AMA plans inaugural National Model Aviation Day
VIEW FROM HQ by Dave Mathewson, AMA Executive Director
The inaugural National Model Aviation Day (NMAD) will be August 17, 2013. This year's event will help support the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP). WWP serves veterans and service members who have incurred a physical or mental injury, illness, or were wounded during their time in the military serving our country.
WWP does tremendous work in helping these injured service personnel recover and assimilate back into society when they return home. The WWP approach has resulted in helping to create the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded service members in our nation's history.
AMA is incredibly proud to be organizing this effort in support of WWP and our military heroes. More information about NMAD will be included in future issues of MA, in AMA's monthly electronic newsletter, AMA Today, the AMA Insider, as well as on our website at www.modelaircraft.org.
Members may also contact Mandee Mikulski at (765) 287-1256, extension 277 to find out more about NMAD and how you can organize an NMAD event at your club. We hope that many of our clubs will participate in this initiative. It's a great way to get together, have some fun, introduce model aviation to others, and to support a great program.
Many of you are aware of and have been following the efforts of many states to create state-level legislation pertaining to the use of domestic unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for surveillance or other uses that could potentially result in an invasion of someone's privacy.
Privacy and civil liberties concerns are not truly issues for AMA. What is, however, is the potential that poorly written legislation may result in some unintended collateral damage to what we do as recreational model aviation enthusiasts.
Of the sponsors we have been in contact with, most, if not all, have clearly indicated that it is not their intent to harm aeromodeling. They have been receptive to additional language that may allow their proposal to do what it is intended to do without causing harm to our hobby.
As of the middle of March, more than 30 states had legislation that was introduced or likely to soon be introduced for consideration by state legislators.
Members can follow the progress of bills in their state by going to the AMA website at http://amablog.modelaircraft.org/amavgov/drone-legislation. There you will find a US map with color-coded pins that represent the status of legislation in individual states. Clicking on the pin will bring up a synopsis of the proposed bill, where it currently stands, as well as an exact copy of the bill for review.
As I write this, we have made progress and had good results in most, if not all, of the states in which we have been working. However, it's important that we remain aware of where legislation stands in our individual states and be prepared to react to a bill that could be detrimental to model aviation.
To keep abreast of what's happening in this area, please regularly visit the AMA Government Relations page at www.modelaircraft.org/aboutama/gov.aspx to remain informed.
AMA is in the process of creating the AMA Foundation, which will benefit our association well into the future. The Academy is extremely fortunate to have thousands of members who donate annually to help support programs such as the scholarship program, education outreach programs, the National Model Aviation Museum, Flying Site Assistance Grants, the disaster relief fund, and others.
The value of the foundation is that it will house an endowment, which will hold these donations. As the endowment grows, AMA will be able to fund many of these programs with the gains earned from investing of the monies in the endowment, leaving the principle intact.
Although there will be some immediate impact, the true value of the foundation and the foundation endowment probably won't be realized for many years. However, it's important that AMA position itself so that years from now, we will be able to sustain these great programs, and others that benefit our members without having to rely on membership dues.
The paperwork has been filed with the appropriate agencies and we hope to be able to announce the launch of the AMA Foundation sometime in the middle of 2013.
The outdoor flying season is about to begin here at the International Aeromodeling Center, in Muncie, Indiana. The first major event will be the Extreme Flight Championships on June 14-16.
If you have the chance to visit us during the year please stop in and meet members of the AMA staff who work so hard to support you.
See you next time ...
CFO search and more
Attendance was terrific and the aisles were full. We were certainly busy at the AMA booth! With this much activity, I'm sure new vendors will consider signing up for this show next year.
During the WRAM Show, Eric Williams, AMA District II vice president (VP), held the annual district membership meeting. Eric started the meeting by asking the attendees District II trivia questions, and providing small awards for correct answers. Eric presented the Gold Leader Club Award to the Bergen County Silent Flyers.
AMA's Government and Regulatory Affairs Representative, Rich Hanson, was also there and discussed where we stand in the current process of negotiations with the FAA. Visit AMA's website to watch the video taken at the AMA Expo, where FAA's Jim Williams and James Sizemore answered questions concerning the proposed regulations.
