Author: Andy Argenio
Edition: Model Aviation - 2013/04
Page Numbers: 138

AMA News District I - 2013/04

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AMA Expo 2013 was once again an awesome experience. This was our eighth show and we looked forward to the usual 72°‑plus days; however, Mother Nature decided a cold spell of 35° was in order for the week.

Thursday was a busy day because exhibitors set up for the show. We had the opportunity to walk nearly empty aisles while taking photos of the great scale aircraft on display and talking with exhibitors about their many new products.

I was particularly interested in Horizon Hobby's introduction of the first receiver on the market with a fully integrated three‑axis stabilization system because I was scheduled to speak during Saturday's AMA membership meeting about AMA's advanced flight system guidelines for stabilization and autopilot systems. This technology represents another milestone in the sport because receivers of this type improve stability in wind and turbulence and enhance pilots' abilities to perform maneuvers.

There was plenty of interest in multirotor helicopters and autopilot systems, evidenced by attendance at guest speaker Chris Anderson's talk about his company, DIY Drones, and the evolution of autopilot‑equipped model aircraft.

The AMA and FAA forum on Saturday went well, and a video of the meeting can be viewed on the AMA's website.

On Sunday, we had a dinner party for retiring AMA District VIII Vice President Jim Rice and his wife, Linda. Jim received an AMA Fellow award and a Distinguished Service Award, and Linda also received an award.

I have had the pleasure of working on numerous committees with Jim, and there was no better person to initiate and clarify directives to improve AMA's endeavors.

The AMA Council meeting was held Monday, and we returned home Tuesday. All had a great time.

Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.