AMA Logo History

AMA Logo History As seen in "History Preserved" in the August 2016 issue of Model Aviation AMA's logo has changed throughout the past 80 years, but even going back to that first one, the torch and wings were there. The earliest rendition of the logo that we can find was published in the second issue of Model Aviation (August 1936). It was designed by Frank Zaic. In that issue, it stated, "The Academy emblem or seal will be used to decorate the Academy's letterhead, membership cards, publications, etc. It will form the corporate seal when the incorporation of the Academy has been accomplished. The symbol of the central torch, for knowledge, and wings, for flight, is most fitting to the purposes of the Academy." Surrounding the winged torch was the initial name for the Academy, the American Academy for Model Aeronautics. (This was changed to Academy of Model Aeronautics soon afterward.) In approximately 19401 because the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) served as AMA's parent organization, the letters NAA were placed in the center of the wings. By the time that AMA was incorporated in 1966, the logo had already been changed-with the wings expanded and AMA written in the center of the torch. The wings have lengthened and shortened throughout the years, AMA was moved below the iconic symbols, "Since 1936" was added, and more changes have taken place for special celebrations, but the torch and wings remain. Cheers to another 80 years of our icons of knowledge and flight. If you find an AMA logo that is different from the ones pictured, snap a picture and post it on the National Model Aviation Museum's Facebook page. Please let us know where you found it. We'd love to see more renditions of the torch and wings.