Working behind the scenes, one of my tasks is acting on an ad hoc committee to develop a defined job description and set of responsibilities for AMA VPs, associate vice presidents (AVPs), and Leader Members.
Working with me are Eric Williams; Mike Mossbrooker, District XI VP; Rusty Kennedy, Leader Member Committee Chairman; Bob Brown, AMA president; and Dave Mathewson, AMA executive director. The committee's purpose is to help our volunteers understand their responsibilities and increase the direct line of communication between the VPs, AVPs, Leader Members, clubs, and members.
I also chair an ad hoc committee to search for a new chief financial officer (CFO). After longtime CFO Doug Holland retired, he left some big shoes to fill. We are looking at the CFO's job description, as called out in the AMA Bylaws and Standing Rules, to determine its functionality in today's economy.
The CFO's primary purpose is to oversee the accounting and investment structure that exists at AMA Headquarters in Muncie, Indiana, and helping the EC in strategic planning. The CFO is a nonvoting council member who is appointed by and serves at the discretion of the EC for a renewable three-year term. The CFO attends council meetings and advises us on any fiscal concerns as they pertain to our 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.
Our members come from myriad occupations and skills, and I'm sure we have people with a strong finance, accounting, and/or certified public accounting backgrounds who have experience with financial audits and investments.
If you are such a person and are interested in volunteering to fill the vacant CFO position, we would be interested in hearing from you. Please send your résumé and references directly to: Academy of Model Aeronautics, c/o CFO Search Committee, 5161 E. Memorial Dr., Muncie IN 47302. Alternatively, you can email it directly to my attention at [email protected].
We will review each résumé, develop a potential CFO list, and contact references. We will create a short list of candidates, arrange personal interviews, and ultimately recommend the best-qualified person for the CFO position. I look forward to hearing from you and thanks for listening!
Until next month, help secure our future and take a youngster flying!
District I—Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont
Andy Argenio Vice President
[email protected] 3 Sheila Ln., Smithfield RI 02917 Tel.: (401) 231-6901; www.amadistrict-i.org
The Westchester Radio AeroModelers (WRAM) Show is the largest RC exhibit in the east. I have attended this show since its inception. The Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus, New Jersey, became its new home last year and the location is a dramatic improvement—providing numerous amenities including five hotels within walking distance, a free, covered parking garage next to the center, and a variety of restaurants and retail stores surrounding the facility.
Associate Vice President Steve Brehm and I left Rhode Island at 6:30 a.m. Friday and were parked in the show garage at 10:15 a.m. What struck me upon first entering the show were the long center tables running the depth of the building displaying all the awesome airplanes, boats, helicopters, and vehicles from some of the country’s best scale builders.
RC Giant Scale airplanes, representing nearly every type including the classic warbirds, aerobatic, and racing airplanes, were entered into the WRAM Show competition. For many of us, this was the biggest attraction of the show and we spent considerable time checking out the details and craftsmanship of each spectacular model.
Attendees have an opportunity to see and learn about new products, purchase items at show discount prices, and attend show seminars. People can participate in or watch RC model boats running in a pool, electric airplane flying, and/or vehicles racing on a track. Many District I members stopped by the AMA booth to talk with us about AMA programs, district events, and get answers to their questions about FAA and government concerns.
The WRAM Show is growing and it’s an enjoyable experience for RC fliers. Plan to join us next year.
District II—New Jersey, New York, Europe
A rebuilding story following Superstorm Sandy is that of the Jersey Coast Sport Fliers (JCSF).
On February 17, 2013, the JCSF held its annual auction in Leonardo, New Jersey. The auction had been postponed and moved because the Federal Emergency Management Agency was still occupying the auction hall four months after the storm.
Despite the changes, there was a large showing of modelers and the club was pleased. Many modelers hit by Sandy rely on these events to help fund their clubs. They appreciate your support.
The 45th annual Westchester Radio AeroModelers (WRAM) Show, also known as the Eastern States RC Jamboree, was another success this past February. Crowds lined the steps of the Meadowlands Convention Center to see the latest in our hobby.
