144 MODEL AVIATION
AMA EXPO 2010 was the best of the Expo
events that Associate Vice President (AVP)
Steve Brehm and I have attended. Events
such as this have many things in common,
including exhibitors, attractions, static
displays, indoor flying, swap shops, and
guest speakers.
What set this year apart from previous
years was the focus on guest speakers.
Instead of the usual speakers who discuss
new products and building and flying
techniques, the AMA decided to entertain as
well as educate us by offering the attendees
the opportunity to listen to icons of fullscale
aviation and aerospace who got the
“Bug for Aviation” as youngsters in
aeromodeling.
District I AVP Steve Brehm (C), with
Astronaut “Hoot” Gibson (L), and Navy Test
Pilot Capt. Tom Huff (R) at the AMA Expo.
Their aeromodeling experiences led to
illustrious careers as scientists, aeronautical
engineers, designers, test pilots, astronauts,
and competitors in speed, time, distance,
and aerobatics.
Another good decision by the AMA
staff was to provide a stage on the main
floor with audience seating. Often the
public will not leave the main floor to go to
special rooms to hear guest speakers. As
you can see in the photo, the seats were
taken for each presenter and the audience
was allowed a period to ask and receive
answers to their questions from the
speakers.
Their stories of success and
accomplishments were captivating and
thrilling. I am sure they were inspiring to
the youth in attendance.
A small world experience happened for
me during the introductions when guest
speaker, test and fighter pilot, Navy
Captain Tom Huff, came up to little old me
and said “Hi Andy. Nice to see you again.”
How did Tom know me? Well after
jarring my memory, this was the same Tom
who was a member of my local AMA
South County RC Club back in 2001 when
he was attending the Navy War College in
Newport, Rhode Island. Aeromodeling can
be the inspiration for those who work hard
to achieve their aviation dreams.
By the time you read this column, the
AMA Web site should have posted the
videos of the Expo speakers. Take some
time to watch the guest speakers. I
guarantee you will enjoy their stories.
District I
Andy Argenio, District I Vice President; [email protected]
Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont
My favorite model at AMA Expo 2010 was this giant 1/6-scale Curtiss Condor with a 16-foot
wingspan. It was scratch built by AMA member Col. Lawrence Klingberg of Huntington
Beach, California.
The highlight of Expo 2010 was the featured guest speakers including Burt Rutan, Robert
“Hoot” Gibson, Jon Sharp, Capt. Tom Huff, Matt Chapman, and Dan Kreigh.
The kids’ attraction at the Expo was having their picture taken while sitting in a 1/3-scale
model of the F-117 Stealth Fighter built by AMA member Rich Crupi from Kentucky.
Andy Argenio
3 Sheila Ln.,
Smithfield RI 02917;
Home: (401) 231-
6901; Work: (401)
231-5380
For a complete listing of district
officers and volunteers, please visit
the District 1 Web site at
www.amadistrict-i.org
D i s t r i c t I
03amanews_11amanews.qxd 1/26/2010 8:58 AM Page 144
Edition: Model Aviation - 2010/03
Page Numbers: 144