Written by DN (2013); Reformatted by JS (09/2013)
Dennis Norman
Hi, I am Model Aviation’s “Free Flight Scale” columnist. I have been privileged to hold this position since 2002. My love affair with model airplanes began in 1946 at the age of 4 when my father, a returning World War II veteran in the U.S. Navy, designed and built a small FF model. I have been continuously involved with model aviation for more than 65 years (you can read more about this in the December 2011 issue of MA, pages 123-126).
I am happily married, have eight children and 10 grandchildren at this point. My children participated in model airplane contest and several of my grandchildren are following in their footsteps.
My education has included the study of art, medicine and law. I have lived in Cleveland, Ohio, since 1970 and have practiced law there for 42 years. My area of practice included administrative and trial work involving injured workers, personal injury victims, and disabled persons. I also represented an adoption agency and handled private adoptive work for many years. In December 1966, I published my first model aviation article. It was in Model Airplane News and centered on a scratch-built, rubber-powered, FF Scale version of the de Havilland Mosquito. Throughout the years I have also written articles for Flying Models, Model Builder, Model Aviation, Air Enthusiast, and others.
Shortly after moving to Cleveland, I joined the Cleveland Free Flight Society and served as editor of the CFFS newsletter, Crosswinds. I still publish occasionally in Crosswinds. I have been a member of the Flying Aces Club (FAC) since the 1970s and have written articles for Flying Aces News. I competed actively in FAC contests and rose to the rank of Air Marshall. The FAC inducted me into their Hall of Fame in 2008.
I am probably best known for designing and building multi-engined, rubber-powered FF models. My other hobby interests include drawing, painting, sculpting, and movies. I welcome your questions and comments. If I do not know the answers to your questions, I will be happy to direct you to experts who do!
As I grew up in Burbank, California, my father noticed that I had inherited his interest in aeromodeling, and he taught me to build and fly FF models. Indoor Scale is one of my
very favorite types, but I also enjoy Outdoor FF Scale and Duration, Old Timers, indoor RC, park flyers, and electric helicopters. Collecting old kits, plans, and aviation history literature is a side interest.
I’ve served on the AMA Education and Safety committees and am currently president of the Black Sheep Exhibition
Squadron, one of the few “general interest” model clubs. I bring my “indoor airshow” to local schools and youth groups many times each year to promote our hobby.
Dennis’ column is published quarterly: March, June, September, and December. His email address is dennis@airacemodels.com.
Being an actual model airplane magazine columnist is the
coolest thing ever, and I really enjoy the chance to interact with readers and AMA members. Model airplanes still make me feel like a (gray-haired) kid, filled with
amazement every time a miniature flying machine takes to the air.
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