Don Anderson of Mahomet, Illinois, has been chosen by the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) to receive its highest honor - induction into the Model Aviation Hall of Fame. Established in 1936, the AMA is the world's largest model aviation association with more than 150,000 members. The group promotes model flying as a hobby and sport and serves as its official national body in the United States.
Anderson joins such distinguished Hall of Fame members as Apollo 11 astronaut Neil Armstrong and Burt Rutan, designer of the first commercial vehicles capable of sub-orbital flight. "This award was created for modelers who do extraordinary things," explains AMA President Dave Matthewson. "It's a well-deserved tribute to Don, who has done so much to foster the hobby industry for more than 36 years."
An active model pilot since 1969, Anderson often designed and custom-built his own early aircraft. Today he works as the Senior Vice President of Product Development at Hobbico, headquartered in Champaign, Illinois. He is also president and founder of Great Planes Model Manufacturing Company - one of the hobby's most enduring and respected brands. His drive for perfection shapes the concept, design, testing and manufacturing of products enjoyed by countless other model enthusiasts.
Fellow AMA member Arthur Pesch, Senior Manager of Service and Support at Hobbico, nominated Anderson for the Hall of Fame. "Don's companies are directly responsible for many of the finest radio-control model airplane products available today," Pesch says.
Anderson gratefully acknowledges those who helped him along the way. "I want to thank Art Pesch for the nomination, and the AMA for selecting me to receive this award," he says. "Historically, very few of us in the hobby industry who had dreams of starting a business were successful at it. In my case, I have seen my dreams come true.
"Back in the early 1970s, Bruce Holecek - founder of Tower Hobbies - and I were the first to establish model businesses in Champaign. Clint Atkins purchased both companies in 1984 and formed Hobbico, which grew into one the largest employers in the Champaign-Urbana area. Today we're an ESOP, and all employees share in our success.
"I also want to thank my wife, Paula, and my family for working with me through the rough times. I only wish everyone could have had the ride I've had!"
In addition to his many other accomplishments, Anderson has been president of the Champaign County R/C Club and twice donated the money to help build new asphalt runways. He also co-founded and has served in executive positions for RCHTA, the Radio-Control Hobby Trade Association.
Don Anderson Biographical Highlights:
| September, 1969 | First flights with R/C plane and joined AMA; |
| May 1, 1973 | Founded Great Planes Model Distributors Company; |
| April, 1981 | Purchased Bridi Hobby Enterprises and began Great Planes Model Manufacturing; |
| April, 1982 | Purchased Andrews Aircraft Model Company; |
| Fall, 1984 | Sold Great Planes Model Distributors to Clint Atkins who joined it with his earlier purchase (Tower Hobbies) to form Hobbico, Inc.; |
| Summer, 1986 | Co-Founded RCHTA, the Radio Control Hobby Trade Association; |
| Oct. '86 - Oct. '87 | Vice President of RCHTA. Co-Organized RCHTA and held first annual Chicago Model & Hobby Show; |
| Oct. '87 - Oct. '89 | President of RCHTA. Also served as Executive Director until Larry Sperling was hired. Worked to hold shows in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Baltimore; |
| Spring, 1991 | Sold Great Planes Model Manufacturing to Hobbico, Inc. and became Sr. V.P. of Product Development for Hobbico; |
| 2005 - Current | Founding Member of AMA Membership Marketing Committee; proposed Park Pilot membership class within AMA; |
| Feb., 2008 | Awarded AMA's President Award for Park Pilot and membership marketing efforts; |
| 1982 - Present | Life Member of Champaign County R/C Club; Founding Sponsor (FS-024) of IMAA; Contest Director /Leader Member of AMA (#42786 - 4278); organized Annual Great Plane Fly-Ins in the late 70's and early 80's; sponsor and host of annual Futaba XFC E-FEST events. |
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