Last year's move to the new venue proved successful and this year's event saw more vendors, more aircraft, and more excitement. The WRAM Show Swap Shop was filled and ran out of space! The AMA booth was a busy place, too, with many modelers stopping by.
Although the WRAM Show has seen a great resurgence in the last two years, it's had the continued guidance of show manager Lou Scarlino for the past 20 years. For his hard work and leadership, Lou was presented an AMA District Service Award during the WRAM's awards ceremony.
Thanks to Lou, new show manager Bob Kroll, and the WRAM members who make this great event possible. Thanks also to the many modelers who support the WRAM Show as well as your local events every weekend!
It's official! The 11th Annual District II Fun-Fly returns to New Jersey on August 24-25, 2013. Our hosts, the Top O' New Jersey RC club members, are preparing the spacious Trinca Airport in Andover, New Jersey. All of the usual amenities such as food, overnight RV parking, local hotels, and plenty of flying will be offered.
As is customary at the District II Fun-Fly, all AMA-legal aircraft are welcome. CL and FF demonstrations are scheduled, too! Trinca Airport is centrally located to Districts I, II, and III. Whatever you fly, come and have a great time and meet new friends in the hobby.
Remember, it's not about what we fly, it's about the people and the friends we make.
AMA News
Valley RC 40th Competition Fun Fly: Club officers are challenged with keeping interest high in the club and membership growing, especially if the club has been around for many years. One club, the Valley RC Club of Sayre, Pennsylvania, has kept its club together by hosting an annual competition fun-fly for 40 years.
Did you notice it's a "competition" fun-fly? The thought of competition may put fear in a modeler's head; however, it doesn't have to be a Precision Aerobatics, Racing, Scale, or other highly skilled event. How about fun events such as touch-and-go's, spot landings, bomb drops, and limbos?
This type of friendly competition event is one of the things the Sayre club has been doing successfully for more than 40 years. Because of the longevity of this event, I asked the AMA Executive Council to present the club with an Award of Excellence. This may be the longest-running competition fun-fly in the entire US! Congratulations to the Valley RC Club on this milestone achievement and looking forward to the 50th event in 2022.
Canfield Fair Exposure to our hobby is not only for good public relations, but it also helps our clubs grow. When we think of this, we generally think of flying demonstrations at our club field, but sometimes we need to think differently. How about static displays?
Butch Myers, District III associate vice president, reported that his club, the Mahoning County Model Club, set up a static display at the county fair in Canfield, Ohio. The club utilized a massive fair tent to display all types of models. Particularly attractive were the tent ceiling displays.
Butch reported that thousands of fair goers appreciated the model displays and the fair board is inviting the club back because of the overwhelming public response. Great job!
Club Newsletters Does your club have a newsletter? Do you sometimes have difficulty coming up with ideas for new club activities? Would you like to see what other clubs are doing to promote themselves and the hobby?
Visit our District III website at www.amadistrict-iii.com and click on the link to club newsletters. Read these newsletters and see what other clubs are doing to promote model aviation. Maybe you will see something that you can do in your club to keep interest high.
If you would like your club newsletter linked to the website, contact webmaster Roger Luther. This is a great resource for our District III clubs.
Joe Weizer I received word from Jeff Troy, editor of Park Pilot magazine, of the passing of another great District III modeler.
Joseph Weizer, 89, husband, father, and the best friend anybody could want, was born in Philadelphia. During World War II he was a pilot and flight instructor for the Army Air Corps and received the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Joe served the Valley Forge Signal Seekers in Pennsylvania as president, program director, and special events director, and he taught innumerable people to fly. Our thoughts and prayers are with Joe's family. Joe's contributions to model aviation will not be forgotten.
Go fly and have fun!
District IV—Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia
Bliss Teague Vice President
[email protected] 625 5th Ave. S.W., Hickory NC 28602 Tel.: (828) 324-2164; www.amadistrict-iv.org
A District IV modeler received recognition in a local newspaper in 2012. Larry Davidson, from Smith Mountain Lake in Bedford County, Virginia, won best in show at the fourth annual Warbirds Over D-Day event held by the Virginia AeroModelers on June 10, 2012. The Roanoke Times (www.roanoke.com) covered the event in an article by Mason Adams.
