Written and Submitted by GST; Reformatted and edited by JS
(September 30th, 1929-July 16, 2011)
AMA Number: 10941 IMAA: 11153
Irv Searl was a man of many avocations and became quite consumed with whatever hobby took his interest. First and foremost, he enjoyed a lifelong love affair with building and flying model airplanes.
This passion began when he was 5 years old and his first models were constructed from rubber bands and balsa wood. In his own words, he described why building and flying model airplanes held his interest throughout his life, "It's exhilarating ...it's a challenge. There's a mystique for people ...seeing it flying!” For his family and friends, he was fondly referred to as “Ace” for most of his life. He was considered one of the nation's foremost radio-controlled model aircraft builders AMA Activities
1946-1960: Irv first joined the AMA in Chicago in 1946. Most of this time was spent at sea with his naval career. Planes built during this period: DC 3, Boeing F4B Biplane, Beech Staggerwing, Free Flight Bee, Control Line Nobler.
1960-1963: Became an active member of the San Diego RC Club. 1963-1967: At sea with Navy career.
1968-1980: Irv retired from the Navy and was able to pursue his avocation for building and flying airplanes. He became an involved and dedicated member of the SNHRC Club, Nashua, NH; Concord Aero Guidance Society (CAGS); and the 495th Aero Squadron. Irv was active in all club activities and served in a variety of officer roles for several terms. Planes built during this period: Nieuport 11 (1/5), Nieuport 17 (1/5), Stearman (l/5), Pitts 5-1 (1/5), Chipmunk (1/5), Miss Norway, Curare, Brushmaster, Phoenix, Aeromaster Biplane (4), Andrew's A-Ray, H-Ray. 1982-2011: Planes built - Ryan STA (l/5, X-3), Bucker Jungmeister (l/4), Mustang P- 51 (1/5), At-6 (1/5), Christian Eagle (l/3), CAP 21 (1/4), Stinson Reliant (l/4), Eindecker (l/4), Nieuport 28 (1/4), Pitts S-2 (1/3), Jenny JN-4 (1/6), Pitts Python (l/3).
AMA Officer Positions and Honors 1980-2009: AMA Scale Board Member 1982-1986: AMA Scale Board Chairman 2008: AMA District 1Lifetime Achievement Award
2012: AMA Distinguished Service Award - awarded posthumously Leadership Positions
Irv was an involved and dedicated member of the SNHRC Club, Nashua, NH; Concord Aero Guidance Society (CAGS); and the 495th Aero Squadron. Irv was active in all club activities and served in a variety of officer roles for several terms.
Notable Competitions 1948: Control Line Nationals (Illinois)
1972-1980: Scale and Pattern Contests throughout New England 1980, 1982, 1992-1993, 1998: AMA Scale Nationals 1983, 1985, 1987, 1989: Master's Qualifier and Finals 1993-1996: Top Gun 1975-1997: WRAMS Significant Awards 1974: NERCM Scale Championships, 1st place, Nieuport 17
1975: Empire State Scale Championships, 2nd place, Nieuport 11 1976: New England Scale Championships, 2nd place, Chipmunk 1992: AMA Nationals Precision Scale, 1st Place, Ryan STA 1993: AMA Nationals Precision Scale, 2nd Place, Ryan STA 1997: WRAMS, 1st Place WWI scale, Jenny JN4
Nieuport 17
Irv with his Aeromaster.
Searl family at Jungmeister Nationals.
Jenny JN4 Irv Searl
Chipmunk Ryan
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