George Xenakis Memorial Library

Dear Friends,

Some months ago, George Xenakis, a giant in our world of model aviation, passed away. Few men were as devoted to and knowledgeable about the theory of model airplane aerodynamics as George. Fewer still were as successful at putting that knowledge to use in the field. When he wasn't breaking records or representing the US at multiple world championships, he was helping to ensure the future of model airplane flying as an educator of enthusiast youth.

George’s passing was marked by a number of eulogies. This letter is not another one. Rather, I write with a suggestion: That we memorialize our friend with a library at the AMA headquarters in Muncie to be named

“The Xenakis Technical Center of Model Airplane Knowledge.”

In short, this library would serve as a repository for information regarding aerodynamic theory and building techniques, and – most importantly – would be the accompaniment to an online database of even greater scope. As it is common nowadays to hear the phrase “look it up on Wikipedia” in reference to general queries, perhaps in the future model airplane enthusiasts will be able to say “look it up in the Xenakis.”

 “Wiki” databases are built upon the contributions and efforts of a dedicated community. I am confident that a call out to the modelers of the world will yield a deluge of material. Furthermore, the cost to realize this vision should not be great, and if a hat is passed around I am equally confident that it will fill up quickly.

George’s flying days are now in the past, but we'd do well to bring his legacy of skill and professionalism with us into the future.

Arik Donde

AMA #52398, since 1968