AMA Expo 2010 - 2010/05 | Model Aviation Library

Author: Chris Brooks

Edition: Model Aviation - 2010/05
Page Numbers: 18,19,20,21,22

The Academy redefines exposition expectations

by Chris Brooks

With record attendance, a spectacular lineup of aviation and aerospace presenters, and more than 110 exhibitors displaying the latest in model aviation technology, this year's AMA Expo—the Academy's annual showcase—was the place to be. As in previous years, it was held at the Ontario Convention Center in Ontario, Southern California. This year it took place January 8–10. "This was the first year we had a booth and it went very well indeed," wrote one exhibitor in the post-event survey. "Your experience shows. Registration and communications were all very good." Numerous exhibitors ranked this year's Expo as "awesome." With the AMA's current tagline, "Get the Bug—It's Awesome," this was a nice reaction by many of the more than 5,200 attendees and exhibitors. And for the first time, the Expo featured an event sponsor: Gorilla Glue. Thanks to that company for its support.

Five-time space shuttle pilot and commander Robert "Hoot" Gibson spoke to a standing-room-only crowd about his career, spanning model airplanes to outer space.

Col. Robert Thacker, retired from the Air Force, was flanked by AMA leadership, guest speakers, and his F-16 at a ceremony inducting him into the Model Aviation Hall of Fame.

NASA’s Hernan Posada took center stage to talk about his exploits in fighting forest fires with Predators and Ikhana Global Hawks.

Pilots flew aerobatic "foamies" in the large, well-attended demonstration area in the exposition hall. All manner of flying was done there.

The showstopper in the static display area was a scratch-built Curtiss Condor by Lawrence Klingberg Jr. of Huntington Beach, CA.

A vast array of exhibits and demonstration areas made a memorable weekend for modelers who attended the Expo from across the Southwest.

Accomplished Full-Scale Aviators, Modelers All

A succession of prominent aviation and aerospace celebrities made presentations on the main stage, to the delight of Expo goers. It was all the more satisfying because these accomplished full-scale aviators first caught the "flying bug" with CL and RC models when they were young. And, as did many who attended, our guest speakers went home laden with purchases.

"I trace it all back to those AMA days," said champion Reno air racer Jon Sharp. Jon showed photos and home movies of his early years with CL and RC airplanes he built. His presentation followed his career to the time when he and his wife built his 400-plus-mph Nemesis NXT from carbon-fiber molds in his home-based hangar.

Famed aerospace designer Burt Rutan, in his customary brown leather jacket, wowed a standing-room-only crowd with visuals depicting his early years of model flying. He also showed video of how a model thrown off a control tower proved to him that a "feathered" re-entry for SpaceShipOne was critical to his design and winning the Ansari Prize. SpaceShipOne is now hanging in the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.

Dan Kreigh, who works for Burt at Scaled Composites in Mojave, California, helped with that model and spaceship design. Dan described a childhood filled with model aircraft that was instrumental in preparing him for a distinguished career in aerospace design.

As a former AMA club president, Navy test pilot Capt. Tom Huff is no stranger to model airplanes and "got the bug" at age six. Now he commands the Naval Test Wing Atlantic, based at Patuxent River, Virginia, and lands full-scale F-18s on carriers at night—yet it all started with RC aerobatics flying with a Dalotel in his youth.

When it comes to ultimate challenges in flight, Robert "Hoot" Gibson has gone where few have, commanding and piloting the space shuttle five times. A member of the Astronaut Hall of Fame and an AMA member, he began flying models at an early age. Hoot is especially interested in the youngest generation. After showing slides of connecting the shuttle with the Russian space station Mir, he spent time with kids in the education area of the Expo, helping them build balsa models to test-fly.

Matt Chapman, an extraordinary aerobatics pilot who thrills millions of airshow fans each summer, took that excitement to the Expo stage, showing slides of his competitions as well as RC models he has flown. Matt was the highest-ranking American pilot at the 1998 World Aerobatic Championships, finishing third with a Bronze Medal; he is also a respected airline captain with tens of thousands of flight hours.

Sam Wright, the master of ceremonies and an AMA member well known nationwide, capably handled the stage presentations.

More to See and Do

The static display competition featured more than 50 winning designs. Along with viewing these works of art, children were encouraged to sit in a 1/3-scale, nonflying model of a Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk that AMA member Richard Crupi of Kentucky built.

RC cars and RC boats gave kids and adults alike a hands-on thrill. The Swap Shop was brought back this year and was packed with all manner of memorabilia and bargain hunters.

Notable new exhibitors included the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and the U.S. Navy, the latter celebrating its 75th year in aviation. Lt. Cmdr. Mike Biemiller gave a presentation about the Navy's long, illustrious history of defending America from the air.

A 20-year veteran of the aviation industry, Hernan Posada has been flying remotely piloted, unmanned aircraft for half of that time. His presentation about how sUAS (small unmanned aerial systems) are used to fight wildfires in the western U.S. was fascinating. Hernan currently flies NASA's Ikhana, a Predator B modified for nonmilitary use, and the Global Hawk.

Robert Thacker, a retired Air Force colonel, was at the Expo for his induction into the AMA's Model Aviation Hall of Fame. At age 94 he was still flying models, cracking jokes, and keeping everyone entertained. Robert showed his favorite F-16 model on stage and spent time "talking shop" with F-18 pilot Tom Huff.

The AMA's 2009 membership drive winner in the Member-to-Member category was celebrated on stage. Binyamin Elkouby of the San Fernando Valley Flyers in California received an AMA Lifetime Membership card from AMA President Dave Mathewson for his first-place recruiting efforts.

At the center of it all was the new "AMA Village," which showcased the many AMA membership benefits. It was also a gathering spot and a place for model pilots to post notices about when they "got the bug" as youth.

The Expo will return to Ontario January 7–9, 2011.

Chris Brooks [email protected]