District IX
I can't recall the author of the following, but I believe it was one of the AMA staff members.
"Addressing the declining AMA membership and the increasing participation in RC cars, it occurs to me that there is an opportunity for AMA to get involved in the RC car community as a source for new membership.
To start with, the AMA insurance policy does include RC cars. Many of the flying sites do have adequate area for an RC car track. Encouraging clubs to define an area at their flying site and to invite RC car enthusiasts to join their club will be a benefit financially to the club by the increased membership of the club as well as the AMA. It's a win-win situation for the club and the AMA.
Visiting hobby shops I have noticed that the growth in RC car activity acts as the catalyst for the growth of their business."
I can't agree more! If you have already established an RC car track at your field, let me know and send pictures. I would like to advertise your success here in this column!
What has your vice president been doing this last month? In mid-February, Ruth, my bride of 36 years, accompanied me on an unofficial visit to Champaign, Illinois, to attend E-Fest. Actually, Ruth went for the shopping and dinner experience!
Friday evening, Don Anderson and his wife treated us to outstanding fellowship and a wonderful meal. Don, besides being the founder of Great Planes, is an integral member of my Membership Development Committee, an active hobbyist, and a true gentleman.
Saturday morning I dropped Ruth off at the shopping mall and enjoyed the majority of the day at E-Fest. If you get the opportunity, this is a first-class event and you will be amazed at the electric airplanes, helicopters, and piloting abilities!
I was also invited to speak at two Kansas City–area clubs about AMA. I presented a PowerPoint slideshow that seemed to be well received. If you are interested in seeing the presentation, simply coordinate a convenient time and place for your area associate vice president to attend your meeting. They have the same presentation.
Take care, keep in touch, and have fun!
Mark
Conclusion to Odyssey to the Northern Plains (August 23–29, 2006)
If you'll recall from the April column, flying bud Don Oppliger and I were heading south from Minot, North Dakota, for an all-day trip to Rapid City, South Dakota. It was early in the morning and we had been on the road for approximately three hours. I was thinking about all the great fun we'd had during the past couple of days and anticipating flying with the people in Rapid City when it hit me — I left my transmitter in Minot!
I called my friends in Minot and arranged for them to send it back to Kansas City, and I used Don's transmitter for the rest of the trip. Luckily, all turned out fine, but it sure makes your heart skip a beat!
We arrived late in the afternoon in Rapid City. Jim Tiller and friends met us to tour the local hobby shop and grab a bite to eat (buffalo burgers!). Then it was off to Jim's home to meet with local modelers and make a short presentation on AMA.
The next morning, we drove to Mount Rushmore and then to the flying site to fly with our new Rapid City friends. At noon we parted company and headed east for our 6 p.m. meeting in Beresford, South Dakota, where we met with members from the Beresford Area Radio Flyers (B.A.R.F.) club to make another AMA presentation and have questions and answers.
The next morning we had a great time flying at the club's field and then, around noon, we finally headed south for home. This was a wonderful trip and all the new friends we made were what made it so enjoyable. Thank you to all and I look forward to seeing you again soon!
I want to recognize good flying bud Don Oppliger for traveling with me and especially for helping out with all the driving!
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
