AMA Expo 2013 was once again an awesome experience. This was our eighth show and we looked forward to the usual 72º plus days. However, Mother Nature decided a cold spell of 35º was in order for the week.
Thursday is a busy day because exhibitors set up for the show. We had the opportunity to walk nearly empty isles while taking photos of all the great Scale aircraft being displayed, and talked 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 on Saturday during the 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 quite 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.[dingbat]
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After World War I, these Jenny aircraft were sold and used for flying circus air shows. This is one of the many awesome Scale aircraft that can be seen at AMA Expo.
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Jim and Linda Rice have retired from AMA active duty. I will miss these great friends.
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The future is here with Horizon Hobby’s integrated AS3X.
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(L) The Octocopter with high-end video is from Aerial Media Pros. (R) A unique twincopter uses thrust vectoring for roll and yaw and differential thrust for pitch.
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Hempel offers this 116-inch DR.1 Tri-Plane as an ARF for $3,600. AVP Steve Brehm wants one!
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This ghost uses a quadcopter to fly, hover, and scare people.
