The 2012 AMA election results have been posted to AMA’s website. I would like to congratulate our new vice presidents (VPs) from District VI, Randy Cameron, and from District VIII, Mark Johnston. I would also like to congratulate VP incumbents Eric Williams from District II, Mark Radcliff from District III, Bliss Teague from District IV, and Lawrence Tougas from District X. We look forward to working with you on Council!I had an opportunity to attend the JR Indoor Electric Fun-Fly held in early November in Columbus, Ohio. Dave Mathewson, Bob and JoAnne Brown, and I staffed the AMA booth. It is interesting to speak with our members, take new memberships, and fly with fellow modelers. It is in these settings that we have the opportunity to listen to what our members feel is important. There were many positive comments about the new MA format. Our former Education Director and longtime modeler, Jack Frost, came to us to tell us about a lady at the event who loves to fly model aircraft. I had the opportunity to meet with Carolynn Foss and her husband, Pete, from Oxford, Michigan. I found Carolynn knitting, which is her other passion, and introduced myself. She told me that it was rather difficult being accepted in a men’s fraternity, not to mention finding someone who would teach her to fly. She persevered and flies today!Women are an untapped new member resource and they bring new energy and ideas into our clubs. Something to ponder?In my October 2012 column, I mentioned that First Person View (FPV) changes were forthcoming. I received the most comments ever about this column.Led by Andy Argenio, the Executive Council approved new, more-liberal rules for flying FPV. The following is a brief synopsis of AMA Document 550: • AMA FPV novice pilots must use a buddy-box system with an FPV spotter while learning to fly. • All FPV flights require an AMA FPV pilot to have an AMA FPV spotter next to him or her maintaining visual line of sight with the FPV aircraft throughout its flight.• The AMA FPV spotter must communicate with the FPV pilot to ensure the FPV aircraft remains within visual line of sight, warning the FPV pilot of approaching aircraft, and when avoidance techniques are necessary.• If the FPV pilot experiences a problem due to loss of video link, orientation, or is unable to safely fly, he or she must abandon FPV mode and fly visual line of sight or pass the RC transmitter to the FPV spotter to assume visual line of sight control of the aircraft.• Before initial FPV flight and after any flight system changes or repairs, the FPV model aircraft must be test-flown by conventional visual line of sight to determine that flight systems are working properly.• The FPV spotter may at any time during the FPV flight acquire the transmitter from the FPV pilot and assume visual line of sight control of the aircraft.• FPV model aircraft must use frequencies approved by the FCC for both the RC system and the wireless video system. Pilots must meet applicable FCC licensing requirements if they choose to operate the RC flight control system or the wireless video system and amateur band frequencies.• One of the requirements and federal law [public law 112-95 section 336 (c) (2) February 14, 2012] for model aircraft to be excluded from FAA regulations is that model aircraft be flown within visual line of sight of the operator.• Model aircraft flown using FPV must remain at or below 400 feet above ground level when within 3 miles of the airport as specified in the AMA safety code.• Model aircraft flown FPV are limited to a weight (including fuel, batteries, and onboard FPV equipment) of 15 pounds and the speed of 70 mph.• AMA FPV pilots should consider using a programmable autopilot, as described in AMA document #560, when the failsafe “return to launch point” feature that will maintain control of the aircraft in the event of signal loss.• The use of imaging technology and Radio Controlled model aircraft with the capability of obtaining high-resolution photographs and/or video, or using any types of sensors, for the collection, retention, or dissemination of aerial surveillance data/information on individuals, homes, businesses, or property, is strictly prohibited by the AMA unless expressed written permission is obtained from the individuals, property owners, or managers.This information constitutes most of the important points of AMA document #550, but anyone interested in flying FPV should download and review documents #550 and #560. AMA has listened to the hobbyists concerning FPV and we hope that you will take the new rules seriously and work to safely enjoy this exciting segment of the hobby. Thanks for reading. Until next month, help secure our future and take a youngster (or significant other) flying.