Bob Scott submitted the following:
The Third Annual Macon Aero Modelers Charity Fly-In, held September 22-23, 2012, was a whopping success. The event raised money for Macon County CareNet, a local charity that provides food to residents of Macon County, North Carolina. The event was held at the club's air field in Otto, which is approximately 6 miles south of Franklin, North Carolina.
Preliminary accounting shows that the club raised an estimated $1,000 for CareNet, and also gathered several boxes of canned goods for them. Admission was $5 per car or 10 canned goods.
There were 20 registered pilots from the area and a huge turnout of spectators. Earlier in the week, it looked as if the weather might not hold, but it did. Everything turned out great.
The club sold barbecue and hot dogs. Several club members camped out overnight to cook the Boston butts for the barbecue.
District V—Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, US Virgin Islands
Jose Soto Vice President
[email protected] 1930 Deanna Dr., Apopka FL 32703 Tel.: (407) 409-4795; www.amadistrict-v.org
Hello District V! I recently returned from the Southeastern Model Show, affectionately known as the Perry Swap Meet. This show—the best that I have ever attended—has been spearheaded by the Georgia Aircraft Modelers Association under the leadership of Norm Deputy and his staff for many years. It never gets old!
This year, the show had more than 1,000 tables, lasted two days, and thousands of modelers came through the doors looking for a deal, trade, or bargain.
District V holds its annual Associate Vice President (AVP) training at Perry during the swap meet, and this year, Jessy Symmes, from the AMA Education department did the training. We were graced by the presence of the AMA president, Bob Brown, and his lovely wife, JoAnne. Also, Dave Wenzel joined the ranks as an AVP for the district, and he will do a great job for all of you!
Pablo Fernandez, AVP for South Florida, attended Florida Jets and sent these pictures!
Congratulations to all of the Florida Jets winners!
See you soon, in the meantime, teach a young one how to fly! ✈
Associate Vice Presidents: AL: Rick Grim, (256) 656-0859; [email protected]. FL: Andy Bowen, (386) 736-1688; [email protected]; Chuck Foreman, (352) 237-5078; [email protected]; Pablo Fernandez, (239) 549-3293; [email protected]. GA: Kris Dixon, (478) 484-3845; [email protected]; Tony Stillman, (912) 264-8223; [email protected]; Dave Wenzel, (912) 754-9619; [email protected]. MS: Paul Verger, (228) 826-4892; [email protected]. PR: Juan L. Cortez, (787) 674-9909; [email protected]. Edwin Medina, (787) 525-7768; [email protected]. SC: Roger Marshall, (803) 432-2347; hon. Wise, (803) 534-8164; [email protected]. TN: Frank Pointer, (865) 206-5501; [email protected]. Owen Manupin, (423) 331-3993; [email protected]. Dick Tooman, (615) 793-2204; [email protected]. Safety Coordinator: Red Scholefield, Newberry FL, (352) 331-8410; [email protected]. Webmaster: Tony Fadino, [email protected].
District VI—Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri
Randy Cameron Vice President
[email protected] 2134 S. Hillcrest Ave., Springfield MO 65807 Tel.: (417) 830-9211; www.amadistrict-vi.org
As I am writing this, we are receiving a mix of freezing rain, sleet, and snow. I'm sure looking forward to better flying weather, which should be here by the time you read this.
I attended E-Fest in Champaign, Illinois, a couple of weeks ago. While I was there, I enjoyed meeting and talking with a number of District VI members. Among them were Associate Vice President Bryan Chumbley and the district's newest CD (at that time), Daniel Kemphues, and his granddaughter.
If you've not been to E-Fest, I recommend you put it on your calendar for next year. It is a well-run event, directed by Frank Noll, and sponsored by Hobbico. E-Fest has a little of everything, including Scale, Combat, 3-D, helicopters, and night flying. There was even a car track set up in one corner. There was no shortage of vendors, and hobby shops were represented, bringing a few new products and many nice prizes.
E-Fest is held in the spacious University of Illinois Track and Field Armory. There was plenty of room for a large assortment of 30-40 electric airplanes in the air at once. (I even managed to sneak in a couple of e-Tuit flights.) It is a great way to escape winter for a couple of days with many great District VI modelers.
