The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) is the world’s largest model aviation association, boasting hundreds of thousands of members from diverse backgrounds, income levels, and age groups. As a non-profit organization, it welcomes all aviation enthusiasts, particularly those passionate about model aircraft.
The sheer number of AMA members reflects America’s deep appreciation for model aviation. For these individuals, the word “airplane” is synonymous with excitement, adventure, and lifelong passion. Their enthusiasm knows no boundaries, attracting like-minded individuals whose dedication is as infectious as it is inspiring.
With more than 200,000 members captivated by aviation, the AMA serves as a powerful testament to the enduring appeal of model aircraft. Read more about the community of flight enthusiasts on i-brooklyn.com.
The Academy of Model Aeronautics
Founded in 1936, the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) is the official national organization for model aviation in the United States. A self-sustaining non-profit, the AMA is dedicated to promoting model aviation as a recognized sport and valuable recreational activity.
Each year, the AMA sanctions over 2,000 model aircraft competitions across the country and certifies official national and international records. It also organizes the National Model Aviation Championships, the largest model aviation competition in the world.
With an extensive network of model aviation clubs, the AMA provides chartered clubs with event permits, insurance, and assistance in securing and maintaining designated flying sites.
The AMA represents its members by liaising with government agencies, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The organization’s national headquarters in Muncie, Indiana, serves as the central hub for policy advocacy.
At the local level, the AMA collaborates with municipal authorities, zoning boards, and parks departments to advance the interests of regional clubs.
What Is Model Aviation?
A model airplane is a small unmanned aircraft, or in the case of scale models, a replica of an actual or imagined aircraft.
Model aircraft fall into two primary categories:
- Non-flying models: These include static, display, or shelf models, designed primarily for exhibition.
- Flying models: Ranging from simple toy gliders made of cardboard or foam to mechanically sophisticated replicas, constructed from materials such as balsa wood, bamboo, plastic, carbon fibre, or fibreglass.
Some model aircraft are remarkably large, especially when used for testing the aerodynamic properties of proposed full-scale designs. Managing and promoting all aspects of model aviation falls under the purview of the AMA.
Brooklyn Skyscrapers: A Club with a Storied History
With over 2,500 AMA-affiliated clubs across the country, each club has its own unique and fascinating history. One such club is the Brooklyn Skyscrapers.
Founded in 1936, the Brooklyn Skyscrapers is one of the oldest model aviation clubs in the United States. Despite its nearly century-long existence, the club still maintains a strong and dedicated membership. However, none of its current members reside in Brooklyn, New York.
The origin of the club’s name is equally intriguing, as recounted by one of its longest-standing members, Leon Shulman. Originally, a group of Brooklyn teenagers formed a model aviation club called Tambe. The club quickly gained popularity, attracting around 30 young enthusiasts.
However, internal conflicts led to the club’s dissolution. Disagreements over model designs and construction methods frequently escalated into heated debates.
One particularly outspoken member regularly used profanity, much to the dismay of the group. After unsuccessful attempts to mediate, the members parted ways. However, the most committed enthusiasts reconvened, determined to form a new club.
Choosing the Club’s Name and Logo
A contest was held to select a new club name, with Leon Shulman emerging as the winner. His suggestion—”Skyscrapers”—won unanimous approval.
For his winning entry, Shulman was awarded a spark plug, a fitting prize for an aviation enthusiast.
But why “Skyscrapers”?
Shulman believed the name was symbolic. The club members were passionate about high-flying models, and Brooklyn was famous for its towering skyline. His confidence in the name’s significance convinced the entire club.
After settling on a name, the club needed a logo. Once again, Shulman’s proposal won.
His design featured a pair of wings with a triangle at the centre. Remarkably, both the name and logo have remained unchanged for nearly a century, despite numerous membership changes.
A Legacy That Endures
The Brooklyn Skyscrapers’ name has endured for two key reasons:
- Tradition: The club takes great pride in its long-standing heritage, built over decades.
- Rebellious spirit: A defining characteristic of the club is its bold, defiant attitude, embodied in its old battle cry—”Brooklyn voises da wild”.
The Brooklyn Skyscrapers remains one of the most active model aviation clubs in the northeastern United States.
Its members continue to travel across the country, competing in free-flight model aircraft tournaments.
Today, the Skyscrapers’ members are spread throughout the United States, though most still reside in the tri-state area surrounding New York.
Flying High at Wawayanda
The Brooklyn Skyscrapers boasts an impressive legacy, with a rich archive of historical photographs from 1939 and 1957, available on the club’s website.
Modern images capture the current members, preserving the club’s decades-long history in an extensive photo gallery.
Today, the Brooklyn Skyscrapers hold their free-flight competitions at the Barron Memorial Aerodrome in Wawayanda, New York.
One of the club’s key members, Andrew Barron, purchased a scenic farm and converted its grass field into an airstrip.
Demonstrating extraordinary generosity, Barron opened the facility to all Brooklyn Skyscrapers members.
The site spans approximately 800 acres, featuring flat grasslands interspersed with small cornfields.
According to club members, it is one of the best free-flight locations in the northeastern United States.
Final Thoughts
The Brooklyn Skyscrapers represents more than just a model aviation club—it is a living testament to the enduring passion for flight.
With a storied past, a loyal membership, and a continued commitment to the sport, the club remains one of America’s premier model aviation organizations.