The 2013 AMA Expo is in the books, and from an early review of the numbers, it appears this year’s show was another successful event. We know that the vendors and exhibitors make any consumer show what it is, and AMA is fortunate to have the support of many in the industry.
For modelers on the West Coast, the AMA Expo is one of the few times during the year that they have the opportunity to see new products and speak with company representatives in person. And for those in the industry, the AMA Expo is one of the few times during the year when they can personally interact with these West Coast modelers.
This year’s list of speakers was as impressive as any the Expo has had. Jerry Budd from NASA Dryden, Gary Fogel, well-known author, aviation historian, and RC Soaring national and world-record holder, Chris Anderson, CEO of 3D Robotics, and Andrew Jesky, RC Aerobatics National Champion and a multiple-time member of the US F3A World Championship Team comprised the presenters.
A last-minute addition to the roster was Bruce Jenner, Olympic Decathlon Gold Medal recipient and RC helicopter enthusiast. He spent time talking with many of the exhibitors and attendees as he walked the floor during the day on Saturday, January 12.
All of the presentations were videotaped and are available for modelers to enjoy at www.modelaviation.com/amaexpo2013.
One important aspect of the Expo is that it gives our members on the West Coast an opportunity to meet and speak with the AMA national leadership. AMA President Bob Brown conducted a membership meeting on Saturday morning to a full audience. Bob spoke about many of AMA’s accomplishments during 2012 and shared with attendees the AMA strategy, goals, and objectives for 2013. Many of the district vice presidents attended including Lawrence Tougas, District X, whose district includes many of the West Coast states.
Again this year at the Expo, AMA held an open forum with representatives from the FAA. James Sizemore, whom many will remember from previous forums at the Joe Nall event and the AMA Expo, was in attendance. James Williams, Executive Manager of the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration Office attended the forum via Skype.
They, along with Bob Brown and AMA Government and Regulatory Affairs Representative, Rich Hanson, gave the audience an overview of what has taken place with the small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) regulatory effort during the past year and what to expect in 2013. Both Sizemore and Williams took the time to field questions from those in attendance and provided answers to many of the important concerns on the minds of our members. As with all of the Expo seminars, the forum was videotaped and will be posted on the AMA website after the FAA Public Relations Office has given its approval.
Probably the most important thing to come out of the forum was the announcement that the much-delayed sUAS notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) is now scheduled to be released for public comment sometime in the latter part of June 2013.
Camp AMA was a huge success in 2012 and plans are underway to make the 2013 edition even better. Camp AMA will be held from June 2-8, 2013, at the International Aeromodeling Center in Muncie, Indiana. The camp is open to beginner through advanced pilots ages 13-19. Attendees work with nationally recognized pilots such as Nick Maxwell and RJ Gritter to improve their flying skills in a fun atmosphere. More information about Camp AMA can be found on the AMA website at www.modelaircraft.org/education/campama.aspx.
This issue of Model Aviation should arrive in your mailbox shortly before the WRAM Show, which will be held at the Meadowlands Expo Center in Secaucus, New Jersey, February 22-24, 2013. AMA will have an expanded presence at the show and we look forward to seeing you there.
Many members of the AMA Executive Council plan to attend. The annual AMA District II meeting will be held on Saturday, February 23. District II Vice President Eric Williams will lead the meeting. Plan to spend a few minutes at the meeting and learn what’s in store for the district in 2013.
As has been tradition, AMA will be represented at the 58th annual Toledo Weak Signals R/C Expo in Toledo, Ohio, April 5-7, 2013. If you plan to attend this long-running trade show, stop by the booth and say hello.
See you next time.
