phil was a legendary figure in Control Line (CL) Combat who ranked as a top 20 pilot in the country and captured multiple AMA Nats titles, including first-place wins in 2001, 2002, 2007, and 2008. An innovator who designed, built, and flew his own aircraft, he revolutionized the hobby with his production of computerized foam wings, sharing his knowledge through numerous published articles (including in Model Aviation), kits, and ARF designs. He also served as a dedicated contest director for countless local, national, and international events, earning an unanimous nomination from his peers for induction into the AMA Model Aviation Hall of Fame.
Phil is survived by his wife, Mary Katherine; his sister, Christine; his children, Alan, Emily, and Stephanie; and five grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, Phil’s family invites friends and family to share memories in his online guestbook (linked in “Sources”), and to make memorial contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association, 2595 Interstate Dr., Ste. 100, Harrisburg PA 17110.
Phil’s kindness, expertise, and immense contributions will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
BURT RUTAN AND DAN KREIGH VISIT THE IAC
By AMA Staff
AVIATION AND AEROSPACE pioneer Burt Rutan is world-renowned for his innovative aircraft designs, including Voyager, the first airplane to fly nonstop around the world without refueling, and SpaceShipOne, the first privately funded, crewed spacecraft to reach space. In July, AMA had the honor of hosting Burt, along with fellow pioneer Dan Kreigh, during a two-day visit to the International Aeromodeling Center (IAC) in Muncie, Indiana, for the historic 100th running of the Nats.
During his visit, Burt was presented with the AMA Fellowship Award, celebrating how his illustrious career began with model aviation. He was additionally presented with a truly special tribute by the AMA Foundation: a custom planter engraving along the AMA Walk of Fame, making him the first person to ever be featured in this way. The unique honor highlights his lifelong connection to the hobby, cementing his legacy as a brilliant designer who proved that the spark of aerospace innovation often starts with a simple model airplane.
Burt competed in the 1959 and 1960 Nats, so he was particularly eager to witness the modern-day Nats events that were happening at the IAC. He and Dan visited several of the Control Line events, including Navy Carrier and Precision Aerobatics. They also had a chance to see the RC Scale competition. At each of these events, Burt and Dan mingled with the competitors—not as celebrities but as fellow model aviators. Numerous flying stories were shared, and perhaps a few competitive tips as well!
To wrap up the visit, Burt and Dan were given a guided tour of the National Model Aviation Museum (which contains models that were donated by the two of them) by Museum Director Michael Smith. The museum’s 1950s hobby shop exhibit was an especially big hit for both of the VIP guests. In addition to the public galleries, the group also ventured into the museum’s archives and restoration workshop.
This special museum tour was a fitting end to the visit by two innovators who have contributed so much to the history of aeromodeling and full-scale aviation.
Model Builder’s Hot Canary
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 featured in Model Builder, the Hot Canary is a unique, high-performance Peanut Scale biplane designed by Bob Sweitzer. Modeled after Bill Warwick’s 1970s sport racing aircraft, this design features negative staggerwings and a 15-inch-long square fuselage. Building the model utilizes traditional balsa construction, along with advanced techniques such as molded balsa components and laminated wingtips, making it an engaging and rewarding project for experienced Free Flight Scale builders.
Plans for the Hot Canary, plans number MB3823, can be ordered for $5 by visiting plans.modelaircraft.org or by calling the AMA Plans Service at (765) 287-1256, ext. 507.
ALL GRANTS ARE NOW OPEN!
By Clarissa Poston, AMA Foundation Chief Communications Officer | clarissap@modelaircraft.org
ALL GRANTS that are offered by AMA and the AMA Foundation are now open! Eligible AMA chartered clubs are encouraged to apply through our online grant platform (linked in “Sources”). Learn more about our available grant opportunities below:
Al Kanser AMA AED Save A Life Grant
This grant is designed to reimburse clubs for 25% (up to $200) of the cost of a recently purchased automated external defibrillator (AED), an easy-to-use tool that can be critical in unexpected medical emergencies. This grant is open year-round.
Club Recognition and Reward Grant
To encourage AMA clubs to get involved in their communities and promote the hobby and sport of model aviation, this grant offers cash incentives for clubs that secure positive local media coverage. Clubs can receive up to $175 per year, with the award amounts based on the type of coverage: newspaper/magazine, radio/podcast, or television. This grant is open year-round.
Disaster Relief Grant
AMA clubs around the country are occasionally subjected to damages caused by natural disasters. AMA and the AMA Foundation will contribute up to $1,000 per disaster to ensure that hobbyists are able to continue enjoying their field as quickly as possible. This grant is open year-round, and clubs can submit more than one application should they be impacted by other disasters.
Flying Site Improvement Grant
This grant program provides funding for clubs that have made or are planning on making improvements to their flying sites. Well-maintained flying sites promote satisfaction among hobbyists, community engagement, and more, and the AMA Foundation is thrilled to play a part in eligible projects by contributing a maximum of 25% (up to $3,000) to awarded clubs. This grant is open seasonally, from October to February.
