By Katie Perry, AMA Administrative Assistant | katiep@modelaircraft.org
The AMA Model Aviation Hall of Fame (HOF) has recognized AMA members for their outstanding contributions to the hobby of model aviation since 1969. Members are nominated by their family and friends for this prestigious award. AMA evaluates these nominees on their developmental and administrative accomplishments, volunteering efforts, and presence at competitions.
AMA is excited to announce that the following seven individuals were inducted into the 2025 AMA Model Aviation HOF: Charles Legg, David Andersen, Earl Aune, Gary Fogel, Julie Parker, Larry Jolly, and Ralph Warner.
Charles Legg
Charles E. Legg has spent more than eight remarkable decades shaping the world of aeromodeling through innovation, craftsmanship, and quiet dedication. From his early days building model airplanes in school to his years as a U.S. Navy aircraft mechanic and later with United Airlines, Charles has lived and breathed aviation in every form. A true craftsman, he rarely bought parts, preferring instead to design and hand-build nearly every component himself. His inventive spirit led to countless breakthroughs in Control Line (CL) Speed flying, where his creativity and precision helped push the boundaries of what was possible.
Throughout a competitive career spanning from the 1950s to 2019, Charles earned 46 Nats placements, including 17 national titles in 1/2A Speed, and set multiple national records along the way. Among his many masterpieces are his Mini 1/2A Speed model and a fully hand-crafted, five-cylinder, four-cycle glow engine, both testaments to his engineering genius. He was the first to fly a Sidewinder single-wing design in 1/2A Speed and developed solutions, such as tuned pipes, centrifugal valves, custom propellers, and fuels—each idea advancing the sport he loved.
Yet, for all his achievements, Charles is best known for his humility and generosity. As Division 5 Central Representative for the North American Speed Society, he mentored countless modelers, sharing his expertise freely and encouraging innovation in others. His work has been celebrated in Speed Times, featured in hobby publications, and honored through donations to the AMA National Model Aviation Museum.
Now 94 years old, Charles still takes to the sky when weather allows—his passion is undiminished and his legacy is an inspiration to generations of fliers.
David Andersen
David P. Andersen has spent a lifetime elevating model aviation through his unmatched creativity, craftsmanship, and commitment to education. Throughout the decades, he has designed, drawn, and built an extraordinary collection of Scale aircraft plans—ranging from sport models to Giant Scale masterpieces—that have graced the pages of RC Modeler, Model Aviation, High Flight, Model Airplane News, and numerous international publications. Known for their precision, clarity, and impressive flight performance, David’s plans are beloved by builders around the world, many of which he generously shares online at no cost, reflecting his desire to give back to the hobby he loves.
His influence can be seen not only in the workshop but also on the flightline. David’s designs have earned top honors at the AMA Nats, U.S. Scale Masters Championships, and the Toledo Show: R/C Model Expo, among others, while his expertise as a Top Gun and Toledo Show judge has helped set impressive standards for craftsmanship and authenticity in Scale modeling.
Beyond his competitive success, David has been a driving force in the modeling community. He co-founded the Scale Flyers of Minnesota, served as president and vice president of the Twin Cities Radio Controllers, and led educational seminars that have inspired generations of builders and fliers. A three-time recipient of the Walt Billet Award, he continues to share his passion through articles, construction guides, and books that blend technical knowledge with storytelling. Professionally, David’s engineering work with Lockheed and the FAA mirrors the same ingenuity and precision that defines his lasting legacy in model aviation.
Earl Aune
Earl Aune’s story is one of passion, craftsmanship, and dedication to the art of Scale modeling. His journey took flight in the early 1980s when his natural flying skill and keen eye for realism first drew attention at a local club contest, earning him a first-place win and sparking what would become a lifelong passion for Scale aviation.
Blending his background in electrical engineering with his boundless creativity, Earl quickly gained recognition for his innovative mechanical designs: functional folding wings, automatic cowling flaps, retractable tailhooks, and even working radar scopes. These intricate, realistic details became highly sought after by modelers across the country and were eventually marketed through Bob Holman Plans.
Earl’s impact reaches far beyond his workshop. As contest director (CD) of the Evergreen Scale Rally for nearly a decade, he helped to elevate the event into one of the nation’s largest and most respected qualifiers. His leadership continued to shine when he and his wife, Josie, took the helm of the U.S. Scale Masters Association, guiding it through a golden era of growth and participation. Under their direction, the organization introduced lasting improvements, including a standardized scoring system that remains in use today.
For more than 40 years, Earl has been a cornerstone of the Fern Prairie Modelers, serving as president, board member, mentor, and friend. Known for his generosity, technical mastery, and tireless efforts to preserve the spirit of true Scale modeling, Earl stands as a craftsman, innovator, and leader whose influence continues to shape and inspire the world of model aviation.
Gary Fogel
Few individuals have contributed to the world of RC Soaring and model aviation with as much passion, intellect, and generosity as Dr. Gary Fogel. Introduced to the hobby at an early age by his father, Larry, Gary’s fascination with flight took hold almost immediately. By the age of nine, he had already soloed his first sailplane—a sign of the extraordinary journey to come. Since then, Gary has become one of the most accomplished and respected figures in RC Soaring, holding 40 national and 12 world records, achievements that reflect both his technical mastery and deep love for the sport.