Program of the Month: What is a Leader Member? Page 31 of the 2013 AMA Membership Manual defines a Leader Member as, "the most important of membership categories in terms of operation of the Academy."
Most clubs have at least one individual who is a natural leader; some have more. Those individuals are the ones whom the AMA is interested in having as Leader Members. There are many reasons Leader Members are so important, one of which is to act as a point of contact for quick, two-way communications between AMA and the general membership.
Several categories of Leader Members can be found on the Leader Member application, available on the AMA website at www.modelaircraft.org/files/leadermemberapplication.pdf. If you are, or you know of someone who is a natural leader, and would be a great ambassador for the AMA, and has been an AMA member for at least three years, suggest that he or she become a Leader Member. Every club needs at least one. Are you that person?
Note: I would like to request that any submissions sent to me for the District VI column be submitted via digital format.
On June 16, 2012, the Tri-State Model Flyers hosted its Fly-In and Swap Meet. Sixty-nine registered pilots from five states, and several vendors participated. The grand prize, a DLE 30 engine, was given away by the club and several vendors donated gifts to be given away during the event.
Sunshine abounded with a quick shower that did not halt the fun. The event lasted into the evening. A wide array of food was available all day and the club members were pleased with the success of this event.
Associate Vice Presidents: Dennis Baack, Bowling Green KY; (270) 783-4004; Bryan Chumbley, Peoria IL; (309) 683-3616; Luther Akemon, Scottsburg IN; (812) 595-9114; Gary Bussell, Muncie IN; (765) 288-2541; Frank Boales, Vincennes IN; (812) 882-4776; [email protected]; Jim Ciancio, Independence MO; (816) 795-7382; Bob Underwood, St. Charles MO; (636) 939-3394. Safety Coordinator: Walter Voyt, Joliet IL; (815) 725-4677. Frequency Coordinator: Mel Ziska, Naperville IL; (630) 357-7350. Webmaster: Position Open.
District VII—Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin
Tim Jesky Vice President
[email protected] 2886 E. Country Ln., Monroe MI 48162 Tel.: (734) 384-6085; www.amadistrict-vii.org
Now that we're beginning to see springtime weather in most of the district, chances are that you're starting to see a few visitors out at the field.
Although we're all eager to get some flying in after the long winter, please make sure to take a moment to extend your hand to welcome them and offer to answer any questions they might have. Today a spectator, tomorrow a fellow modeler and club member—you never can tell.
Also, as drones continue to come up in everyday conversations—and along with them some of the negative publicity that they can bring—it's essential that we, as modelers and hobbyists, continue to be a helpful and friendly group. What Mom told us about first impressions still holds true.
This month, Associate Vice President (AVP) Lloyd Swanson reports on the 2012 Warbirds Over Iowa event.
The Cedar Rapids Skyhawks, celebrating a golden anniversary as an AMA chartered club, held its ninth annual Warbirds Over Iowa event July 21-22, 2012, at its field, located north of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
The weather took a break from a heat wave, allowing the 24 registered pilots ample opportunities to showcase their skills for the spectators without wilting in the heat.
Also in attendance were several World War II veterans. The event's primary focus was contributing to the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight, a nonprofit organization that relies on private, public, and corporate donations for our WWII veterans to travel to Washington, D.C. Visit www.eihonorflight.org for more information.
CD Todd Davis and the entire crew of club volunteers did a great job coordinating the event and safely putting on a great show for everyone. There were four trophies this year, which included pilots' choice, best scale appearance, best flight, and best WWII aircraft.
The best WWII aircraft trophy was donated by the Rockwell Collins Model Aviators, and the winner was chosen by consensus of the veterans in attendance.
The best flight trophy was shared by Steve Forrest and Lyle Vasser for their Top Flight giant P-51 formation flights.
Based on the reactions of the spectators and pilots, this event was a pleasure to attend and should be around for many years to come. Warbirds Over Iowa 2013 is scheduled for July 20. Make plans to attend. You'll enjoy it!
Before we end this month, I need to announce that AVP Ed Kincer is stepping down. Ed failed at retirement, and in his second act, returned to work at a job that often keeps him on the road. He felt he could no longer continue to serve in his present capacity.