Take off And Grow Grant
Developed to encourage members and clubs to promote aeromodeling as a positive recreational activity to those in their communities, this grant helps clubs cover the cost of hosting a public event with the intent of drawing new people into our hobby. Eligible clubs could receive up to $1,000 in funding. This grant is open seasonally, from October to February.
For any questions about grants that are offered by AMA and the AMA Foundation, please contact grants@modelaircraft.org.
SOURCES:
AMA Online Grant Platform
modelaircraft.grantplatform.com
MORE UPDATES TO THE NATIONAL MODEL AVIATION MUSEUM’S HANDS-ON EDUCATION GALLERY
By Clarissa Poston, AMA Foundation Chief Communications Officer | clarissap@modelaircraft.org
THE NATIONAL MODEL Aviation Museum’s new Hands-On Education Gallery is beginning to take flight! As part of the International Aeromodeling Center (IAC) Improvement Project, work continues to be done to create a reimagined learning space for youth, families, school groups, and museum visitors from across the country.
At the time of this writing, additional milestones have been reached in the project’s progress. All drywall work in the gallery has been completed, providing a finished foundation for new graphics, paint, and mountings. Additionally, more exhibit designs have been completed, helping to bring the vision for the gallery into sharper focus, and related educational programming is being developed to support each exhibit. This educational programming will allow for reproduction and distribution at a club level, ensuring that AMA clubs across the country have the ability to share each lesson with those in their communities.
Fabrication is the next step in the project, and it will be the most exciting leg yet! With each step, the reimagined gallery is moving closer to welcoming visitors into a space that highlights our hobby in an unintimidating, engaging way. We can’t wait for you to see it!
The team working on this project is comprised of a variety of AMA staff, including AMA Foundation Chief Communications Officer Clarissa Poston, AMA Foundation Executive Director Steve Haston, AMA Foundation Deputy Director Rachelle Haughn, Education Director Kyle Jaracz, Education Development Coordinator Gwen Mathis, National Model Aviation Museum Director Michael Smith, and National Model Aviation Museum Archivist and Historian Jackie Shalberg. The team’s efforts, in addition to the work by Kraemer Design + Production (KD+P), have been monumental in keeping this project on track and running smoothly.
The AMA Foundation is grateful for the generosity that has helped make this project possible. From the support of the Indiana Destination Development Corporation (IDDC) to the dedication of AMA members, donors, and community partners, the IAC Improvement Project continues to demonstrate what can happen when people come together around a shared vision.
There is still much work ahead, and donor support will remain essential to the long-term success of the gallery. We encourage you to get involved and consider making a gift to our Hands-On Fund. All donations will be put toward the sustainment and improvement of the reimagined gallery, ensuring that you have a direct impact on inspiring youth and newcomers through aviation, education, and hands-on discovery.
Those who are interested in naming opportunities for new exhibits or have questions about the project can contact AMA Foundation Executive Director Steve Haston at the contact information in “Sources.”
SOURCES:
AMA Foundation Executive Director Steve Haston
(765) 287-1256, ext. 279
stephenhl@modelaircraft.org
IDDC
in.gov/iddc
KD+P
kd-p.com
See more great photos such as these in the museum’s Digital Collections, which is linked in “Sources.”
SOURCES:
“69 Nats Air Show – Preview for ’70”
American Aircraft Modeler; August 1970, pg. 60
“1969 National Model Airplane Championships”
American Aircraft Modeler, “AMA News” section; November 1969, pgs. 42, 44
“Free Flight... at the Nats” by Dave Linstrum
Model Airplane News; November 1969, pg. 12
“R/C at the Nats... Pylon Pit Pattern Too!” by Art Schroder
Model Airplane News; November 1969, pg. 29
“The 1969 Nats” by JOC James Johnston
Naval Aviation News; September 1969, pg. 40
A2024.03.03a
Photo and Press Release MM 33-69, U.S. Navy; July 15, 1969
AMA Collection, #0001
National Model Aviation Museum, Muncie IN
A2024.03.26a
Photo and Press Release MM 69-69, U.S. Navy; July 15, 1969
AMA Collection, #0001
National Model Aviation Museum, Muncie IN
A2024.03.33a
Photo and Press Release MM 258-69, U.S. Navy; July 18, 1969
AMA Collection, #0001
National Model Aviation Museum, Muncie IN
A2024.03.47a
Photo and Press Release MM 200-69, U.S. Navy; July 17, 1969
AMA Collection, #0001
National Model Aviation Museum, Muncie IN
A2024.03.52a
Photo and Press Release MM 179-69, U.S. Navy; July 17, 1969
AMA Collection, #0001
National Model Aviation Museum, Muncie IN
A2024.03.53a
Photo and Press Release MM 158-69, U.S. Navy; July 17, 1969
AMA Collection, #0001
National Model Aviation Museum, Muncie IN
National Model Aviation Museum Digital Collections
modelaircraft.pastperfectonline.com
