Bob Brown was involved in RC Pylon Racing almost since its inception; Bob was part of the deBolt-Brown team that held several world Pylon and Speed records from 1972 through 1982. He and fellow Model Aviation Hall of Fame member Hal deBolt competed in the 1974 Aero Olympic placing eighth before the FAI officially recognized Pylon Racing as an organized World Championship competition.

In 1984 Bob held a symposium at the Toledo Weak Signals show, it was here that he gathered a group of pylon racers in an attempt to get them interested in FAI F3D racing again. For nearly 10 years the USA had not been actively involved in international pylon racing. Bob’s goal was to give racers from the USA a shot at being FAI World pylon racing champion. The years leading up to this meeting he chaired the RC Pylon (F3D) Team Selection Committee, starting in 1979 and continued until 1994. Bob developed the selection process that is still in use today. He was instrumental in helping get the FAI F3D pylon rules changed so that some of the airplanes we were already flying in Formula 1 would fit without huge modifications, which was a great help in getting us going. All along, Bob knew that if the top pylon racers in America got interested, a world champion from the USA was well within reach. Bob helped organize the four F3D World Championships that have been held in the United States. Bob almost single-handedly organized the 1985 F3D World Championships which were held in conjunction with the AMA NATS in Chicopee, MA. A team selection was hastily organized by Gary Hover and the SLO Flyers club in San Luis Obispo at their annual May Formula 1 race in 1985. Although our 1985 team had little success at the World Championships, it did generate enough interest that several teams decided to continue forward, and that interest continues to this day. Ultimately, the USA rewarded Bob’s efforts with multiple F3D World Championships, both individual and team over the more than three decades since that meeting in Ohio. Bob worked tirelessly with the FAI during this entire period. Bob has chaired the FAI F3D Subcommittee since 1982 and was selected as the F3D World Championships Jury Chairman 10 times since 1985. Currently a member of the FAI Executive Committee, he was appointed to that position in 1992.

In 2017 Bob was awarded the FAI Aeromodelling Gold Medal. This Medal was established in 1987 and may be awarded annually on recommendation by the FAI Aeromodelling Commission to an aeromodeller of an FAI member for outstanding merit in organizational activities.

In addition, he worked as pylon line boss at nearly every AMA Nationals during the 1980’s-90’s. He was AMA District 3 Vice President for 7 terms, and AMA President for 2 terms. The list of his many accomplishments on behalf of aeromodelling could encompass many, many pages. Bob has an outstanding resume with regard to model aviation in general, and pylon racing in particular.

In addition, he worked as pylon line boss at nearly every AMA Nationals during the 1980’s-90’s. He was AMA District 3 Vice President for 7 terms, and AMA President for 2 terms. The list of his many accomplishments on behalf of aeromodelling could encompass many, many pages. Bob has an outstanding resume with regard to model aviation in general, and pylon racing in particular.

More of Bob's history can be found here:

Bob Brown's AMA History Project Biography

In view of his many contributions to RC pylon racing I believe that Bob Brown should be inducted into the NMPRA Hall of Fame at the earliest possible date.

Respectfully submitted,
Dave Shadel

Dan Kane Presenting Bob With His NMPRA Hall Of Fame Induction Plaque At The 2018 NATS