New AMA Display Is from Out of This World
The visit
The National Center for Aeromodeling received a distinguished visitor on March 22, 1984. Lt. Commander Robert “Hoot” Gibson (AMA 88979) visited the Center to present John Worth, AMA executive director, with a souvenir plaque prepared from items carried aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger.
The plaque
The plaque included:
- a U.S. flag and a NASA patch that had circled the world on board the Space Shuttle Challenger (February 1984),
- photographs of the shuttle’s historic landing at its Florida base and an astronaut crew member’s untethered space walk (the latter photograph taken by Lt. Commander Gibson),
- the signatures of the Challenger crew members.
The inner portion of the plaque is reproduced at left in the original publication.
Media coverage
The Academy was proud to welcome Commander Gibson and to receive this unique memento of another record-setting shuttle flight. A Washington Post reporting team covered the visit; their story and photographs appeared in the Post on March 26 and generated dozens of telephone inquiries from area residents wanting to know more about the Academy and model aviation. The coverage presented model aviation as a constructive, educational sport and gave the Academy excellent exposure.
Gibson and the AMA
“Hoot” Gibson, a longtime AMA member, competed as a scale model flier in the 1981 National Contest held at Seguin, Texas. Academy staff member Doug Pratt used videotape equipment to make an audio-visual record of the presentation and to capture Commander Gibson’s tour and enjoyment of the AMA Museum.
After a complete tour of the Academy offices, library, and museum, Gibson said that funds contributed by members and supporters were well spent and encouraged members to visit the Center.
Tours and visitors
The National Center for Aeromodeling has become a well-known resource facility in Northern Virginia. Day after day several AMA and non-AMA visitors stop in to tour. Schools and Scout groups are regular visitors; in 1984 alone, 40 group tours have been given.
Recent AMA club outings and individual visitors included:
- club outings from Mocksville and Hickory, N.C.; Harrisburg, Pa.; Patuxent, Md.; and other cities,
- individual visitors from as far away as San Diego, Calif., and Houston, Tex.
Conclusion
Lt. Commander Gibson concluded his visit by meeting Academy personnel, shaking hands, and signing autographs for everyone who asked. The framed souvenir plaque will hang in a place of prominence in the National Center for Aeromodeling. Visitors will enjoy the new exhibit; it reinforces that membership represents everyone — from school children to astronauts — and reflects the spirit of Academy supporters.
Astronaut Gibson carried the necessary items aboard the Challenger, ensured the plaque would be prepared, and then took time from a busy schedule to come to Reston to present the completed memento at the Academy’s headquarters.
— Geoff Styles Director, Public Relations
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
