A great flying season
Outdoor flying events are beginning to wind down at the International Aeromodeling Center. All things considered, it's been a great summer. Despite drought conditions similar to what much of the country has experienced this year, and several days of stifling 100° or higher temperatures, our onsite events this year went well.
86th National Aeromodeling Championships (Nats)
The 86th National Aeromodeling Championships concluded during the third week of August. Although there was some concern that numbers would be down significantly this year because of rising fuel prices, this wasn't the case.
Perennial Nats fixture Ron Morgan retired after this year's competition. Ron had been involved in the Nats for more than 50 years, serving as Nats manager since 1994. Dave Guerin was appointed to replace Ron and worked with Ron this year to learn the ropes. Dave is a longtime Nats volunteer and was the RC Aerobatics event director for a number of years. He also organized and ran the competition portion of the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) F3A World Championship in 2011. Dave is clearly up to the task of managing the Nats and I'm confident that this will be a seamless transition.
FAI visit
In mid-August, AMA played host to FAI President Dr. John Grubbström and FAI executive board member Robert Henderson. They came to the U.S. and AMA Headquarters at the invitation of AMA President Bob Brown.
The purpose of the meeting was to share AMA's concerns about the future of FAI programming in the areas of world competition and education outreach, and to gain a better understanding of what FAI's plans are for the future.
Bob Brown will report the results of this meeting in a future "President's Perspective" column in Model Aviation (MA).
AMA, NAA, and the FAI
AMA is an air sport organization member of the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) in the U.S., and is the only entity authorized to represent aeromodelers in the U.S. to the FAI. AMA has always been a strong supporter of the NAA and the FAI, and we envision those strong relationships will continue.
Digital resources and publications
Many of you have written to compliment us on the newly redesigned Model Aviation magazine digital library. The beta trial version has been online for a couple of months, but will soon become a members-only benefit, as it was before its redesign.
When that happens, every issue of Model Aviation since its inception will be in the library. Several additional elements will be activated, including the ability to print and use enhanced search features.
In addition to the new library, the AMA Publications Department is working hard on an online version of Model Aviation that will provide a page-by-page copy of the magazine each month to our members in a more traditional electronic format.
Many of you are aware of the tablet version of Model Aviation magazine launched in July. Combined, these new features will provide a great resource for our members.
Membership and elections
It's the time of year again when your AMA renewal notice will arrive in the mail. Although I am writing this in early August, at this point it appears that in 2012 we will have our first membership increase in 10 years.
We have worked hard during the past year to support model aviation and our membership and believe we have been successful in adding to the value of your AMA membership. I want to thank each of you for being a member and let you know how much AMA appreciates your support.
Included with your renewal notice will be the annual election ballot. There is no national election this year and district elections are taking place in:
- District II
- District IV
- District VI
- District VIII
- District X
Additionally, a special election is taking place in District III to permanently fill the vacancy created when Bob Brown was elected AMA president.
Candidates' campaign statements can be found beginning on page 140 of this issue or on the AMA website at www.modelaircraft.org/membersonly/2012campaignstmt.aspx. If you live in a district where an election is being held, please take a moment to read the statements and vote for the candidate of your choice to represent you on the AMA Executive Council.
Election ballots include prepaid postage, so you can mark your choice, sign, and drop the card in the mail or return it to AMA with your membership renewal form.
See you next time.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
