Written by AMA staff (12/1987); Transcribed by JS (06/2008); updated by JS (03/2012, 06/2012, 06/2019)
Frank L. Cummings, Jr. has been into model aviation for over fifty years. As a competitor, he won contests at the local, regional, and national levels. He was a member of the U.S.A. Indoor Team in 1964 and 1966, was National Champion in 1947, and was Grand Champion of the 1948 Plymouth International Contests. No matter where or when Frank was competing, he always took time to assist other people, especially beginners. Between 1931 and 1937, he worked with the Los Angeles Times Playground Aircraft League and helped thousands of young people get started in model aviation. He continued this type of endeavor until 1956; and countless “street” kids can thank Frank for his patience and understanding, and for the skills, they learned under his guidance.
Model Aviation magazine cover, May 1963
Frank has served the sport as a club officer, “COVER PHOTO – Frank Cummings Jr. heading up the LA Thermal Thumbers as receives first Open Cabin award from Col. W. E.
President in 1947 and 1948. As a Contest Abblitt, C.O. of M.C.A., Santa Ana. Meet was Director, he ran many contests, always Sky Hoppers Quarterly Indoor Open. Marine finding time to advise newcomers. His circle Corps Official Photo. of friends and admirers grew through the
years, and he well deserves the esteem in which he is held.
As an additional contribution to the sport, Frank started Cummings Specialties, using his understanding of Free Flight requirements to provide top-quality components to Indoor fliers. The knowledge he gained, as a competitor and as a national/world record holder, has been passed along to help other contestants. Although he has been out of the limelight for many years, the standing ovation Frank received at the 1987 Nats banquet was an indication of his continuing popularity – and that his contributions to model aviation have not been forgotten.
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