The Man Behind AJ Aircraft, and a Legacy That Will Keep Flying

At Southern 3D, we come for the airplanes.

We come for the smoke, the torque rolls, the friendships, the late nights under canopies, and the excitement of seeing the newest machines pushed to their limits.

But every once in a while, an event reminds us that this hobby has always been about something bigger than airplanes.

This year, under the familiar AJ Aircraft tent, there was a simple sign:

“In Memory of Tim.”

For many who walked past, no explanation was needed.

For those newer to the hobby, that name deserves to be remembered.

Tim Jesky was more than a builder. More than a businessman. More than a competitor.

He was one of the people who helped shape modern aerobatic RC flight into what it is today.

As co-owner of AJ Aircraft, Tim helped build a company whose airplanes became instantly recognizable on flight lines around the world. Known for lightweight construction, precision engineering, carbon fiber craftsmanship, and airframes that felt equally comfortable in precision sequences or hanging on the prop, AJ Aircraft earned a reputation that pilots trusted.

But ask anyone who knew Tim, and they won’t start by talking about airplanes.

They’ll talk about his smile.

His kindness.

His willingness to help.

His ability to make a newcomer feel like they belonged.

The Academy of Model Aeronautics described Tim as “a wonderful ambassador for the AMA and our hobby.” Tim served as AMA District VII Vice President, served on the AMA Foundation Board, and spent decades giving back to the model aviation community. (AMA Blog)

Timothy Dean Jesky passed away on January 15, 2026, at the age of 74. His obituary notes that he spent more than thirty years in model aviation and was part owner of AJ Aircraft alongside his family before passing the company on to the next generation. (Merkle Funeral Home)

Walking through the AJ setup this week, that legacy was impossible to miss.

The familiar airframes.

The unmistakable carbon fiber work.

The clean lines.

The craftsmanship.

And beneath the tent… quiet respect.

No speeches.

No spotlight.

Just a community pausing to honor one of its own.

Tim’s airplanes will keep flying.

His influence will keep showing up in every builder who obsesses over details…

Every pilot who pushes a little harder…

Every young flyer who walks into this hobby and feels welcomed.

At Southern 3D, we celebrate great airplanes.

Today, we celebrate one of the men who helped make them possible.

Blue skies, Tim.

Your legacy will keep flying.

— Southern 3D