JAY SMITH: How did you become involved with model aviation?
STEVE SHIPLEY: Growing up in West Texas, I lived in the flight path of Webb Air Force Base when the transition between propeller-driven and jet aircraft was in full swing. I remember B-17 flights in their waning days, and my grandfather’s declaration, "Here come the big boys!" On my birthday in 1961, one of my heroes flew into space. Alan Shepard, John Glenn, Chuck Yeager, the Mercury Seven astronauts, test pilots, and even the crop dusters taught me the importance of aviation and fostered my lifelong passion for all things aerospace.
I built my first model airplane at age 6. It was an old Monogram AT-6 Texan. I could spin the propeller and raise the landing gear, but I wanted an airplane that would fly.
Ten years and 20-plus plastic models later, I built a Gentle Lady. With no tools or guidance and knowing nothing about the center of gravity or balance, one toss into the air and it was destroyed. I finally became an RC pilot with a Futaba four-channel AM radio and a trainer in 1985! I have enjoyed this great sport with models that will actually fly!
JS: How has model aviation impacted your life and/or career?
SS: Everyone has the need for positive distractions from the grind of daily life. As a teacher, public education administrator, and college professor, I enjoyed my shop time and flying time at the field. I spent hours with my brother building and flying. Those times fill my life with memories.
I received an honor in model aviation last year when District VIII Vice President Lawrence Harville nominated me to the position of associate vice president (AVP) for New Mexico. This changed how I look at model aviation, how I approach my hobby, and even how I think about life. It reminds me to stay focused on what is truly important. Model aviation is a thread that winds through our lives, giving us experiences, friendships, and enjoyment.
JS: In what disciplines of modeling do you currently participate?
SS: My focus is sport flying. I enjoy modelers getting together and sharing a common interest. My models are 30cc-range gas-powered aircraft—big enough to see and small enough to manage.
JS: What other hobbies do you enjoy?
SS: Golf! I enjoy making that little ball fly. My wife, Debbie, is my golf partner and has been my best friend and supporter for more than 50 years!
JS: Who or what has influenced you the most?
SS: I got my first subscription to Model Airplane News in 1970. Gordon Banks, of RC Report, filled his magazine with information and "how-tos" that I reference to this day. My brother taught me to pay attention to what we were doing.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my good friends Les Morrow, Scott Grissman, Doug Harmon, and Todd Penka, as well as other club members and acquaintances.
JS: What do you think is the most important issue facing model aviation today?
SS: Two issues could have a significant effect on our hobby. One is the federal regulations that are being implemented. AMA’s Government Affairs team is doing a fantastic job. We need to support them in their efforts on our behalf.
The second is a vision I have of bringing my club into the community conversation. Last year, we became members of the Alamogordo Chamber of Commerce, in Alamogordo, New Mexico. We have representatives who attend chamber meetings, and our club meetings are on the community calendar.
We provide STEM/STEAM activities for students in our school district and participate in activities at Holloman Air Force Base. If we don’t promote ourselves, nobody will do it for us. Clubs will not even receive invitations to participate in a parade or public event if the community doesn’t know what we have to offer or that we even exist.
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