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"Today Pilot of Models - Tomorrow's Model Pilots" Officially launched on April 15, 1934 in every William Randolph Hearst-owned newspaper in America (17 at the time) the Junior Birdmen of America (JBA) program was open to all boys and girls with an interest in aviation. In the early 1930's airplane mania was sweeping across America. Many clubs were formed, supporting the model-airplane industry and teaching the youth of America the basics of flight. The Junior Birdmen of America is by far the most remembered club. For a mere 10 cents, you too could have joined the Junior Birdmen of America. By return mail you would have received your membership pin, membership card and details for organizing your own Flight Squadron. Membership was open to all boys and girls from 10 through 21, living in the United States and its territorial possessions, who sent in the required dime to one of the many Hearst-owned major city newspapers across America. All who joined in the early days of the program received a special membership card with "Charter Member" stamped on it. Those who joined between the age 10-15 were Group "B" members and received a silver membership pin and silver membership card. Group "A" members; 16 -21 years old received a gold membership pin and gold membership card. The program was delivered through the newspaper with daily articles and special Sunday articles. Areas covered included basic aviation lessons, local contests & national contests, flying articles by prominent fliers, annual banquets, "Popular Pilot" polls, trips to airports and airplane factories, and interviews with people of interest. Later, 10 cent handbooks were published and sent through the mail. The program had 2 eras; 1934 until August 1937 when it was owned and controlled by the Hearst Newspaper franchise, and post August 1937 when the program became independent of the newspaper.
In the beginning the ranks were as follows; for the first 6 months of membership, participants were known as "Fledglings". After 6 months members could take a written test for the "Eagle" rank. Seven questions had to be answered correctly to pass. After another 6 months a written test could be taken for the "Ace" rank. Later, the Eagle rank could be achieved just 3 months after joining (and passing the written test). The Ace rank regulations were changed; the written test was dropped and the member had to place 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th in airplane model building in an official JBA event - only held twice a year. The Ace rank was a red, white and blue bar with ACE and silver stars on it. Commander bars were an elected position, and it is likely that the Captain bar was too.
Officially in August, 1937 the Hearst Newspaper empire no longer ran the Junior Birdmen of America program. With offices in the R.C.A. building in Rockefeller Center, New York prominent aviation and officials such as Capt. E.V. Richenbacker, the Junior Birdmen of America took flight. Membership was 25 cents. The program no longer had the daily and weekly publication in the Hearst newspapers. Instead, a monthly magazine was produced.
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