Statement from the Academy of Model Aeronautics on the Passing of Hazel Sig-Hester
The Academy of Model Aeronautics extends its heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Hazel Sig-Hester, who recently passed away. Hazel was a cherished member of the aviation and model aviation communities and was a key part of the SIG Manufacturing legacy. Her dedication, warmth, and lifelong support for the hobby inspired countless modelers and helped shape model aviation for generations.
Her contributions to the industry and her kindness toward everyone she met will long be remembered. The AMA joins the modeling community in honoring her remarkable life and the enduring impact she made on our hobby.
AMA President Rich Hanson said the following about Hazel:
“The aviation community has lost a true aviation and aeromodeling legend. Hazel Sig-Hester was a member of the Model Aviation Hall of Fame. And, in 2022 was recognized by the National Aeronautic Association as a Distinguished Stateswomen of Aviation for her lifetime achievements and support of model aviation.
She will always be remembered as a stallworth supporter of our hobby and her legacy will live on within the aeromodeling community.
Our hearts, prayers, and condolences go out to her family, friends, and all who remember warmly the impact she’s made.”
Hazel Sig-Hester, a true pioneer in both full-scale and model aviation, has passed away at the age of 103. Her lifelong love of flying, her trailblazing spirit, and her numerous contributions to the hobby have inspired generations of modelers around the world and will leave an indelible mark on the modeling community.
Hazel’s story is one of passion and perseverance. In 1951, alongside her first husband, Glen Sigafoose, she co-founded Sig Manufacturing Company in Montezuma, Iowa. What began as a small business operation selling balsa wood to local modelers soon grew into a company known around the world and built up by Hazel’s hard work, precision, and belief in the joy of flight.
A licensed pilot, flight instructor, and aerobatic performer, Hazel brought the same spirit of adventure to the air that she shared with the modeling community. Whether she was at the controls of her clipped-wing Cub or mentoring a new modeler, she brought boundless enthusiasm and an encouraging spirit to everything she did. Those who met her remember her energy, warmth, and fearless love of flying—qualities that helped define not only her life, but the heart of the hobby she helped shape.
Hazel’s story is a testament to what can happen when a love of flight takes root and never lets go. Her legacy continues to soar in every model built, every pilot inspired, and every person who looks to the sky and dreams of flying.
Read the full tribute celebrating Hazel Sig-Hester’s remarkable journey in an upcoming issue of Model Aviation magazine.
Read Hazel’s AMA History Project Biography
Thank you for covering this news. Across 55 years of my building flying airplanes, I know of very few that contributed so much to model aircraft. Thank you Hazel and all the folks at Sig for great products.