Welcome to AAGMC Model Airplane Club

The American Airlines Gas Model Club (AAGMC) was established in 1938, with several of the original 17 members being American Airlines aircraft mechanics. AAGMC is one of only a handful of clubs in the United States that have been in continuous operation for well over 85 years.

Although there was never an official connection with the American Airlines Corp., the club was formed and met in the Cleveland airport American Airlines hangar for years. The club started life with an interest in Free Flight models, both rubber and gasoline-powered.

Club members became well known not only nationally but internationally as well, through their model flying exploits. In fact, several world records were held by members of AAGMC.

The flying of models was curtailed during the war years as many of the members entered the armed forces. Many of these men followed their interest in aviation and became members of the U.S. Army Air Corps. One of the AAGMC members gave his life in the service of his country. After World War II, the club branched out into the newly developed sport of U Control (control line) flying and has never stopped advancing in step with technology to this day. From a very meager beginning of only 17 members, AAGMC has continued for 87 years now with as many as 160 members. For the last several years now AAGMC has averaged around 20 members. Our members are a diverse group from young to old, including engineers, mechanics, former radio DJ, Doctors, and even a few pilots.

A Little History

Explore Diverse Flying Interests

At AAGMC, we embrace all forms of RC aviation, including combat, slope, electric, gas-powered ships, sailplanes, DLGs, giant scale, drones, FPV, 3D, indoor, war birds, and more, ensuring every member finds their passion in the sky.

Today, more than ever, AAGMC endeavors to help nurture the interest in aviation with young and old alike. A great deal of our members have many decades of flight experience and thoroughly enjoy the chance to help spread the joy of RC aviation with others. Feel free to contact us through the form below or even give us a ring.

All Seasons

One of the very special things about AAGMC is that we fly all year round, and I'm not talking about freezing to death outside trying to fly in the winter. Although we have been known for doing that, too.

Years ago, Don King, with the help of several other members, developed the Wingola flying wing. This crazy model is made of EPP foam and is almost indestructible. It was specifically designed to fly indoors and can be crashed repeatedly without damage. It is a lightweight electric plane with a midwing-mounted pusher motor attached to a plastic propeller via a rubber O-ring. It can be flown full speed into solid objects time and time again with no damage. See the Indoor Mayhem video link on the Gallery page to see them in action. I'm betting those original 17 members couldn't have ever conceived that something like this could ever be possible back in 1938!