Beyond his personal success, Gary has dedicated himself to growing and preserving the Soaring community. As vice president and historian of the Torrey Pines Gulls RC Soaring club, he has championed outreach programs, inspired new members, and worked tirelessly to protect the rich legacy of one of the world’s most iconic flying sites. Professionally, Gary serves as the CEO of Natural Selection, Inc., is a Ph.D. scientist, acclaimed author, and adjunct professor of aeronautics at San Diego State University, where his engaging, hands-on teaching style continues to spark curiosity in the next generation of aviators and engineers.
What truly defines Gary, however, is his willingness to share the magic of flight. Whether mentoring newcomers at contests, guiding young builders at fun-fly events, or handing his transmitter to a wide-eyed spectator for their first Soaring experience, he embodies the spirit of mentorship. His recent university foam board aircraft competition at Torrey Pines perfectly captures that mission—bridging education, innovation, and the pure joy of flight.
Julie Parker
Few names in Free Flight (FF) embody passion, dedication, and leadership quite like Julie Parker. For decades, Julie has been a driving force in the hobby—both in the air and behind the scenes—shaping the future of FF through her skill, service, and unwavering commitment to the modeling community.
Julie began her journey in the 1980s and quickly became one of the sport’s fiercest competitors. Flying in the FAI F1S and F1Q Free Flight Model Aircraft classes, she has earned 23 top five America’s Cup finishes, including three FAI F1Q championships, one FAI F1S title, and three Nats championships in FAI F1Q. Her impressive list of victories includes the MaxMen, Sierra Cup, Southwest Regionals, Kotuku Cup, and the Ike. In 2025, she made history as the first woman to represent the US on the inaugural FAI F1Q World Championships team.
Beyond competition, Julie’s impact as a volunteer and leader has been immeasurable. As the Outdoor FF Nats manager and coordinator, she has transformed event operations—recruiting CDs, training volunteers, managing scoring, and organizing the HOF banquet and Nats picnic—with precision and care. Her leadership as the National Free Flight Society (NFFS) treasurer and board member modernized the organization’s financial systems, strengthened investments, and expanded youth and scholarship programs.
Julie’s service continues as the NFFS Symposium director and vice president of the Texas Cloud Climbers club, where her guidance uplifts everyone around her. Honored with the FAI Jean Batten Award and four NFFS Presidential Awards, Julie stands as a true ambassador for FF—an inspiring competitor, mentor, and leader whose dedication has elevated the entire community.
Larry Jolly
Larry Jolly was practically raised on the flying field, mentored by his father, Jim, and surrounded by the vibrant Orange County modeling community. From his earliest CL flights as a child to his first wins in FF and Soaring contests, Larry’s love of flight was clear—and unstoppable. By his teenage years, he was already a standout competitor, earning national titles and representing the US on the world stage in CL Combat.
As electric flight began to emerge, Larry became one of its true pioneers. His innovative designs—the Electra-Lite, Icarus, Meteor, and Pantera—set new standards for performance, efficiency, and accessibility, helping usher in a new era of model aviation. Through his company, Larry Jolly Model Products, he turned these groundbreaking ideas into some of the most beloved and competitive kits of their time.
Larry’s talents also took flight in Hollywood, where his precision and creativity brought RC aircraft to life in films and television shows such as Airwolf, Die Hard, Independence Day, Apollo 13, Interstellar, and Tenet. His artistry even earned him an Emmy Award and respect across the entertainment industry.
Despite his achievements, Larry has always remained grounded, serving as a mentor, leader, and friend to countless fellow modelers. Representing the US on 12 FAI world championship teams and helping shape new competition classes such as FAI F3L and F5J, Larry—affectionately known as “Captain America”—continues to inspire generations to dream big, build boldly, and fly higher than ever.
Ralph Warner
Ralph Warner’s lifelong journey in model aviation is a tale of passion, perseverance, and innovation that stretches across more than 70 years. Growing up in Chicago, Ralph discovered his love of flight early, entering his first model contest at just 14-years-old in 1949. Although he didn’t win that day, the spark was lit, setting him on a path that would define his life.
Over the following years, he competed in the Detroit Plymouth Internationals three years in a row and even earned recognition from air racing legend Roscoe Turner. As a dedicated member of the Model Nuts Free Flight Club, Ralph honed his skills, spending countless hours at Leonard’s Hobby Shop, where he rubbed shoulders with icons such as Carl Goldberg and Wally Simmers.
By 1956, Ralph built and flew his first RC airplane, ushering in a new chapter of his modeling career. His leadership in the Chicagoland Radio Control Modelers reflected both his technical skill and his commitment to mentoring others.
After retiring from a career in education, Ralph turned his hobby into a thriving business with RAM RC, developing the iconic Quickee 18 airboat and pioneering vacuum-formed RC kits and one of the first electric lighting systems in the hobby. As co-founder and six-year president of the Radio Control Hobby Trade Association, he helped shape the modern RC landscape.
Now, at 90 years young, Ralph remains a vibrant AMA member and a guiding light in the modeling community. His decades of innovation, mentorship, and dedication have left a lasting legacy, inspiring generations of modelers and proving that the love of flight knows no age. Ralph is, quite simply, a true pioneer of model aviation.
Sources:
AMA History Project
modelaircraft.org/museum/history-recognition/ama-history-project