Ed was the District VII webmaster. I'd like to thank him for his service to the district and wish him the best in his future endeavors. With Ed's departure, we will begin a website rebuild and redesign.
Take a kid flying!
District VIII—Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
Mark Johnston Vice President
[email protected] 6608 Beck Dr. NE, Albuquerque NM 87109 Tel.: (505) 823-0158; www.amadistrict-viii.org
On February 16, I attended the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History's STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) Day with the Albuquerque Soaring Association. The museum hosted approximately 400 kids.
We had three tables with magazines and handouts for interested people. The four simulators stayed busy all day long. Charlie Zaffery had a Slo Stick and helped several kids fly it with a buddy box behind the museum.
Charlie organized the event for the club with help from Vic Newton, Steve Moskal, Ed Dressner, and Richard Dick. The group had a great time teaching the kids.
I attended the Angelo RC club's Texas Indoor New Year's fly-in event in San Angelo, Texas. The event was fun and the site is outstanding for indoor flying. The club had approximately 50 pilots and had TV coverage for the event. CD Mark Greer had plenty of help from fellow club members. The event had a F3P Pattern contest and a freestyle event held on Saturday night. The F3P contest was CDed by Jamie Hicks and Dan Rathbun.
Fred and Brenda Watkins took care of registration.
F3P Intermediate Pattern 1st Mike Robbins 2nd Dennis Robbins 3rd Parker Rathbun 4th Garrett Rathbun
F3P Sportsman Pattern 1st Michael Morales 2nd Cade Halle
Freestyle 3-D 1st Chris Bowker 2nd Parker Rathbun 3rd Dennis Robbins 4th Garrett Rathbun
Hope to see you all at the field!
AMA News
District IX—Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming
BARF Donates to Rides The members of BARF donated $300 to the Beresford Transportation Association (BTA), which provides rides to the disabled and elderly throughout the community. The funds were raised by selling lunch at the annual Father's Day Fun-Fly and the Beresford Big Bird Fun-Fly.
Club president Dave Larsen presented the check to BTA Treasurer Carolyn Fray. Mayor Jim Fedderson explained the operation of the BTA to club members before the presentation.
The Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum is located on the former grounds of Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, Colorado. The museum, which opened in 1994, is housed in the 40,000-square-foot Hangar #1, built in 1939.
The museum preserves the history of Lowry Air Force Base's operations from 1938 through 1994 in its collections, archives, and research library. Features of the museum's collection include the Colorado Aviation Historical Society's Alexander Eaglerock biplane, built in Englewood, Colorado; the Air Force's B-1A Lancer bomber; and many other military and general aviation aircraft.
In 1997, the Colorado State Legislature passed House Bill 1269 that made the Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum the official state air and space museum. The bill also indicated that the museum will host the Colorado Aviation Historical Society's Colorado Aviation Hall of Fame.
The model aviation fliers in the area take advantage of the facility and put on an impressive show for the public.
With the assistance of AMA District X and Roger Willis, the northern Arizona associate vice president, the RC club in Buckeye Arizona has been given a new flying field by the city. This new site is centrally located and is being developed. The club rechartered with a new name: the Buckeye RC Flyers.
To celebrate its new field and market for new members, the club attended the Buckeye Air Fair, held at the local airport. Club members set up a trailer with three RC simulators, held flight demonstrations on the tarmac, and passed out literature to prospective new members.
The Buckeye, Arizona, town leadership has demonstrated an interest in model aviation. The new RC field, established this year, follows a 600-acre FF field acquisition last year. This new FF field also generated a new Flying Aces Club Squadron: the Arizona Condors.
The skies over Orange County, California, were filled with excitement and wonder as the Dawn Patrol Western Nationals were held at Black Starr Field in Irvine, California. The West Coast's premier builders and fliers of vintage World War I and Golden Era aircraft were treated to a day of perfect weather, great food, and open flying in the middle of a warm southern California winter day.
From pilots dressed in period flight attire to vintage warbirds of every type, this event was not to be missed. Bronze trophies were awarded to the top three in Master Builder, Most Realistic Flight, and People's Choice. Colorful plaques were awarded to first-, second-, and third-place winners in Golden Era and Dawn Patrol classes.
