I Am The AMA - 2013/04
Jay Gerber NFL filmmaker
JS: How did you get involved with model aviation? JG: As a young boy, my fascination with airplanes grew stronger with every plane that passed by the apartment we lived in. Articles showing Spitfires, P-40 Flying Tigers, bombers, and planes of all types, as well as building simple kits, sparked my interest in model aviation even more.
My Dad took me to the 1939 World's Fair. I remember the aviation display. Dad was supportive of my interest and bought me little stick-and-tissue models to build. This was a big investment on his part, as Mom and Dad had very little to spare.
I grew out of the age of girls and college parties; with marriage and children, my interest returned to models. I began trying to figure out how to control them remotely, starting with escapements and then reed-type controllers.
JS: How has model aviation impacted your life and/or career? JG: Modeling had a significant impact on my 46-year career with the National Football League (NFL). The technological advancements that I brought to the NFL had roots in modeling. Trying to get escapements and reed controllers working, and learning about radio frequencies, led to innovation at the NFL.
The development of the frequency coordination program, the transmission of the Super Bowl to the world outside the U.S., and converting NFL films to digital video were achievements that had their roots in modeling.
I'm very proud to be honored with the designation of AMA Fellow. I am also a Life Member, license number L-48.
JS: What disciplines of modeling do you currently participate in? JG: I'm happy that I can still fly what I love the most: Pattern-type planes. For example, Integrals, Valliants, Osiris, Spark, and all two-meter types, as well as the smaller 60-inch Osiris, are lots of fun.
At age 81, I don't compete anymore, but I'm delighted that I can still fly some decent maneuvers and come home to build models or "tinker" in the workshop.
JS: What are your other hobbies? JG: Besides my primary love, RC modeling, I found my way into full-scale flying and was fortunate to own a Cherokee 180 and then a Cherokee Six 260. I spent time getting my private, instrument, commercial, and twin ratings.
I sold the Cherokee Six to a ham radio retailer. As part of the sale I received a ham radio station. This led to my extra class license as N3AW and a ham radio contest station where I competed in many worldwide phone and CW (Morse Code) contests.
I also play the piano and started taking lessons at age 72. Of course, what would retirement be without adding a few rounds of golf into the mix as well?
JS: Who (or what) has influenced you most? JG: There were many wonderful and talented modelers whom I had the good fortune to meet and fly with. Many were part of my efforts to produce informative and entertaining films and videos for the AMA, notably Ron Chidgey, Phil Kraft, and Doc Edwards and his Daddy Rabbit.
Walter and Bill Good were an inspiration to me as well as to the entire modeling fraternity. They were responsible for the first radio control of a model, and to watch the movie The Good Brothers is a delight in understanding how far we have come with technical innovation in our sport.
My Precision Aerobatics mentor was a talented flier, designer, and builder of Pattern ships, George Asteris.
My greatest inspiration was the late former AMA Executive Director John Worth. It was through John's love of the AMA that we forged ahead with innovative concepts to share AMA with the outside world.
JS: Could you tell us a little about the modeling films you have made? JG: Some of the movies that I made for the AMA are listed. It was John Worth's insight and enthusiasm to build the AMA and its membership that interested me in trying to help by producing films that captured the excitement, fun, and beauty of model aviation.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