The Dawn Patrol Western Nationals will again take to the air on October 26, 2013, a date you don't want to miss. There is enough time for those who missed the earlier event to get their airplanes ready for the October gathering.
Black Starr field is one of the West Coast's premier flying sites and a perfect setting for this wonderful event. It's 60 acres of rolling green meadows surrounded by picturesque hills and a view of Irvine Lake, with a 600-foot paved runway and, by the end of the year, a new grass runway ideal for these vintage WW I flying machines.
For additional information regarding these events, email [email protected].
District XI—Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington
Mike Mosbrooker Vice President
[email protected] 533 Birch St., Oak Harbor WA 98277 Tel.: (360) 679-9139; www.amadistrict-xi.org
In February, many District XI modelers gathered at the Northwest Model and Hobby Expo at the Washington State Fairgrounds in Monroe, Washington. There was a huge swap meet and quite a few vendors. There were demonstrations and contests throughout the weekend, including a static display of beautiful airplanes, ships, and cars. The show included RC aerobatic flying, battling robots, a model boat pond, RC car races, and model tank competitions.
Many thanks to Ron, Sandy, and the Barnyard Buzzards club for once again making this event a great success.
Anyone interested was invited to a short district meeting to hear the status of several initiatives and answer questions. The first item on the agenda was the AMA website, which gets better all the time. It now features the AMA Flight School, which provides responses to many “how do I” questions. The website contains several blogs, including those that post information concerning various government initiatives of interest to modelers.
Someone asked if non-sanctioned events could be added to the AMA event calendar and after much discussion, the vote was roughly two to one in favor of doing this. Another question posed was whether AMA should have different classes of CDs for rule book and non-rule book events. The majority at the meeting indicated the present CD system should remain as is.
District members were recognized, although the awards were not presented at this meeting. Rick Allison’s widow, Joan Anastasio, accepted a Distinguished Service Award honoring Rick’s many years of service to the sport. Eric Kendall received one of five Carl Goldberg awards for his efforts with Wings for Wishes during the past few years. The formal presentation will be in August in Montana.
Gordon Sabin of Federal Way, Washington, received one of this year’s scholarship awards to help pay his expenses while studying mechanical engineering at Brigham Young University.
Also at the meeting, Frank Fels, president of the International Miniature Aircraft Association (IMAA), announced that IMAA will hold its Rally of Giants in Eagle Point, Oregon, in June. The site features a float-flying venue, and you need not be an IMAA member to participate.
There was a brief discussion concerning gifts to the AMA. If you make a donation to AMA, please indicate any specific designation for the gift at the time of giving. Donations are handled by the AMA Foundation. Its mission is to manage non-dues revenue.
I suggested that AMA attempt to get the Department of Defense (DoD) to issue a statement encouraging installation commanders to support model aviation.
We have been advised by a recently retired Air Force general and AMA member that this is probably not a good idea. Such a move might adversely impact clubs that currently have access to a DoD installation. It was further suggested that those clubs that have such access continue activities that make them invaluable to the installation.
AMA has drafted and submitted a memorandum of understanding for the FAA to review along with a copy of AMA’s safety program. The intent is to let people conduct modeling activity without FAA regulation, provided they operate under an FAA-approved safety program prepared by a community-based organization (AMA).
There is reason to be optimistic, but nothing has been signed yet. And it would be an especially bad time—there is no good time, of course—for someone to do something that impinges on AMA’s excellent safety record.
We also discussed the proliferation of drone legislation. A number of states and cities have pending legislation. Most of this legislation concerns privacy and forbids the use of a drone by a government agency to collect evidence without a warrant. This is unlikely to bother model aviation.
Oregon, for example, has drafted legislation that makes it a crime to own an unmanned aerial vehicle equipped with a camera. Many modelers and commercial interests are writing letters and have the attention of legislators.
AMA is closely watching this situation. I am aware of efforts in Montana and Idaho, as well. Everyone is asked to let me know if they hear of any other activity in this regard.
Flying season is approaching. As I am writing this, I thought today might be the day, but the wipers were going full speed when I was halfway there so I gave up. It will come. Get ready!
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
